
There are a few aspects of moving you can’t avoid – and packing up your things is one of them. While very few people consider packing an enjoyable activity, it doesn’t have to be a daunting process either. Moving house sounds fantastic, but it’s never an activity most people look forward to. In most cases, most of us don’t know where to start. When packing, consider what you won’t take with you and what needs careful packing. Still, you also want to focus on the minor details, such as caring for your pet during a move. However, the most crucial moving tips relate to the physical move itself. So, how do you pack up when moving house? Follow the guidelines below.
Tip from the Professionals: Create a Budget and Moving Checklist
First and foremost, create a checklist that includes a timeline. Your timeline also depends on how much notice is given before the move. Some people will have one month, and others might have a week or two. After assessing your timeline, EVL Moving says you need to include a reasonable moving budget. Sometimes, moving costs can multiply without you even realizing it. Don’t underestimate how much a relocation will cost as this adds to the stress involved in moving.
Get Rid of What you Don’t Require
The best way to save money on your move is to discard or donate anything you don’t require. Your load will be lighter, and if you’re self-moving – you have fewer boxes to haul. With a few boxes, it means packing will take less time. Household items that are still of good quality can fetch a fair price. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are reputable places to sell your items. Some goodwill organizations will also come to your house to pick up items for donation.
Buy Needed Equipment Before the Moving Day
A week before the move, stock up on supplies. Avoid last-minute preparations where you’re running to the store while still loading boxes. Buy or order box cutters, adhesive bandages, packing tape, markers, and garbage bags. Even if they’re not used during the move, they’ll come in handy afterward, especially during unpacking. For heavy moving equipment, you can rent these from a moving company. If you usually relocate frequently, consider purchasing these tools. Either by borrowing, renting, or buying, remember to include furniture pads or covers in your list.
Packing Fragile Household Items
Stack up your cooking pots and wrap them in newspaper or manila paper. Don’t stack your dishes in a flat position. Instead, wrap each one separately and stack them vertically like vinyl records. Typically, packing the dishes horizontally puts a lot of pressure on the bottom plate and can lead to breakages. Pack items such as spice pots inside larger pots and bowls. For your artwork and mirrors, wrap them in paper and pack them in mirror boxes – if you have large artwork pieces, tape cardboard over them securely.
One Room at a Time!
This is an essential packing tip that often gets neglected. Many people debate whether storing items by room or by category is better. The truth is, it depends on what’s easier for you. Whatever the case, it’s highly recommended to pack your items by room. This helps you stay organized and will assist anyone unloading the boxes, which box goes where. Also, you can begin unloading your items in reverse – from the top floor to the ground.
The Essentials Box
Before moving, prepare an essentials box. This is a box containing items you’ll need for your last night before you move. Additionally, it can also contain items you’ll need for the first night in your new home. The essentials box includes items to help you provide small meals, clean your home, or deal with minor emergencies. Remember to include toiletries, dishtowels, snacks, beverages, flashlights, and garbage bags, as they’ll come in handy during and after your move.
Label your Boxes
Labeling your boxes is crucial. This helps you know what’s in each box during unloading and unpacking. However, don’t waste cash on fancy moving labels. Instead, use simple colored sticky pads to color-code your boxes when moving. For instance, place a yellow post-it note on the box containing your kids’ toys and a green one on anything you wish to donate. Place red post-it notes on boxes containing clothes; place a maroon one on boxes containing beddings, etc.
Hopefully, the tips above will help you when packing for your next move. If you have kids, get them involved in the process. Let them pack and carry what they can. Even though packing is a tedious process, involving the kids will make it enjoyable. Finally, if you can’t self-move, hire external services. Professional movers have a wealth of experience in moving people and will also help in the packing.