Moving comes with the excitement of a new home, but with the overwhelming feeling of getting everything packed and moved. So where should you start and how should you pack? Fortunately, we have the answers you need. We give you four moving and packing tips that will make relocating stress-free.
1. Get Rid Of Unnecessary Stuff
We all have that coat or piece of furniture that we haven’t used for a while. Eliminate these and other unused items from your home. The fewer things you have to pack, the easier it will be for you. Clean any clutter as soon as you know you will be moving.
You can choose to donate items, or have a garage sale and make some extra money. The good thing is that after getting rid of stuff, you will only have the things you love to enjoy in your new home. This exercise will feel liberating and make it easier for you to pack, move, and unpack.
2. Start Early
Do not wait until the last day to start packing or making decisions on how you will move. Reserve the moving date four to six weeks in advance. Pack non-essential items early. Prepare a list of actions that you need to do before the moving day, and lay out a schedule for them. This list might include:
- A garage sale
- A day to pack items that you do not use frequently
- Looking for a suitable moving company
- Paying off any outstanding bills
- In case you need help notify family and friend
- Buying or looking for moving boxes
Having such a schedule makes it less stressful for you on the last days before moving, as you won’t try to do many things at once.
3. Pack Your ‘Open First Box Or Bag’
It is a good idea to keep your necessities and items you will need first when you get to your new home in a separate box. This makes it easier for you to find the things you require after you move, without unpacking everything. It also ensures the movers will keep such a bag or box in an easy-to-find spot.
Necessities you can pack in this bag can include:
- Toothpaste and toothbrush plus other personal hygiene necessities
- A change of clothes and pajamas
- A sleeping bag
- Toilet paper, soap, towels, and other cleaning items
- Bottled drinking water, coffee maker and coffee, and other cooking essentials.
4. Label Your Packing Boxesand Keepan Inventory
Label the packing boxes clearly and accurately. To make labeling fast, pack your items by category. For instance, do not mix books and clothes in one box. Pack them separately. Label the boxes by categories and by rooms to make unloading fast. Label boxes with fragile things so that no heavy boxes will be stacked on them. You can also look for color-coded tape for labeling.
Keeping a list of your household inventory is also important if moving to another town or state. With an inventory in hand, if one of your items gets lost, you can figure out what it is. This helps you quickly file a claim with the moving company or your insurer.
With a little organization and a good plan in place, moving does not have to be overwhelming. Follow the above tips, and make moving a joy.