By Moving and packing is a time-consuming chore. Whether you’re moving across the street or to another country, there are many things that need to be taken care of. Whether you’re hiring professional movers or attempting to move on your own, there are some tips that will make the process more manageable.
The most important thing is to do a good declutter before you start packing. It’s easy to let your sentimentality get the better of you and end up with a pile of things you don’t need that you then have to pack up, but this is a waste of your time and energy. Be ruthless and separate your items into piles for donations, trash or recycle before you begin to pack. This will save you a lot of headache in the long run, especially when it comes to unpacking.
When you’re ready to begin packing, go room by room and take inventory of what needs to be packed. This will help you stay on track and it will also be helpful if something unexpected happens during the move (movers don’t show up, your water meter isn’t reading correctly or you need more boxes).
Be sure to use packing paper and bubble wrap to protect delicate items. You should also label each box with its contents and what room it will go into in your new home, making the unpacking process that much easier. It’s a great idea to color code each room so it will be clear at a glance which box goes where once you’re in your new home.
If you’re going to have movers moving and packing assist with your move, it’s a good idea to book them 1-2 days ahead of time. This will give you some flexibility if your timeline changes and it gives the movers a chance to see how busy they are in case they need to adjust their schedules or availability.
Lastly, don’t forget to change your address and forward your mail, notify the utilities of your move, and clear out any rooms you won’t be using before they arrive. This will help you avoid any fines and ensure that the movers know what to do with your belongings.
It’s also a good idea to pack an essentials bag and box with things you’ll need during the move and your first night in your new home. This should include things like toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, a few changes of clothes, and some snacks and beverages. You might also want to consider packing a “first-night” box for your children, including their favorite toys and books so they’ll have some comforts of home on the first day. This will help keep them calm and happy while you’re trying to figure out how to navigate a new house with them.
