Moving to a new house can be quite overwhelming, mentally and physically. Packing up everything securely, changing the address, cancelling utilities, worrying about the safety of your belongings…
We have gathered some tips that make the packing process easier and let you finish the chores faster, so instead of getting stressed, you will get excited about your new home.
1. Declutter, take only what you really need
When you look around and see all the stuff in the house, you don’t even know where to start packing. But do you actually need all of those in your new home? Before you even begin packing, 1-2 months before leaving, start to declutter your home. Give some items to charity, or if you have some more valuable things you don’t want to take with you (if you haven’t used them in a while, they need to go), sell them on eBay, or hold a garage sale. See how much better the situation will get when you will only need to pack the things you actually use.
Don’t forget to use up all the food in the fridge, freezer and pantry as well, and don’t buy groceries in bulk a week before the move, the less you need to throw out/take with you, the better.
2. Start packing in time, pack what you don’t use now
Don’t leave packing to the last minute, a month before the move you can start putting away the things you won’t be using before the move, like seasonal items, sports equipment, electronics not in use, or things in the garage and the attic. It will be a great feeling that you started packing in time and that you don’t need to worry about those anymore.
Pack up all your art pieces and decorative items weeks before the move, as you will be just fine without them for those last days, and also, they are often difficult to store well, so use the extra time to find the best place for them.
3. Be organized
Buy all the packing supplies in bulk weeks before the move, and buy more than you think you will need. Then create a system in your head (or on paper), and pack according to that, because if you pack randomly, unpacking in your new home will be a nightmare.
Start with one room, and finish that before moving on to the next one, put similar items into one box, and write on each box what it contains. If you want to be extra organized, write down exactly what is in that box, and then type out and tape the list to each box.
Make sure to keep the tools you will need to reassemble the furniture close in a clearly marked box, so you can grab them whenever you need to.
Don’t forget to pay attention to your valuable items: important documents, jewelry etc. You may not want them to be packed up by the movers, either transport them by hand to never let them out of your sight or arrange a postal or shipping service that provides insurance.
4. Keep essentials out for the first days
When you move into your new home, you probably won’t be able to unpack everything on the first day. In the evening you don’t want to be opening every box to find your pajamas or toiletries, so make sure that you pack a separate bag for the items you need for the first days such as medications, a towel, a change of clothing, grooming products, paper towels, etc.
5. Pack wisely and save money where you can
Packing supply can cost a lot, but you can try to recycle used boxes from shops or liquor stores in your neighborhood. They might still be in quite good conditions, and you just got boxes for free! Also, instead of boxes, make use of your baskets, suitcases and other travelling bags, and fill them up! Use your towels, tablecloth or other textile to wrap around the fragile items.
6. Keep your belongings safe in a storage box
You had to move out, but you cannot move into your new home just yet? Don’t worry about the security and storage of your things, choose a Flexbox of the size that you need, and keep your furniture and boxes safe until you can move in. You can access them anytime you want, and cancel your unit easily.
