Moving houses is one of the biggest stressors in life but you can make the moving process go a lot smoother when the move is well-planned.
If you are looking for packing tips for moving, we have some ideas for you:
1) Do a thorough spring clean
It is important to do a complete spring clean before your move.
You can create empty spaces in your home to help with your packing process after you have gotten rid of junk and clutter.
It is a great idea to make sure you do a merciless purge of unused or unnecessary items before you begin packing.
This is one of the best packing tips as you will have less to pack, less to move, and less to unpack.
It will also help you start living in your new space with a clean slate.
2) Make a moving checklist
Once you’ve eliminated all the junk in your home, it is time to create a checklist of items you will personally bring with you and the items the moving company will bring with them.
The checklist will help you differentiate items in accordance with packing methods.
This will also help you determine the kind of packing supplies you need.
Examples of packing supplies include:
- cardboard boxes (different size boxes: large boxes and small boxes)
- bubble wrap
- plastic wrap
- garbage bags
- bunched up paper
- Tape
The checklist should also contain new addresses, rental or purchase papers, moving contracts, and other moving essentials.
It is important to list your items and print a copy out so you can use them during your move as well.
A good moving company also requires an inventory list of furniture prior to your move to ensure all your items are transported to your new space.
3) Pack for a move a least a week before
This is to ensure you don’t stress at the last minute.
Oftentimes, you notice when you start packing, you don’t have enough boxes to put your belongings into.
It is essential to wrap fragile items with enough packing materials to protect them during the move.
Some packing hacks for your fragile items to absorb impact include packing with toilet paper or dish towels.
You can also pack dishes with lighter items in one moving box to ensure the box is easily transported.
To pack jewellery or pack glasses, you can pack clothes in between these items to protect them during your move.
Box labelling after you are done packing is also important as the movers know where to put the box without consulting you during the move.
You can also pack the least used items first.
This includes items such as books, DVDs, clothes, extra towels, plates, and dishes etc.
4) Book movers early
If you’re hiring moving services, renting supplies, or hiring professionals such as painters or cleaners to work on the house, book early.
Once you’ve packed your items, you will be able to tell how much heavy lifting and heavy boxes you have for professional movers to carry on your moving day.
You will be able to negotiate a better price as you know how much of your belongings will be moved, what size truck you need, and the manpower.
5) Schedule utilities for your new place
Once the dates are finalized, contact your utility providers to schedule service at your new home.
You don’t want to arrive there, tired from the move, only to find that the electricity, water, and wifi aren’t working.
It is important to schedule these ahead of time and keep records of your requests in your moving folder.
At the same time, request service stops for your move-out date at your current home.
6) Keep the essentials with you
It is important to keep the items you can’t live without with you.
This is extremely crucial especially when you are moving long distances.
Everyday essentials you should have with you include:
- change of clothes
- toiletry kit
- towel
- medications
- important paperwork
- car and house keys
- plastic utensils
- paper plates
If catastrophe strikes and the moving truck gets lost, at least you’ll have some essentials with you.
7) Stock up on moving supplies
Unless the company you hired provides these items for you, it is best to stock up on them right before you start packing.
Make sure you have enough of the following items:
- Packing material: packing paper, bubble wrap, bunched-up paper, plastic wrap
- Moving boxes: Cardboard boxes, wardrobe boxes
- Box cutters
- Adhesive bandages or masking tape
- permanent markers
- garbage bags
- paper towels
Other items to consider include: furniture dolly, furniture pads or covers, and tie-down straps or rope
For larger moving equipment, consider renting moving tools from a moving company.
8) Get a truck with a loading ramp
One of the ultimate moving tips and tricks is to get a truck with a ramp and a trolley.
It may be cheaper to rent one without but having a ramp and trolley will help speed up the move.
This will eliminate the struggle of lifting every box and piece of furniture high enough to get it into the truck and will add hours which will cost more to your move.
9) Keep a special track of screws and parts for furniture you have to disassemble.
If you have furniture that requires disassembling, it is important to have a Ziploc bag labeled with each furniture name so movers can put important screws and parts inside.
The bags should be placed in a special box so movers have easy access to them.
Another method you can do is to tape the bag directly onto the piece of furniture well so they don’t get lost during the move.
If the disassembled furniture has drawers, use the drawers to place the loose screws and parts inside.
10) Pack bedding with you
The most important furniture item to assemble on your first night is the bed.
To ensure you get a good night’s rest after your move, you should pack a set of bedding with you so you can use them immediately.
This is to avoid further stress as you may not be able to find the box with your bedding on your first day.
By carrying bedding with you, you can be sure you will be able to eliminate added stress to your move.