Tips for moving home
The day has come. You are moving out of your home and it’s time to start preparing it for the move.
Packing can be a terribly stressful task and there’s no easy way around it.
Here’s a look at some of the best recommendations for an easier and more efficient move.
Collect boxes
Prior to packing, ensure that you have enough boxes to get you started. Go to your local grocery store and collect used boxes. You’ll often be able to collect these for free and then just rebuild and sellotape them at home. Once you have put tape on the boxes it’s important to remember to not overload the boxes. After you have used the boxes, advertise them online so someone else who is moving can make use of them.
Start early
No matter how organised you are, packing always takes longer than you think. Start two or three weeks before the big moving day. Pack items you use less often first. Pack away your display bowls and ornaments, wrap them in bubble wrap and put them in boxes. Make sure each box is labelled and that you’ve designated a certain space in the house for the boxes to accumulate. If you are starting a week or two before the big move, make sure that you don’t pack the items you use every day. Things such as the kettle, toaster, knives, forks, plates and your bedding should be packed away last.
Be ready
Have everything that you need for packing before you start. This includes all the packing material, your inventory list and scissors. Put aside a few hours each day to start the packing process. This way you’ll be less rushed and will be able to go through each item properly and decide whether you’re going to keep or throw them away.
Pack strategically
It’s important to be very organised during the packing process. Mark the boxes you know you will need first with a star or other symbol. Each box should be labelled and you should have an inventory list on a sheet or document which explains what’s in each box. Use the move as an opportunity to do a mini spring clean of all the items you have collected over the years. Don’t be afraid to donate or throw away items which you never use, forgot you owned or have no intention of ever using again. Take measurements at your new home of the various rooms, cupboard space and wall space so that you have an idea of whether your furniture will fit or not. It’s a good idea to sell the items that won’t fit before you move and use the money to buy more appropriately-sized furniture.
Have a packing room
Chose one room or corner of your house which will serve as the packing area. Build boxes of assorted sizes so they’re ready to be used. If you find you work better on your own, then find time to pack the boxes when no one is home. However, if you find that more hands will help make the load easier, then get all your friends to join in and give each person a section of the house to start wrapping up and packing away. Keep tabs on the box labelling process as you don’t want to lose sight of what’s being packed away. Remember to keep a stash of good thick markers, packing tape and packing materials such as bubble wrap close by during the packing process.
Pack smartly
Boxes are there to pack all your treasured items, while black bags are there for all the items you are going to donate or throw away. You can also use black bags to store your non-breakable items such as bedding, floor length curtains, pillows and cushions. They can then be stuffed into the moving truck without damaging the products. Don’t pack towels in boxes as these take up space, rather use them to protect items such as lamps and lampshades.
It’s also important to know exactly when the moving company is arriving. You don’t want them to be waiting around for you as they usually charge by the hour.
Now that you have these tips, go ahead and start getting organised for the big move. Remember that if you want things to go smoothly, you need to be well-prepared as this will make the entire process more simple and less stressful.