The thought of moving might set off alarms in your head. It’s no surprise, with the multitude of tasks to tackle, boxes to pack, and deadlines to meet. The sheer enormity of the job can make you wonder, “What should I start packing first when moving?” And indeed, knowing how to prioritize is key to a smooth move.
Every corner of your house is filled with belongings that hold both utilitarian and sentimental value. So, where should one start? Start with items that you seldom use. Perhaps it’s the decorative pieces in your living room, or the stacks of books you haven’t read in a while, or the winter gear that’s out of season.
As you start this packing journey, a moving tip to remember is the ‘room-by-room’ rule. Instead of scattering your attention and efforts, focus on one room at a time. This not only makes packing more systematic but also gives you a sense of accomplishment as you see progress in concrete, cleared spaces.
While packing, consider how you can safeguard your delicate items. Moving tips for packing include wrapping your breakables in bubble wrap or using clothes and towels as buffers. This way, you utilize what you already have and save both space and money on packing supplies.
Packing is only part of the journey, though. A moving in tip to bear in mind is to make a plan for your new space before you get there. Which items will go in which rooms? Having a plan will expedite the unpacking process and prevent confusion.
10 – Defost Your Refrigerator
A commonly overlooked chore in the flurry of moving preparations is to defrost your refrigerator. It’s a vital step to ensure a clean, mildew-free move. Start defrosting at least 48 hours before your move. Empty it out, unplug it, and leave the doors open to speed up the process. Use this opportunity to clean your fridge thoroughly. It will be grateful for the attention, and so will the movers who won’t have to deal with unpleasant odors or leaks.
09 – Take a snapshot of your cables behind TV
Technology can make our lives easier, but it also brings a tangled mess of cables that can quickly turn into a confusing puzzle. Before you disconnect anything, take a snapshot of your cables behind your TV. This quick moving tip is a time-saver when setting up your equipment in your new home. Trust me, future you will be grateful for this simple hack when the chaos of moving unfolds.
08 – Put hanging clothes in garbage bags
Next on our list of moving tips is a clever trick for transporting your wardrobe. Instead of folding and packing your hanging clothes, simply put hanging clothes in garbage bags. Keep the hangers on, pull a garbage bag up around the clothes, and tie it at the top. When you arrive at your new place, hang them directly in your closet and remove the bags. No creases, no fuss!
07 – Make DIY box handles
Heavy boxes are a staple of any move. Give your hands (and back) a break with this ingenious moving tip: make DIY box handles. Simply cut hand-sized holes on the sides of the boxes. It makes lifting and carrying them so much easier and safer. Remember, when lifting heavy boxes, always bend with your knees, not your back to prevent injuries.
06 – Prepare a packing supplies basket
Packing up your entire life can be a colossal task, but having your supplies in one place can make it a whole lot easier. A packing supplies basket should be your constant companion during the packing phase. Fill it with tape, bubble wrap, markers, scissors, and labels. Keeping these essentials on hand will save you time hunting for that elusive roll of tape when you’re knee-deep in bubble wrap.
05 – Pack a first-night box
A brilliant move for a smooth transition is to pack a first-night box. This box should contain everything you need for the first 24 hours in your new home. Think essentials like toilet paper, soap, towels, a change of clothes, bed linens, basic kitchen utensils, and a coffee maker. Don’t forget to include vital items such as phone chargers, medication, and important documents. It’s all about creating a bit of normalcy amidst the chaos of moving.
04 – Use plastic bags to keep screws and bolts organized
Disassembling furniture is often necessary during a move, but keeping track of all the small parts can be a nightmare. A moving tip to solve this is to use plastic bags to keep screws and bolts organized. Label each bag with the corresponding furniture piece and tape it to a non-visible part of the furniture. This way, you won’t be left scratching your head during reassembly.
03 – Label every box and use bright coloured labels
Labeling every box may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s one of the most essential moving tips. However, don’t stop at writing ‘kitchen’ or ‘bedroom’. Be specific about the contents. Write the room name and a brief description of the contents. Also, use bright colored labels. Assign a color to each room. It will provide a quick visual clue for you and your movers about where each box belongs in your new home.
02 – Hire a professional moving company
Even the most organized person can be overwhelmed by a big move. This is where hiring a professional moving company comes into play. Yes, it’s an additional expense, but the convenience, time saved, and peace of mind can be worth every penny. Professionals know how to properly pack, load, and transport your precious belongings to ensure they arrive in one piece. Plus, you won’t have to coerce your friends into helping you move that massive sofa!
01 – Take inventory of your household items
Our top tip, drumroll, please, is to take inventory of your household items. An inventory will be your guide during packing and unpacking and will be invaluable in case anything goes missing. Take pictures of valuable items and note their condition. Use a spreadsheet or an inventory app to keep track of everything. It might seem like a lot of work, but trust us, it’s worth it in the long run.
In the End
Well, that’s it, folks. We’ve covered everything from defrosting your fridge to taking an inventory of your items. Moving is no small task, but with these tips, it can be less of a mountain and more of a molehill.
We hope these moving tips make your next move a breeze, whether you’re heading down the street or across the country. Remember, planning and organization are the keys to a successful move.
Finally, take a moment to celebrate this exciting new chapter in your life. Moving might be stressful, but it also means you’re embarking on a new journey. So here’s to new beginnings! Pack up those boxes and step into your future, one carefully labeled box at a time. Happy moving!