Moving is one of the most stressful events of a person’s life. There are so many things to consider, from timing your move to getting to your new home safely. It’s not surprising that most people who are moving dread packing up their items. Especially if you haven’t moved in a while. However, those who have experience can shed some light on how to pack properly. We have gathered expert moving company advice to bring you the ultimate guide for packing your household, which will help you deal with this task like a pro.
Gather supplies you will need for packing your household
In order to pack in the most efficient way, you need to have the proper supplies. Start gathering boxes and other necessities as soon as you know that you are moving.
This will save you time when you actually start to pack, as you won’t need to rush to the store. Here are some basic packing supplies:
- Small, medium, and large boxes
- Packing tape
- Bubble wrap
- Old newspapers
- Packing paper
- Labels
- Markers
Declutter before you start packing
In the weeks before the move, start to go through your belongings. You will likely find some things you don’t plan on taking with you. So why go through the trouble of packing and moving them? Instead, organize a garage sale where you can even make money. Alternatively, you can donate your items to charity, or give them to friends or family.
This will not only save you time but also money, as most professional moving companies charge by the weight of your move. Finally, you won’t have to surround yourself with things you don’t need in your new home. And you will avoid costs for storage solutions. So decluttering is really a priority.
Start packing your household as early as possible
Time is the biggest enemy anyone moving house faces. That is why you should always start packing your household as soon as you can. Experts advise that, for a large residential relocation, you start packing two months prior to the move. Of course, you can’t pack everything up months in advance. However, you can start packing the things you know you won’t use in the upcoming days. For example, start with books or china that you won’t need during this time. This will also help you have a better picture of what you are taking with you.
Only pack one room at a time
The organization is key when it comes to packing your household for a move. For this reason, you should only pack one room at a time. Many people make the mistake of packing different things from different moves. This only creates confusion and clutter in your home. Instead, fully pack one room before moving on to the next. That way you will always know which boxes came from which rooms. Moreover, you will have an easier time unpacking these boxes, as you will already know their proper place.
Create an inventory list when packing your household
In order to not lose track of your belongings, create an inventory of each box. First, clearly label all the boxes on more than one side. Second, make a list with the contents of each box. This will help you when you are unpacking. Next, number each box as you load them onto the moving truck. Finally, cross out each box that is unloaded to your new home. This will ensure that you don’t lose any boxes during the move and help you claim damages if there are any.
Pack a box with essentials
During a move, it’s easy to lose track of the items we use every day. To avoid this, make sure to pack a box with all the essential things you will need right after the move. This should include toothbrushes, soap, linens, clothes for the first couple of days, toilet paper, a coffee maker, utensils, etc. Try to load this box last onto the trick, as this means that it will be unloaded first. Alternatively, you can pack a suitcase instead of a box, and take it with you as you are traveling to your new home. That way, you will always have it with you in case of an emergency.
Waste no space when packing your household
When you are loading a moving truck, every inch of space counts. So keep this in mind when you are packing boxes. If you have cabinets or dressers, fill them with other items instead of putting them in separate boxes. You can also use the space in your fridge or oven, as well as the drawers from your kitchen elements. Instead of using moving blankets, you can put clothes around your valuables or in boxes containing electronic appliances. Additionally, use the original packaging for appliances, to save money on boxes and other packing material.
Take plenty of pictures
It can be quite a task to reassemble all of your furniture once it arrives. Also, setting up electronics with all of their cables and buttons can be exhausting. To avoid this headache, take pictures of all the items that need assembling before you pack them up. That way, you will know which cable goes where and how to properly set up your old computer.
Disassemble furniture when packing your household
When you are moving bulky furniture, it is always a good idea to take it apart before you move it. It will be much easier to take it out of the room if it’s in smaller pieces. This applies to dining room tables, bed frames, shelves, and other large furniture. Keep in mind that you will need to assemble it once it’s in your new home. So when you are packing your household for a move, have a separate sandwich bag for all the screws and bolts from every piece of furniture. You will want them all in one place when the time comes to reassemble. You should tape these bags to the sides of the furniture, so as not to lose them in the transfer.