Packing up all of your belongings and transporting them across cities or even countries is a tiresome and stressful endeavour. It doesn’t have to be, though. Careful planning and starting early can make moving painless and easy for everyone. Here are some simple things you can do to ensure nothing gets left behind:
Label boxes
This seems obvious and yet is one of the most forgotten things. Leaving boxes unlabelled can make unpacking take much longer than it needs to and leave you with a headache. Labelling boxes properly can help you prioritize or locate single items quickly when you unpack. To ensure the process is easier, include this information on your labels:
Name
Room the items belong to – you can immediately unload the boxes in their respective rooms
Contents – this is especially helpful for boxes with mixed items
Special instructions – indicate boxes with fragile items or which way a box should be carried and stored, and whether it needs two or more people to lift it can prevent items from breaking and injury/accidents
Numbering boxes could also be useful personally and for insurance purposes. You can create a spreadsheet that corresponds to each box and the exact contents in it for easy reference and retrieval.
Use correct packing materials
Boxes that are not strong enough for its contents can collapse under pressure, leaving your items damaged. Bags of clothes can tear open, creating a mess or leave it ruined. Ensure all boxes and bags are sealed properly or it can leave your items exposed to outdoor elements like rain or snow. Be wary of using boxes that were previously used to store food as they can leave an unpleasant odour.
Have enough packing material
Underestimating the amount of stuff you need to pack and the number of trips it will take will result in frustration and time wasted. It is one of the most common problems people have when they try to move themselves. Using a moving company means experienced professionals can accurately calculate the amount of boxes you will need and safely transport them to your new home. If you do want to get your own materials, get more than you think you will need just to be safe. These are the materials you should stock up on:
Boxes
Extra small – odds and ends like TV remotes or chargers
Small – books and heavy items
Medium – kitchenware, toys, and small appliances
Large – clothes, linen, and light, large items
Picture cartons – paintings and things in frames
Unprinted packing paper – wrapping fragile items and stuffing gaps in boxes to prevent movement
Bubble wrap – extra padding for fragile items
Tape – wide, strong tape to seal boxes
Permanent markers – label boxes
Scissors or pocket knife – cut tape and open boxes
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Packing things you need
While it can be tempting to pack everything to make sure you don’t leave anything behind, this could also leave you with no other clothes to wear. Make a list of things you know you will need like extra clothes, towels, IDs, seasonal shoes etc. to leave out for use while you move. These items can be organized into an essentials box that you can work out of while you pack everything else.
Avoid Fridays
It may make sense to move on this day so that you have the weekend to sort out your stuff, but everyone else is thinking the same thing too. Fridays are notoriously busy for moving companies, especially during summer and the last Friday of a month. Avoiding popular days can save you money in moving fees. If you must move on a Friday, be sure to book early to avoid availability issues.
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Before you go
Double-check that everywhere has been thoroughly cleared, especially in less used spots like cupboards, under the stairs, and the attic. Don’t forget to inform everyone about your move and have your mail redirected for at least a few months while addresses get changed.
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