Organizing and moving experts offer their best tips for a seamless process.
Make a Packing Plan
Mitigate stress by ensuring you start the packing process with all the necessary tools.
Pack ahead, saysKye Harmanof Armishaws Removals.
Credit:Getty Images / Oscar Wong
In addition, I have my favorite escrow company print packing labels.
And be sure to get quality packing materials.
Declutter as You Pack
Moving might be the only time you take stock of all of your belongings.
As you pack, take this time to sort through things you dont need and get rid of them.
We advise movers to apply the six month rule, Harman says.
Did you use it in the last six months?
Are you likely to use it in the next six months?
If the answer is no, you probably dont need it anymore.
But dont just put unused furniture or clothing in the dump or on the curb.
Try reselling it online or by having a garage sale.
Then,donate whats left.
Free your mind and your loft space will follow.
Think you dont have too much to declutter?
Instead, start with rooms and items you wont need to reach for in the immediate future.
That way, your daily necessities are still in reach until the final minute.
Harman suggests starting your packing journey by starting with outbuildings such as guest houses, sheds or garages.
Label Everything
The only thing worse than packing is unpacking.
Dont feel like writing on each box?
Try a color coding system by designating a color for each room in your home.
Your movers will be able to identify boxes and their locations at a glance, Harman says.
And label all sides!
If you only label the top or one side, you then cant see each box easily.
It will make locating items and boxes at your new home so much easier.
Want to get really in depth?
Keep track of each item that goes into each box as you go.
Then Im not digging through ten kitchen boxes for my coffee pot!
A box containing the label miscellaneous is basically lost for good, Priestly says.
Label things explicitly so that you’re free to actually locate whatever it is that youre searching for.
Packing essentials into a cardboard box is a big no-no, Dunn says.
Doing so can save up to 75% on space, he says.
This Is best for items you know you wont need right away.
For example, if youre moving in the summer, vacuum pack all your bulky winter gear.
Start setting aside necessary items for your new home like you might pack an overnight bag.
One of our best tips is to start by packing in reverse, Hoffman says.
Think about what youll need immediately in your new home and work backwards.
Harman suggests setting aside bedding and curtains for a comfortable first nights sleep with comfort and privacy in mind.
Of course, add toiletries and medication to the mix too.
A tool box will almost immediately come in handy at your new space.
Harman suggests including screwdrivers, allen keys, and a box knife to start.
Think of what you should probably put together or fix on your first night.
And dont forget lightbulbs.
Crazy but truesome people take them with them, so double-check you have some to hand, Harman says.
A broken TV can be replaced following a move, but precious heirlooms cannot.
Use blankets, pillows, thick coats, sweaters, to fill the tops of boxes, Harman says.
you’re free to use more than blankets to save on bubble wrap and packing peanuts.
Tape Down Cords, Remotes, and Accessories
Losing the remote in the couch cushions is one thing.
Losing it somewhere between your old and new home can be a real problem.
Tape remotes directly to their appliances so they dont get lost in the chaos, Dunn says.
Get smart about cords, too.
Before unplugging cords, label them!
Saves so much frustration later when setting up your appliances, Dunn adds.
Be Careful with Liquids
Youll likely pack opened and unopened liquids from your bathroom or fridge.
Things like lotions and condiments have to be moved, but they do pose a potential spill hazard.
Avoid a mess by packing properly.
It keeps it from spilling or leaking during transport.
One way to ensure youre packing your moving van or pod correctly is to layer your items.
When loading your portable storage unit or moving truck, use the Layered Load Method, Hoffman says.
Holiday decorations last, kitchenware first.
Breathemoving is a massive undertaking, but some planning is the difference between disarray and serenity, Priestly says.
Start by making a simple packing schedule.
Packing (and moving in general) can be overwhelming, so venture to stay positive.
Most of all, keep smiling, Harman says.
The little blips on the road are the funny stories youll look back on in a few months.
