Moving is a notoriously stressful event and people try to avoid as much as possible. However, it is a part of life. People always have to move for different reasons such as; a new job in another city, a better home, divorce, and many more. Moving can become easier and less stressful for you if you are prepared for it. Many people are caught off guard with a move and this increases the stress level.
Moving is not an easy event for anyone. However, there are a few tricks that make it faster and less stressful for you. Below are a few packing and moving tricks to help you prepare for your move.
Packing and Moving Tricks
Make a Budget
Moving can be very expensive and will drain your finances. The last thing you want to happen to you is for you to be stranded during a move or to be broke after a move. To avoid having money issues after a move, make a budget. Making a budget will help you figure out an estimate of how much you will need to spend. This helps you cut unnecessary costs before you even begin to spend.
Create a Schedule and Start Packing Early
Creating a schedule of the things you will need to do and fixing dates for them helps when packing for a move. A schedule helps to reduce or even prevent the overwhelming feeling that comes with packing and moving. List out everything you will need to do throughout the process and set daily tasks for yourself. This makes the tasks you have to do more manageable to carry out.
It is also advisable for you to start packing at least two to three weeks before the moving date. You can even start packing six to eight weeks before the move. This will give you enough time to sort out your thing and get rid of the things you do not need to move with.
Declutter
Before you start packing, it is important for you to sort out your things and set aside those things you do not need to move with. When sorting out, only move with things that are necessary. Get rid of every other thing. Reducing the things you have to move with makes moving a whole lot easier and a little less expensive.
When you have set aside the things you do not need to move with, it is left for you to determine how to get rid of them. There are a lot of options available to you. Firstly, you can sell them. You can have a yard sale to sell the things sellable or use the apps and websites that are available for you to sell your items. Selling is always a good plan as moving is expensive and you will need all the money you can get. Secondly, you can give them all or what is left after the sale out to your friends or donate them to charity.
Stock up Quality Moving Supplies
Moving supplies include; moving boxes, tapes, bubble wraps, labels, permanent markers and more. When purchasing your supplies, ensure that you get good quality supplies. For instance, ensure that you get sturdy boxes because they will be strong enough to protect your properties while in transit.
Use Appropriate Boxes When Packing
There are general moving boxes that you get for packing. There are however some special purpose boxes available for delicate items. These special-purpose boxes are made to protect specified delicate items. For example, get flat panel television boxes that are used for moving flat screen television for your television. You don’t want to move into your new home with a broken television.
You will also need bubble wraps, flat foams, or linens to wrap your delicate items. This will keep them protected while in transit.
Use Small and Medium-sized Boxes
Using an extra-large box might seem like a good idea when packing. However, using small and medium-sized boxes makes it easy for you to carry your boxes. Large boxes are difficult to carry and you can get injured while trying. Also, do not overpack your boxes.
Label Boxes Appropriately
You need to label each box after packing it. When labeling your boxes, ensure that you do not mislabel the boxes. Check properly before sealing the box and labeling it. Label it by writing what it contains and what it is going into that is by category and room. This will help the movers know where to place each box and this makes your moving and unpacking a little less stressful.
Keep Important Documents Properly Stored
It is easy to lose important documents during a move. Get a special box and label it appropriately. Within the box, but each document in a clear bag so that they are properly protected.
Contact Movers Early
If you are on a budget and you are not getting a moving company to help with your move, contact your friends and family that you will be relying on early enough. Give them proper notice and ensure to tell them the date so they can include it in their schedule.
If on the other hand, you are using a moving company, contact them for booking as soon as you pick a date for your move.
Stop Buying Groceries When Your Move Date is Close
This is important especially if you are moving to another town. It saves you from having to throw things away on the day of your move. Make meals with the things you have at home and try to finish them before the move. If you do not finish them before the move, you can get friends to come over on the day of the move to take them.
Pack an Overnight Bag
You and your family will need an overnight bag when you get to your new home. Chances are high that you will be exhausted from the move and will not be able to begin unpacking. Preparing an overnight bag will give you and your family all the essential items you need for the night and probably a few days. You can begin unpacking the next day.
Make an Inventory of all You Boxes
An inventory of all your boxes helps to keep you organized. You will have a proper account of all the things you are moving with. When you get to your new home, it will be easy to check through your list to confirm that you missed nothing.