Packing up and moving down the street or across the country doesn’t have to be disastrous. Learn how to pack boxes for the move, and you’ll be relaxing in your new space before you know it.
Moving, like having a tooth pulled or traveling a very long distance through uninteresting landscapes, is one of those trials that almost everyone faces. It’s sometimes unpleasant, it’s never really fun, but it usually leads to a positive outcome. Of course, especially in the case of a move, success really depends on avoiding moving mistakes and planning ahead to make the process as smooth as possible.
Fortunately, and probably because almost everyone ends up moving at some point, there are many tried and true tips to make the whole process easier. Following a checklist can help you make sure everything is in order before, during and after the move; another good tip is to commit to having a good attitude about the upcoming changes.
Some moving tips focus on how to pack the moving truck as efficiently as possible, while others remind you to cancel various services or arrange for things to be prepared in the new home; still others focus on small details, such as how to handle pets during a move or what to do when the movers are late. Perhaps the most important tips, however, are related to the move itself.
Many things can go wrong during a move. With all the details and moving parts, there is no one guide with moving tips for every scenario that may occur during the moving process. Different people will have specific needs or concerns – for example, how to pack china for the move, how to safely move valuable wooden furniture or delicate family heirlooms – but in most cases, this general list of moving tips and tricks will be helpful.
1. Get rid of everything
Packing all your belongings in boxes, bags and more can be overwhelming. Make it easy on yourself by keeping the clutter to a minimum. Before you pack a single box, do a ruthless purge of unused or unnecessary items. You’ll have fewer things to pack, fewer things to move, fewer things to unpack, and you’ll start your life in your new space.
2. Create a moving file
Start collecting new addresses, rental or purchase documents, moving contracts, etc. in a folder (Consider a hard copy rather than a digital copy, in case the computer or phone batteries fail during the move). If questions arise during the planning process or the move itself, you’ll have the answer (and records of agreements, payments, and more) at your fingertips.
3. Pack as far in advance as possible
Ideally, you know you’re moving (even if you’re not sure of the final destination) weeks or even months in advance. Start by packing out-of-season items and items you won’t miss. If you’re moving in the summer, you can pack winter coats ahead of time, along with books and other items you won’t miss. When it’s time to move, many items will already be ready to go, saving you a lot of hassle.
4. Book early
If you are using moving services, renting supplies or hiring professionals such as painters or cleaners to work on the house, book early. If you wait, you may pay a higher price or not be able to get a truck or movers, especially if it’s peak moving season.
5. Schedule utilities for your new home
Contact your utility providers to schedule service to your new home. You don’t want to arrive, tired from the move, to find your electricity, water or heat turned off. Plan ahead and keep track of your requests in your moving file. At the same time, request service interruptions for the date you move to your current home.
6. Keep the essentials with you
The day before the move, put everyday essentials – a change of clothes, toothbrush, stuffed animals or essential toys for the kids, medications, papers, etc. – in a suitcase or bag that you can carry with you. – In a suitcase or bag that you will keep with you in the car, in the truck cab or on the plane. In a suitcase or bag that you will keep with you in the car, in the truck cab or on the plane. If disaster strikes and the moving truck gets lost, you will at least have some essentials with you.
7. Invest in equipment
A few days before the big move, stock up on supplies. The last thing you want is to have to run to the store while you pack moving boxes or make sure everything is out of the house. Order or buy cutters, adhesive bandages, permanent markers, packing tape, paper towels and trash bags. (If not all of these are used during the move, they will still come in handy afterwards).
For larger moving supplies, consider renting moving tools from a moving company. (If you use a moving service, they will likely have their own tools). If you move very often, it may be best to purchase these tools. Whether you buy, rent or borrow them, make sure you have a furniture dolly, furniture cushions or covers and tie-down straps or ropes available during the move.
