Stress-free Moving Solutions

One of the hardest parts of moving is just getting started. Keep in mind that it always takes longer to pack than anticipated. So here are a few tips to get you going.

Stock up on moving supplies

Everyone knows moving requires boxes, which are usually freely obtainable from your local supermarket, but there are also moving supplies that often slip the mind. Apart from standard boxes you will also need packaging tape, markers, scissors, bubble wrap and newspaper. Plastic storage boxes are also handy for items that won’t be used soon after the move. If you plan to keep boxes packed away for a while, consider using plastic storage bins instead.

Don’t forget your luggage can be a great way to transport clothing, towelling and bedding.

Packing early

Prior to the packing of boxes and furniture wrapping, it is a good idea to pack a small suitcase or overnight bag the same way you would be as if you were going away on holiday for a couple of days. This will keep all the basics you need, altogether in a suitcase that will be nearby and separate from all the packed boxes.
Before beginning to pack, have a floor plan of the new house and a proposal for how each room in this house will be used. That way you can mark your furniture and boxes so that you know exactly which new room they need to be unpacked in. Designate a place in the house for packed items.

Packing

De-clutter and get rid of your junk:

This cleaning of the house before packing the house is a great opportunity to clear unused and unnecessary items that have accumulated over time that just never seem to be thrown out. The last thing you want to do take all your unwanted items to the new house with you. If your items are still in pretty good condition you might want to consider a moving sale, or alternatively a charity organisation would be more than happy to take these items off your hands.

Pack according to priorities:

Every room will have “open me first boxes”. These are the items you will need at your new home right away. Mark these boxes in a different colour so that they will stand out from the rest of your boxes and make setting up the basics immediate.

If you’re moving in summer, box up your winter clothes first. Books you are not going to read, Christmas decorations and collectables can all be packed first.

Concentrate on packing one room at a time:

Sometimes packing can come to a halt when items are come across that you are not sure what to do with. Often this leads to moving on to a new room or section of the house. Instead focus on completing one room at a time, this will keep things focused and organised. You also won’t have the hassle of uncompleted boxes lying all over your humble abode.

Label properly:

Instead of writing “clothes”, or “kitchen” on the box, go for something more descriptive like “Jessica’s summer clothes” or “silverware and utensils”. This way you will know exactly where the boxes need to be placed in your new home and you will be able to locate specific items should you need them.

Clearly label all delicate items with fragile stickers and “this side up” if necessary. Number each box also and keep a notebook listing each number and contents therein, this will enable you to keep track of missing boxes as well as its contents.

Spare parts?

Many furniture items and appliances come with more than one part to them, like cables, screws and small parts. Ideally these need to stay with the item in order to prevent confusion in the move. To facilitate this simply place the extra parts in a freezer bag and tape the bag to the underside of the item.

Remember your children and pets:

Moving house can be stressful for animals and irritating for children. Find a babysitter for the days you will be moving to ensure that your animals don’t wonder off or run away and also so that your children – if they are too young - do not hinder your move.

Clean up
 

If you need to clean your old place before moving out (and often need to clean your new place too before moving in) put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and old rags. Keep these separate from the boxes that need to be moved.

Ask for help

Make certain your friends and family that help you to move are well fed and refreshed. Order pizza, sandwiches or burgers and ensure there is plenty to drink. Your moving day will be tiring, but with the help from others there is no need for it to be overwhelming.

Don’t forget:
Within 2 weeks of moving don’t forget to phone your bank, friends, phone company, licensing department and so on, regarding the change of your address!