A move is one of those undertakings that almost everyone encounters at some point, like having a tooth pulled for the first time or driving a long distance through a monotonous landscape. Although it's not always enjoyable, it's usually worthwhile. Moving is particularly stressful, so it is vital to avoid moving mistakes and plan to make the process as easy as possible.
Checking all the details are in order before, during, and after the move is an excellent way to ensure everything goes smoothly. Moving tips sometimes suggest ways to pack a moving truck most efficiently. Others suggest canceling various services or arranging for things to be put together at the new house; others advise how to treat pets during the move or what to do when movers are late. But advice on the physical part of move-related tips may be most valuable during the actual move itself.
A move can go wrong in many ways. Because there are so many components and moving parts, there are no moving tips suited to every single scenario that could occur during a move. Each person's specific needs and concerns may differ- for example, how to pack china for moving, safely transport wood furniture, or how to transport delicate items- but this comprehensive moving tips and tricks list should help in most cases.
So, how does one pack a house for relocation?
Packing Supplies You Need
You will need several different types of boxes regardless of how many boxes you have in your house. In addition, they need to be sturdy enough to withstand the moving process. The necessity of purchasing moving boxes and other packing materials during a move is often overlooked by many.
You can pack your valuable and fragile items in plastic boxes if you have spares. There are also plenty of ways to obtain free moving boxes, provided you have the time to search. Generally, you'll need:
- Small, medium, and large boxes
- Sturdy boxes
- Containers suitable for storing clothes
- Mirror boxes or cardboard cartons with telescopic handles
For packing mirrors or artwork, the best option is to use telescopic cardboard boxes. Using tall enough boxes and a metal rail you can find on eBay, you can make wardrobe boxes yourself. Also needed are:
- Packaging tape
- Styrofoam
- Bubble wrap
- Marker
- Plastic bags
- Old newspapers
- Labels
- Stretch wrap for furniture
The Most Dependable Way to Pack for Moving Houses
I. Assess. Do away with everything.
It can be overwhelming to pack all your belongings into boxes and bags. Make sure you reduce all clutter as much as possible to make your life a little bit easier. Don't hesitate to purge unused or unnecessary items before packing a single box. Your new home will require less packing, moving, and unpacking, and you will begin life with a fresh start.
II. Put together a moving folder.
Create a folder where you can put new addresses, rental and purchase documents, moving contracts, and so on. (Think about having a hard copy in place of a digital one if the phone or computer batteries die during the move.) If any questions arise during the move or planning process, you'll have the answers (and receipts for payments, agreements, etc.) on hand.
III. Get a head start on packing by packing early.
Even if you do not know your final destination, you should find out about a move weeks or months in advance. Pack off-season items first. Then, pack the things you don't want to lose. In summer, you may be able to pack winter coats in advance, as well as books and other articles that come up from time to time. Having many things ready to move will minimize your stress when moving time finally comes.
IV. Get rid of clutter and donate.
Hold a garage sale or donate old items that you do not want to take with you. You can also sell on eBay. Your friends may be able to use items you intend to sell if they are helping you move. Since you are not paying them, they deserve something for their trouble. Perhaps you could reward them with pizza or drinks.
V. List out all the items in your inventory.
These are extremely useful if you have an extensive collection of books, CDs, trinkets, etc. For specialized collections not housed in one room, we strongly recommend making detailed inventory lists. Then you can print out the spreadsheets, stick them to each box, upload the spreadsheets to your phone, and print out copies.
VI. Take it room by room.
Packing tips, such as this one, are often forgotten, despite their importance. Whether items should be stored by room or by category is up for debate, and your preferred method may be different from what others prefer. Still, our recommendation is to pack your belongings by room. The movers, or anyone unloading, will know where to put each box later if you are organized. It is also possible to unload and unpack your items from the ground floor to the top – the reverse way. If you know you don't have to unpack anything, start with those items and then move the rest. You will also remove unnecessary strain on your muscles in the long run since you will likely be too tired to walk up and downstairs with additional items at the end of moving.
VII. Book in advance.
Renting supplies, hiring painters or cleaners, or hiring moving services should be booked early. If you wait to do so, you could pay more or not be able to rent a truck or hire movers at all, especially if it is peak moving season.
VIII. Organize utility services for your new home.
Schedule service at your new home once the dates are finalized. It is not a pleasant experience, after moving, to arrive at your new place and find that the power, water, and heat are out. Maintain a moving folder for your requests, and schedule your moving appointment in advance. In parallel, request that service at your current home be halted on the date of your move out.
IX. Make sure you have what you need with you.
Make sure you have everything you need in a suitcase or bag that you'll keep in the car, the truck cab, or on your plane the night before. Pack a change of clothes, a toothbrush, stuffed animals and toys for the kids, medications, and paperwork. It gives you peace of mind knowing some essentials are with you if your moving truck comes across any issues.
X. Hire a vehicle with a loading ramp.
You should have a ramp on your truck if you're a DIY mover. A vehicle without a dolly may seem cheaper, but it will add hours—and sore muscles—to moving if you have to lift every box and piece of furniture into the truck.
With as much packing knowledge as you now have, we wish you all the best on your move!
