Allow Yourself Plenty of Time
The biggest advice we can give you is to not underestimate the amount of time it will take you to move. This doesn’t just mean packing and loading your truck. The real list of things you must do is quite a bit longer. You will have to go through your stuff, get rid of garbage, sell stuff you want to get rid of, pack the things you are keeping, clean your house, and then load the truck. It’s a lot to keep track of, really.
To help you keep track of all of the things you will need to do, we suggest keeping lists. There are apps that exist to help you with list keeping and organization. Your list will only be as good as your list keeper, though. So, keep it updated and return to it often so you know exactly what tasks have been completed and what tasks need to be done still.
How to Pack for Your Move
Start gathering the things you will need for your move in advance. Packing tape at least a couple rolls (or four to six). We suggest collecting a few black Sharpies, bubble wrap, garbage bags, and packing tape. But don’t stop there. What packing supplies helped you pack for your move last time? Remember back to the last time and plan accordingly.
Buying boxes to pack all your things can be expensive. Check Craigslist and ask local stores for boxes that they are getting rid of. This is a great, cost-effective way to get the boxes you need to pack for your move. The only thing that you need to be aware of is that this process takes time. Don’t expect to get all the boxes you need in one day. Give yourself a few weeks to collect the boxes you will need. In the meantime, check out this blog on other places that you can look to find free moving boxes.
Pack Your Pictures First
You don’t need your pictures to live day-to-day. Start packing up your photos and decorations about 2-3 weeks before you expect to move. This will be one less stress that you have to worry about the week of your actual move and can get you into a moving mode.
If you’re looking for tips on how to pack your pictures for your move, try this one. Cut two pieces of cardboard a half inch larger than the picture size. Place a piece of bubble wrap on the glass and a piece of cardboard on the top and bottom. Start wrapping with tape till the cardboard is secure. This is a really easy way to make sure that your pictures don’t get harmed in the move, and it is one less thing you have to worry about when it comes to your move.
Go Room by Room
Now that you have done that warm up, it is time to get down to it. Build several boxes and place them in the room where you are starting. It is better to have several boxes taped and ready to go rather than having to stop and build a new box every time you fill a box. Label each box with what is in it and what room it belongs in (e.g., living room, spare room, kitchen, etc.).
Have two garbage bags in each room; one for trash and one to donate. Be tough on yourself. When in doubt, throw it out. Start with the stuff that is not used every day, and then work your way up to the most commonly used things. By getting rid of the stuff that you aren’t using, you are not only hauling less stuff from one destination to another, but you also have less stuff to unpack once you get to your new house.
Pack a “First-Night” Bag
This bag or suitcase should have everything you will need for your first night. That includes a toothbrush, a change of clothes, medications, a small flashlight (you never know), laptop, charger, phone charger, glasses, contact solution, etc. Think of all of the essentials you will need that first night before you have more of a chance to unpack and find the rest of your items. Mark this bag clearly so it doesn’t get moved with everything else or thrown into the moving truck.
If you have kids, pack a first-night bag for each person. Along with the essentials we already talked about, keep their preferred electronic device and charger, a book, and a small surprise in this bag. That way if things are disorganized or don’t go as planned they will have a change of clothes, their favorite toy, and something to help keep them occupied. Making sure the kids are taken care of is the best way to make moving easier, because once they are occupied you are able to focus on the bigger task at hand.
Along the same lines as a first-night bag, have a first-day box. This box is for the things that you will need right away, like breakfast foods, snacks, paper plates, and plastic ware. You will want to think practically. Trash bags, paper towels, a couple of rolls of toilet paper, and towels are all great ideas for your first-day box. Even though you love your morning coffee, it might be better to head down the street and pick that up. You might need two boxes depending on family size and the distance you are moving. Clearly mark this box and make sure you keep it easily accessible. It won’t do you much good if you can’t find it or can’t get to it.
If you are looking for more resources on moving, we found some awesome articles filled with good advice and tips on how to make moving easier.
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