Have you received a job offer in a different state or been accepted to your dream school out of town? Maybe you’re just ready for a change of scenery. Whatever the reason, you’re going to have to pack up all your belongings and move them to your new home.
The process of packing up and moving can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning and organization, you can make it a breeze. Here are ten tips for packing up and moving:
- Start early
Don’t wait until the last minute to start packing. Begin a few weeks in advance so you’re not rushed and stressed out come moving day. Pack little by little each day so it doesn’t seem like such a daunting task. This will also give you time to sort through your things and get rid of anything you don’t need or want.
- Get boxes and packing materials
Get sturdy boxes of various sizes from a local grocery or home improvement store. You’ll also need packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and packing tape. Make sure to get more boxes and materials than you think you’ll need just in case. This will save you a last-minute trip to the store when you realize you’re short on supplies.
- Label your boxes
Label each box with its contents and the room it should go in at your new place. This will make unpacking much easier and quicker. You can use a Sharpie or stickers to label the boxes. When you’re done packing up a box, tape it up and put it in the designated area so you know where it is and what’s in it.
- Pack heavy items in small boxes
Pack heavier items like books in smaller boxes so they’re not too heavy to lift. This will make them easier to transport and less likely to break. Just be sure to pack them tightly so they don’t shift around and get damaged during the move.
- Use suitcases for clothes
If you have extra suitcases, use them to pack up your clothes. This will save you from having to buy special wardrobe boxes. Just be sure to hang up anything delicate or that might wrinkle. You can also use garbage bags to pack up your clothes if you don’t have any extra suitcases lying around.
- Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap
Wrap any fragile items in bubble wrap or packing peanuts to keep them safe during the move. Make sure to label these boxes as “fragile” so they’re handled with extra care. If you’re also bringing your work peripherals such as your mini computer desktop, laptop, or gaming PC, don’t forget to back everything up and then properly pack these electronics as well.
- Use empty space for extra protection
Use empty spaces in boxes for extra protection. For example, you can put packing peanuts in the bottom of a box before adding any items. You can also put smaller items inside larger ones for extra cushioning. Just make sure everything is packed tightly so nothing shifts around during the move.
- Don’t pack food
Unless you’re moving a short distance, it’s best not to try and pack up your food. It will probably go bad before you even get to your new place. Just eat everything in your pantry and fridge before you move. If you have any non-perishable food items, donate them to a local food bank.
- Get help from friends or family
If you can, get help from friends or family when packing up and moving. They can help you lift heavy boxes and furniture, and they can also provide moral support. Just be sure to return the favor when they need help moving in the future.
- Have fun!
Try to enjoy the process of packing up and moving, even though it can be stressful at times. It’s a chance to start fresh in a new place. Once you’re all settled into your new home, you can look back on the experience and be proud of how well you handled it.
Packing up and moving doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a little planning and organization, you can make it a breeze. Just be sure to start early, label your boxes, and take care when packing up fragile items. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!