How to Pack for Your Big Move
Moving from one home to another can be stressful. Just the thought of packing up a house-full of belongings can be overwhelming.
However, if you abide by the following packing tips, you will not only help your move be just a bit smoother but also ensure that your important and valuable possessions make it to your new home safe and sound.
Get an early start. Moving can be stressful enough. There's no need to compound that stress by waiting until the last minute to begin packing your belongings. It is best to get a good head start, with the goal of completing one room per day.
Get rid of unnecessary or unused items. As you pack up each room, carefully go through your belongings and determine what you need and want to keep. If you have not used - or even seen - a particular item in more than a year, you should get rid of it, excluding sentimental items, of course.
Fully label all boxes. Most people know to label each box with its appropriate room. However, you also should note the box's contents. Adding this piece of information will come in use when you are searching for your hair dryer on the first morning in the new home.
Pack one room at a time. By concentrating on one room at a time while packing, you will avoid the headache of having a house full of 'miscellaneous' boxes with no idea what belongs where.
Avoid packing your valuables. Moving companies often recommend not shipping highly valuable items unless they are covered by moving insurance. Additionally, if you have any belongings, like family photos or jewelry, that if lost, would devastate you, then you should not pack them. Instead, take them with you in the car.
Keep personal information with you. Personal information, such as bank statements or passports, should not be packed. Instead, you should take such items with you or have them mailed directly to your new home once you are there.
Know how to pack smart. There are some simple rules when it comes to the best way to fill those moving boxes. First, you should pack heavy items in small boxes and lighter items in big boxes to avoid any one box being too heavy. Second, when packing items like plates, these items should be packed on end vertically versus stacked one on top of the other. Third, to consolidate as much as possible, you can place many smaller boxes into larger boxes.
Prepare for making the bed. Chances are you will be pretty exhausted when you finally get to your new home. A great tip is to keep a set of sheets and towels in one of the dresser drawers so that you are able to sleep comfortably the first night in your new house.
Keep the refrigerator fresh. Even after cleaning out a refrigerator, it can still get a bit musty after being off for some time. Putting a handful of fresh coffee or baking soda inside will help the refrigerator's interior stay smelling fresh.
Keep an inventory. You should keep a list of every item and box that is loaded onto the moving van and keep the list with you. Then, mark off each item or box as it comes off the truck. This step will help ensure that everything makes it to the final destination.
