Life can take you anywhere.
Sometimes, it uproots you from where you were born and transplants you into a place that is completely unknown. Suffice it to say, moving can be both scary and exciting because your life is poised to change drastically.
But before you focus on the changes moving to a new place will bring, you must direct your attention toward the actual “move” first.
This means organizing belongings and other requirements so you can start fresh easily, wherever you are heading to. For this, expert removalists have six tips you can use to prepare for the move, especially if you choose to pack your own possessions. A good removalist company will offer packing as an option which you should also consider.
Contents
1. Set a schedule
Choose the dates and hours that you can easily commit to in going through your belongings. The rule of thumb in choosing the dates for packing is to go with earlier dates. This way, you will be less pressed for time and your mind will be clear to take on the demanding task.
Top removals and relocation services recommend you ideally pack 8 to 10 weeks before the move. It may not be possible for you to start this early but it is a good target to aim for, to provide ample time to cover everything. It can also provide you the convenience to take care of other responsibilities associated with the move.
2. Gather your packing supplies
You can use your collection of bags to hold certain items. But, it will serve you better to invest in packing supplies especially created for removal because they will hold up better throughout the relocation process.
Your list of must-have packing supplies should include:
- Boxes in different sizes
- Rolls of packaging tape
- Bubble wrap, packing paper, newsprint
- Cutters
- Differently-colored markers
You can get these from most removal companies or some office supply stores.
3. Make a checklist
To stay on top of everything that you have to pack, you need to be a dedicated “lister.”
While you are going through all of your belongings, you need to have alist of the things that you actually need to bring. You also have to make a list of the items you need to throw away, and a list of the things that are useful but you will be giving away or selling.
Aside from those, you have to list down the things you need to do leading to the day of the move, such as calling the removal company, calling for professional cleaning services (to get the home ready for the new owners), updating your new address with your bank, insurance company, etc.
“Listing is scheduling’s perfect partner.”
When you do both, you will be quite efficient with your time and energy when accomplishing all necessary tasks.
4. Pack belongings according to the room they will go into
This is a strategy to implement if you want to minimize clutter and stay focused on the task. Likewise, this strategy will make unpacking a breeze.
Provide a few boxes for every room of your home so all the items that go together will stay together during the move, and when you start unpacking in your new home.
5. Always pack from the heaviest to the lightest
This is an important principle to uphold when placing items in bags and boxes.
Always place the heaviest and bulkiest items at the bottom of the container. Continue to pile according to the “size hierarchy” so that the smallest and lightest items are on top or can fit into the gaps between and around the bigger pieces at the bottom.
6. Be sure to label everything
Labels should go on all the bags, boxes, and other containers. And when you label, make sure that they provide all the necessary information about the items inside the containers.
Do not just write “tools.” Specify what kinds of tools they are so you know right away if the box should go into the garage, hobby room, or the kitchen.
Detailed labels will make unpacking later on so much easier and faster.
Relocating truly is often stressful.
However, if you know how to go about it the right way, you can make the experience as organized as possible.
So on the day of the move, you can just look forward to the wonderful possibilities offered by your new dwelling place.
AUTHOR BIO
Robert Wise, Sales Administration Manager at Nuss Removals, has been a respected figure in the removals industry for over 20 years. His attention to detail and the ability to truly understand the needs of the customer have ensured the successful relocation of thousands of satisfied individuals and families. For moving and storage across Australia and around the world, Robert’s wealth of experience ensures his customers are in safe hands.