Moving into a new home is an exciting experience, but nobody looks forward to packing and unpacking. The idea of folding clothes, packing dishes, labeling boxes and piling everything into a truck, only to repeat the process in reverse, can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to make moving easier.
Packing Tips
One of the most time consuming and frustrating parts of moving is taking clothes off hangers, folding them, packing them in boxes and then hanging them up in a new closet. There is a much easier way that only takes a few minutes. Leave your clothes on hangers and slide trash bags over them. When you get to your new home, your clothes will be clean and ready to hang up in your new closet. Just make sure you use different colored bags so people don’t confuse them with trash and throw your clothes away accidentally.
Dishes need to be packed carefully so they don’t break in transit. Avoid having to buy bubble wrap by wrapping them in newspaper or clothes to protect them. Another option for plates is to stack them between Styrofoam plates for padding. You can slide glasses into socks to protect them.
Bottles containing toiletries can make a mess if they leak during the move. You can prevent this by wrapping them in plastic wrap or sealing them inside plastic bags.
If you have heavy items, see if they can fit inside suitcases. The handles and wheels will make them much easier to move.
If you need to take apart furniture or bookcases, put the screws in plastic bags. Label them with a piece of masking tape or a slip of paper and tape the bags to the items they belong to.
Make sure all of your boxes are clearly labeled with the room they belong in and the contents. Write on the sides of the boxes not the tops so you can see the labels when the boxes are stacked. You may be able to find free boxes online or ask local stores if they have leftover ones that they were planning to toss in a dumpster.
You will most likely not be able to unpack everything in one day, especially if you and your family are moving into a large house. Pack a bag with essentials that you will need right away, such as pajamas, clothes for the next day, toiletries, towels, and baby and pet supplies.
Help With Moving
If you do not have family or friends who live nearby and are available to help you move, hire a moving company to help you avoid the stress of trying to do everything yourself. Be sure to ask about their policies regarding furniture, valuables, the way things need to be packed and their liability for damage or loss.
Reduce Stress
Moving is both exciting and stressful. By packing carefully and strategically, you can make the transition easier and make sure everything is in good condition when you arrive and settle into your new home.
