The average person moves 11.7 times in their life. Of course, some moves happen when you're a kid, leaving you with few duties.
But many moves happen as adults, leaving you with all the responsibilities. Packing for a move is the most time-consuming part of moving. Yet, it's a necessity.
Unfortunately, many people need help learning how to pack. Thus, learning some moving tips is an excellent idea before packing.
Here is a guide that contains 12 rules of packing you should never break. Keep reading to learn these.
- Use a Moving Checklist
Moving involves more steps than just packing. After all, you're leaving one house to go to another. Thus, it would help if you had a moving checklist to avoid forgetting things.
A moving checklist guides you in several ways. First, it lists every task to complete when moving. Secondly, it tells you when to handle the task.
You can create your own moving checklist or use a template. The important part is using it. This checklist helps you prepare for moving day by spreading out the tasks. It also ensures you remember all the crucial steps.
- Acquire the Proper Supplies
Learning how to pack for moving is vital. But acquiring the supplies you need for the move is also vital.
Moving supplies consist of several things:
- Moving boxes
- Tape
- Markers
- Small bags
You can purchase boxes from moving companies. These boxes come in one or two sizes, giving you uniform boxes to use.
Another option is to grab boxes from local stores for free. This method is cheaper, but you can't choose the sizes.
- Label Every Box
One of the best packing tips you'll discover involves labeling your boxes. You can develop a system that works for you for labeling.
For example, you could write the room name on each box. So when you pack kitchen items in boxes, you label them "Kitchen."
Another idea is to label the boxes with their contents. For example, you could write "Kitchen Dinnerware" on boxes containing your plates.
Labeling takes a little extra time when packing. But it makes unpacking much easier.
- Start Soon
When is your moving day? You might not know the exact date, but you have an approximate date. This day will arrive quickly, so it would help if you started now.
You should pack ahead for a move by starting now. You might have a few weeks or months before moving. But starting your packing soon makes the job easier and less stressful.
- Purge
Moving and packing is a lot of work. But packing and moving things you don't want makes it even more challenging.
The solution is to purge as you pack. Purging simply means getting rid of things you don't need or want.
A practical method for purging is to work through your home room by room. For example, start with a closet. Then, go through everything in that closet, making a pile of things you don't need.
Then, you can sort the pile:
- Garbage
- Donations
- Garage sale items
- Things to return to people
If you purge while packing, you'll have fewer boxes to transport to your new house.
- Book Services Early
Consider hiring some professionals to help with your move. Then, book their services early.
For example, you could hire the best home movers to move your things. You could also hire a cleaning company for move-in or move-out cleaning services.
- Pack Properly
There is a proper way to pack your things. You can learn the appropriate way by following a few tips:
- Fill the boxes all the way
- Put heavy items on the bottom of the boxes
- Put lighter items on the top
- Limit boxes to specific items or rooms
Of course, packing properly also requires having the right supplies.
- Keep a Moving Day Bag
You can make a "Do Not Pack" list to assist with your move. You can write things on this list that you need for moving day. Then, you can pack these things in a moving day bag.
Many people avoid packing their medications. They also avoid packing personal hygiene products and some clothing.
Instead, they put these items in their moving day bag. Then they have them when they need them.
- Diagram Your Electronics
You might not know how to put your TV system back together when you get in your new house. The same is true for a desktop computer or other electronics.
You can avoid this confusion by taking pictures of the setups. You can also diagram or label the cords and items.
Additionally, place the cords in small bags and label them. You might also tape the bags to the devices they belong with.
- Work on It Daily
Imagine trying to move in one day. It would be impossible. Thus, the best tip you can follow is to work on your move daily.
Look at your moving checklist daily to see if there are steps you can complete. Then, cross things off as you finish them, and keep up with the tasks.
- Use All Storage Options
Packing your things in boxes is smart, but you can also use other items for packing. An example of this is using suitcases or duffle bags for packing. You have to move these items during the move, so why not fill them?
The same is true for dresser drawers. Instead of emptying them, leave your things in the drawers. You'll save time and need fewer boxes.
- Get the Right Equipment
While you shouldn't handle moving alone, some people still do. If you decide to do this yourself, get the right equipment. For example, get a dolly to move heavy things.
Follow These Rules When Packing for a Move
Packing for a move is time-consuming. It can also be overwhelming and stressful. But following these tips can simplify things, making your move easier.
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