At Real Estate Real Easy we want to help our customers make the transition from one home to another as easily as possible. Moving to a new home can be stressful. Make it easier for yourself by planning in advance so you don’t end up frazzled.
This week’s tip is for packing like a pro.
- Plan ahead by organising and budgeting. Develop a master to-do list so you won’t forget something critical on moving day and get an estimate of your moving costs.
- Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle. Read our downsizing post for more tips.
- Don’t throw everything out! If your inclination is to just toss it, you’re probably right. However, it is possible to go overboard in the heat of the moment. Ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you’d feel if you no longer had it. That will eliminate regret after your move.
- Pack similar items together. Put toys with toys, kitchen utensils with kitchen utensils. It will make it so much easier when it comes to unpacking.
- Decide what, if anything, you plan to move yourselves. Precious items such as family photos, valuable breakables, or must-haves during the move should probably stay with you. Don’t forget to keep a necessities bag with tissues, snacks, and other items you’ll need that day.
- Remember, most removal companies won’t take plants. If you don’t want to leave them behind, you should plan on moving them yourself.
- Use the right sized box and packing material for each item. Loose items are prone to breakage.
- Put heavy items in small boxes so they’re easier to lift. Keep the weight of each box within lifting limits.
- Don’t over-pack boxes. Not only will the box be heavy, you increase the chance of breaking something.
- Wrap every fragile item separately and pad the bottom and sides of boxes. If necessary, purchase bubble-wrap or other packing materials from moving stores.
- Label every box on all sides. You never know how they’ll be stacked and you don’t want to have to move other boxes aside to find out what’s there.
- Use colour-coded labels to indicate which room each item should go in. Colour-code a floor plan for your new house to help movers.
- Keep your moving documents together in a file or scan them to the cloud so they are accessible from our phone. Include important phone numbers, driver’s name, and moving van number. If you don’t use a mobile phone, keep your address book handy.
- If you have friends and family helping you move print out a map and directions for them and highlight the route. GPS doesn’t always get it right.
- Back up your computer files before moving it—preferably to a cloud-based server.
- If you are using a removal company inspect each box and all furniture for damage as soon as it arrives.
- Make arrangements for small children and pets. Moving can be stressful and emotional. Kids can help organise their things and pack boxes ahead of time, but, if possible, it might be best to spare them from the moving-day madness.
If you’re thinking of moving but haven’t sold your house yet give us a call to discuss your options. We offer free appraisals, free marketing and charge only 2% commission!
