Getting the key to your beautiful new Vanbrooke home is exciting. Getting ready to move into it? No so much. Any way you look at it, moving is stressful. To help you out, we’ve put together some tips that should make it a little easier.
Start by Decluttering
We rarely realize how much stuff we have until we start putting it into moving boxes. Instead of packing useless things, declutter while your home is under construction. This includes clothing you don’t wear. Sort items into three categories: keep, donate and throw out. If you are thinking garage sale, add a “sell” box.
Don’t Buy More
It’s tempting to buy new furniture, curtains and other home goods for your future home. Don’t. You are just going to have to pack it. Make a list of what you will need and purchase it after the move. Think of them as housewarming gifts.
Plan How to Move
How will you transport furniture and boxes? Will you need a moving truck or just friends who accept pizza as payment for lugging your sofa through the front door? If you will need a truck, get recommendations from friends and estimates from at least three companies. Moving.com reviews movers and can get you quotes.
Plan How to Pack
This seems pretty obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people end up making three or four trips to the store to get supplies. You can find boxes in every shape and size as well as tape, bubble wrap and markers on Amazon. We especially like these color-coded moving labels.
Get Creative
You don’t always need boxes. Use suitcases to transport clothes. Instead of wardrobe boxes, put trash bags around clothes hanging in your closet. Pull the tie closed, transport to your new home and hang everything up. Instead of packing what’s in your dresser, just pull out the drawers and wrap kitchen wrap around them. Use heavy-duty wrap for kitchen drawers. Towels and linens are great for wrapping fragile items.
Least Used, First Packed
Don’t try to pack everything in a day — or even a week. Pack up your least-used items first. Things in your guest room, storage areas and hall closet. You can do this while decluttering since the items in these areas are often things you don’t remember you had.
Pack One Room at a Time
If you can, pack one room at a time. You will feel less overwhelmed the closer you get to moving day. Kitchens usually take the longest, so start there. You will feel very accomplished and packing up the rest of the house will feel easier by comparison.
Consider a Moving Pod
Portable storage units are a great way to move. Have the company drop the unit off in front of your old home, fill it up, then have everything transported to your new home. You’ll be able to pack and unpack at your leisure.
Keep an Inventory
Assign each box a number and write down what’s in it. Alternatively, take a picture of what’s in each box. Either way, you will be able to tell at a glance if a box is missing. If you need to find something you won’t waste time opening every box in the kitchen.
Unpack a Little at a Time
Once you’ve moved your stuff, it’s time to unbox. Start with essentials. You will need bedding, toilet paper and dishes right away. You probably won’t need things that you stored in your garage for a few weeks. Playing music while you pack will make the chore easier. Get rid of the boxes as you unpack them to open up space.