Preparation for a move into a new residence can bring emotions of joy and delight; however, packing can be a strain. Deciding where to start, understanding what to pack, and which space to commence with can be intimidating. Creating a packing inventory broken down by the week can reduce this pressure and answer the question of how to get ready for relocation.
Prepare supplies
Before starting to pack, consider making a packing list to stay on track. As you get closer to your move date, the following items may become necessities:
- Boxes are the most important thing when packing, and it is wise to have a variety of sizes.
- Tape aids in sealing up boxes, protecting fragile objects with bubble wrap, and ensuring your items are put away in a safe manner.
- A utility knife or scissors can come in handy for cutting tape and other packing materials, making the process less stressful.
- Bubble wrap and newspaper are great alternatives for extra protection when packing up the kitchen and fragile household items.
- Permanent markers. Labeling the boxes is a must when packing up belongings.
- Plastic bags can store smaller items like silverware, while blankets can be used to protect mirrors and other delicate possessions from damage.
- Handcart is a great way to save your back from the stress of moving heavy boxes.
Make an inventory of your belongings
Take a systematic approach and go room by room, jotting down all the items you plan to pack. This methodical approach will help you stay organized and streamline the unpacking process when you arrive at your new residence.
To further simplify the process, you can assign each room a specific color and utilize tape or markers in coordinating colors to label boxes and large items, making it easy to identify their destination in your new apartment or home. Don’t forget to consider items such as mattresses, blinds, curtains, and other less conspicuous belongings that may need to be labeled and packed for the move.
As you make your inventory, take the opportunity to identify any items in each room that you no longer use or that have lost value over time and designate them for donation or disposal. You can sort them into separate piles or baskets to be dealt with later, either through donation, sale, or disposal. Decluttering before you start packing is essential, as there’s no point in moving items to your new home that you plan to get rid of as soon as you unpack.
Dismantle large items for easier moving
When dealing with bulky furniture items like dressers and cabinets, it can be beneficial to take them apart into smaller pieces. For instance, a sizeable eight-drawer dresser in the primary bedroom can be quite unwieldy to move as a single unit, with drawers shifting and rattling. However, if you remove the drawers and pack them individually, the dresser becomes more manageable.
Similarly, other large items like bed frames, bookshelves, and hutches can be disassembled to facilitate packing, making them more compact and easier to transport. Additionally, taking apart these items allows you to protect each individual shelf, drawer, or storage piece from potential scratches or marks that may occur during the move.
It’s also likely that bed frames will need to be dismantled anyway, as they are often too large to fit into a standard moving van or truck bed. When taking apart furniture, be sure to keep all nuts, bolts, or screws in labeled bags and tape them to the corresponding pieces of furniture, so you can easily locate them when it’s time to reassemble the furniture and avoid any missing parts.
Pack an Essential “Open First” Box
One of the most helpful strategies to ease stress while transferring is to pack an “open first” box with the necessary components that you’ll be needing right away in your new space. It could be a labeled regular moving box or a specialized box for clear identification, add essentials like toilet paper, towels, dish soap, and flatware to make transitioning simpler.
Moreover, make sure to incorporate items like a surge protector, cell phone cords, a flashlight, and necessary tools such as a screwdriver or Allen wrench for assembling furniture. Whether you utilize a rucksack, clear tote, or tagged box, make sure that it is in the vehicle for traveling or a certain spot that you can quickly spot when you get to your destination.
Regardless of your stage of life, moving is a common experience that can cause stress and anxiety. Whether you’re moving out of a college dorm or a family home, packing and relocating your belongings can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many professional moving services offer packing services, which can alleviate the stress of packing and leave you more time to focus on coordinating the move.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to explore the option of hiring professional residential movers. For example, Move 4U could be your best solution. Professional residential movers have the expertise to pack your items in an organized and efficient manner, as well as load the moving truck to maximize space.
