One of the worst parts of moving home is packing. While your Compass real estate agent will take care of all the paperwork and complex negotiations, you’ll be left to your own devices when it comes to packing. Not only is packing an incredibly uninspiring task, but it also seems never-ending and can take days to complete.
But packing can be a lot easier when you bear the following tips in mind:
Decide on a plan of action
Grabbing a few bits and pieces as and when you remember and placing them in the nearest box is going to make the entire packing process convoluted and stressful. Start by going through each room and making a list of things that need to be packed either in a certain order or in a certain way to prevent damage (and so you can find them easily when you arrive at your new home).
Cut back on clutter
More often than not, a huge percentage of the things we have at home can be thrown away, sold, or donated before we move house. There’s no point in wrapping chipped dinner plates in bubble wrap and taking them to your new home when they’ll only be going in the bin anyway. If you have plenty of time before your move, sort through your closet and drawers and get rid of anything you don’t need. Not only will your packing process be much smoother, but you’ll feel a lot lighter and happier at your new house.
Label your boxes
Failing to label your cardboard boxes when you move is a huge rookie mistake. It takes an extra second while you’re packing and will save your hours once you’re in your new home. It also creates a more logical structure to follow when you’re packing. Make sure you’re grouping items that need to be placed together in your new home.
Keep essentials out
The only thing more stressful than packing things into boxes is realizing you’ve not left out essential clothes, documents, and toiletries. Have a basket for everything you’re going to need before and after moving day to avoid ripping open boxes as you try to find your ID or car keys. If you can, try to take a mug and some cutlery with you as well as it could take a while to find the box with your silverware and you’re bound to get hungry quickly.
Invest in protective packaging
Don’t make the mistake of assuming all your kitchenware will survive the move without bubble wrap. While it’s inevitable that one or two things will get broken or damaged, make sure that most of your belongings are well-protected. Buying high-quality boxes and special packing tape will avoid items spilling out everywhere in the removal van, while bubble wrap will protect fragile items from shattering.
Avoid empty space
It might seem logical to leave room in boxes to avoid them becoming too heavy, but empty space causes your belongings to move around more and potentially get broken. While it’s true you don’t want boxes to be too heavy, try to put lighter things on top of heavier ones to balance the weight without compromising what’s inside.
Buy more boxes than you think you’ll need
Having too many boxes is much better than having too few. Not being able to pack everything into the containers you have may result in last-minute panicking or having to throw away anything you can’t pack. Having a surplus of boxes is a much better scenario, as these can always be used again later or even sold to another person who is planning to move.
And don’t forget to invest in some high-quality packing tape to ensure your boxes don’t fling open and your possessions are thrown out during the move.
Start early
Never underestimate how long the packing process will take. Even if your move is several months away, it’s easy to think that you have plenty of time to get everything done, when in reality, the clock is ticking – much faster than you think!
As soon as you know your move is certain, begin the process by following the tips above and start with items that you know you won’t need any time soon. Start asking friends and family for boxes and tape, head to your local supermarket, and see if they have any old boxes that are free for you to use. There’s nothing that will add to the stress of moving quicker than panic-packing the night before the move!
Get some help
Whether you’re moving just yourself or your entire family needs their belongings packing up and organized, asking for some help during the packing process will take a huge weight off your shoulders. Whether you ask friends, family, colleagues, or even your current neighbors for help, you’ll be amazed at how many people will be willing to lend a hand!
One of the worst parts of moving home is packing. While your Compass real estate agent will take care of all the paperwork and complex negotiations, you’ll be left to your own devices when it comes to packing. Not only is packing an incredibly uninspiring task, but it also seems never-ending and can take days to complete. But packing can be a lot easier when you bear the following tips in mind:
Decide on a plan of action
Grabbing a few bits and pieces as and when you remember and placing them in the nearest box is going to make the entire packing process convoluted and stressful. Start by going through each room and making a list of things that need to be packed either in a certain order or in a certain way to prevent damage (and so you can find them easily when you arrive at your new home).
Cut back on clutter
More often than not, a huge percentage of the things we have at home can be thrown away, sold, or donated before we move house. There’s no point in wrapping chipped dinner plates in bubble wrap and taking them to your new home when they’ll only be going in the bin anyway. If you have plenty of time before your move, sort through your closet and drawers and get rid of anything you don’t need. Not only will your packing process be much smoother, but you’ll feel a lot lighter and happier at your new house.
Label your boxes
Failing to label your cardboard boxes when you move is a huge rookie mistake. It takes an extra second while you’re packing and will save your hours once you’re in your new home. It also creates a more logical structure to follow when you’re packing. Make sure you’re grouping items that need to be placed together in your new home.
Keep essentials out
The only thing more stressful than packing things into boxes is realizing you’ve not left out essential clothes, documents, and toiletries. Have a basket for everything you’re going to need before and after moving day to avoid ripping open boxes as you try to find your ID or car keys. If you can, try to take a mug and some cutlery with you as well as it could take a while to find the box with your silverware and you’re bound to get hungry quickly.
Invest in protective packaging
Don’t make the mistake of assuming all your kitchenware will survive the move without bubble wrap. While it’s inevitable that one or two things will get broken or damaged, make sure that most of your belongings are well-protected. Buying high-quality boxes and special packing tape will avoid items spilling out everywhere in the removal van, while bubble wrap will protect fragile items from shattering.
Avoid empty space
It might seem logical to leave room in boxes to avoid them becoming too heavy, but empty space causes your belongings to move around more and potentially get broken. While it’s true you don’t want boxes to be too heavy, try to put lighter things on top of heavier ones to balance the weight without compromising what’s inside.
Buy more boxes than you think you’ll need
Having too many boxes is much better than having too few. Not being able to pack everything into the containers you have may result in last-minute panicking or having to throw away anything you can’t pack. Having a surplus of boxes is a much better scenario, as these can always be used again later or even sold to another person who is planning to move.
And don’t forget to invest in some high-quality packing tape to ensure your boxes don’t fling open and your possessions are thrown out during the move.
Start early
Never underestimate how long the packing process will take. Even if your move is several months away, it’s easy to think that you have plenty of time to get everything done, when in reality, the clock is ticking – much faster than you think!
As soon as you know your move is certain, begin the process by following the tips above and start with items that you know you won’t need any time soon. Start asking friends and family for boxes and tape, head to your local supermarket, and see if they have any old boxes that are free for you to use. There’s nothing that will add to the stress of moving quicker than panic-packing the night before the move!
Get some help
Whether you’re moving just yourself or your entire family needs their belongings packing up and organized, asking for some help during the packing process will take a huge weight off your shoulders. Whether you ask friends, family, colleagues, or even your current neighbors for help, you’ll be amazed at how many people will be willing to lend a hand!
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