No matter if you are moving each year or only have just a few moves throughout your life, it is clear that removing your belongings and life can bring a fair amount of anxiety. To make the process less stressful, we asked pros for advice on what not to do when packing the boxes and getting ready for your new home.
Never Assume Your New Space Mimics Your Current Setup
While you may love the flow in your living space, your new home might look different. According to Christina Lee, co-founder of Graceful Spaces Organization, this is something to remember in packing.
“More than likely, the layout of your current home will not be the same as your new home,” Lee states. “Rather than packing things by rooms, we recommend organizing some things into groups. This allows you to concentrate on putting the most essential things in your new house first, and you can shop for your home decor when you’re at your ease.”
Never Forget to Check All the Boxes–Literally
“A lot of customers want to do their own packing and boxing, and the problem that we have is that they sometimes don’t do so correctly,” Ivan Huerta, a customer service representative at Roadway Moving, describes. Do not forget to wrap boxes with enough bubble wrap to shield fragile items, be sure to stay at the top of labeling every box and cover the other important areas.
Regarding labeling your boxes, Keith Bartolomei of Zen Habitat provides some tips. “Label your boxes by category, add the room name of where you’d like it to land in your new home, and list key items you may find yourself searching for later,” the author advises. “Bonus points if you label the top and two sides, so you can view the contents from any angle.”
Never Procrastinate
“As soon as you have an idea you might be getting ready to move somewhere else, start the process of reviewing what you have and evaluating whether or not it would be important to have with you in your next home,” Declutter DC founder Jenny Albertini notes. Further details on that are below.
Never Pack At Random
Again, taking some time, in the beginning, to pack correctly can make the moving process significantly easier. “I see a lot of clients pack their items with no rhyme or reason, just shoving whatever will fit into their boxes and bins,” professional organizer Aileen Mitchener from Aligned By Aileen advises. “Before packaging, sort your items into categories and try your best to organize your items into categories that are similar. Moving can be stressful enough So packing your belongings properly will save you time and speed up the unpacking process.”
Similarly, keep an eye on the parts of your equipment and put them in one container when packing. “If you’re moving electronics, keep all the cords and accessories together,” Mitchener says. “Similarly an electric mixer in the kitchen will not be useful if you’re lacking the attachments. Tape the Ziploc bag of screws for furniture bolts, screws, etc. to the furniture piece particularly if you have to take apart any item.”
Never Overpack Cardboard Boxes
The process of packing additional boxes can be long, but it’s worth the effort and can save you time over the long haul, According to the advice of Tal Shelef, co-founder of CondoWizard.
“I have witnessed several kinds of accidents and inconveniences on the mover’s part,” the expert says. “Use as many boxes as you need to create easy-to-lift loads, and limit your large boxes to no more than 50 pounds.”
Never Transport Useless Items
Spend some time before moving, complete a mini house clean-up, and determine what should remain and be given away or recycled. “Your holey sweater or broken kitchen appliance does not need to make the trek to your new abode,” Mitchener declares. “As an organizing professional, I can help my clients to unpack lots of things that are then put away. Moving can also be an opportunity to reduce and donate your items in good condition also. Let go of clothes that aren’t fitting or that you don’t use, and furniture that won’t match the new style of your home.”
Mitchener explains there are financial and emotional advantages to doing this, too. “Not only does getting rid of items lighten your load–hello cheaper moving costs–but it gives you a chance to start afresh and upgrade and reprioritize your possessions.”
Sorting through your belongings is something that must be completed ahead of time Naturally. “Before moving, go around your home and do a first edit of trash and donations,” Lee suggests. “Ask yourself, “Do I have the funds to move this?’ then determine a threshold of dollar value for the amount you’re willing to spend to move. After you’ve decided what you’ll be donating, arrange the drop-off before the time when the movers arrive.”
Never Expect Movers to Transport Your Plants
You could be responsible for transporting your green companions from one place to another. Huerta recommends that customers take care of the arrangements before moving day.
Never Move “Someday” Items
Don’t also transport items you’re hoping to use in the future if you don’t. Albertini says, “In your new house, are you going to begin playing tennis with that racket which was stored at your home’s basement for a long time? Are you imagining yourself using the rusty box of crafting tools in your new home?”
When you imagine your life in the new house, Be honest about what you’d like to achieve or the people you want to be with. Take a step back from something you’ve been holding to that does not align with your vision. “We don’t want to bring guilt into a new house,” Albertini states.
Never Move Piece By Piece
Get it done, and you’ll be grateful when you’re done. “For local moves, we see several clients who try to move a little at a time,” Lee states. “However we believe that this can cause chaos. We suggest planning for a move locally a similar way to how you would prepare for moving across the country.”
