When it comes to life stressors, moving house sits right up at the top of the list. Yes, it can be a daunting process, but with a bit of preparation and the best moving house packing tips, it doesn’t need to drive you to despair.
Here are some top tips to make your moving journey easier!
1. ALWAYS START MOVING EARLY
Start by booking your removal company and arranging an early delivery of boxes and packing materials. As soon as you have a spare half hour, pack items you don’t use regularly. The earlier you can start comparing removalists near you, the more likely you’ll find availability for the date, time and budget you want.
Arrange time off work and plan for how to care for any children and pets on moving day. Make sure to disassemble bulky outdoor items, such as trampolines.
2. GET DOWN TO DECLUTTERING
Don’t waste the opportunity to have a thorough clear-out. Ask yourself: will this item add value to the next stage of my life? Go through room by room including the garage. Put items into three categories – keep, store and bin. Make sure kids are onboard and sort their things too.
3. INVEST IN THE BEST BOXES
Moving boxes should always have a sturdy base so nothing tears or falls out the bottom.
Etty Matalon, psychologist and chief organiser at professional organising firm Dotorg, recommends ordering about 150 boxes in two sizes for a four-bedroom home with two to three children
Boxes can be included in your removalist fee, but if they’re not it’s easy to hire them separately.
4. PACK BY WEIGHT
Pack light items such as clothes, linen and toys in the largest boxes, and heavy items like dinnerware and books in smaller boxes, with the heaviest items at the bottom.
Mark ‘fragile’ items clearly. When it comes to your packing strategy, start with least-used items first and working your way down to ones you use regularly.
5. OUTSOURCE YOUR PACKING
If you’re pushed for time and have the budget, consider calling in professional packers. They are trained and can ensure that items are secure for transport. You can also arrange an unpacking service for the other end.
6. KEEP MUST-HAVES CLOSE
Pack an essentials bag or box for each family member to get you through the first couple of nights in your new home before you’re fully unpacked. Fill it with toiletries, medications, clothes for the next day or two, pet essentials, the kids’ school supplies and favourite toys.
7. SPEED UP THE PROCESS
There are several things you can do to streamline the moving process and reduce the number of hours you’ll be charged by your removalist.
Firstly, arrange an inspection ahead of time (it’s generally free) so the removalists can see whether additional labour is needed for heavy items or if they need to accommodate difficult access.
Before the movers arrive on moving day, have all the beds and tables dismantled, boxes packed and sealed, and all your electricals unplugged. Don’t forget to find a removalist where you only pay for the hours used on the day to help save money if you do a lot of the heavy lifting.
8. STICK TO SIMPLE MEALS
Stick to the basics for dinner in the week before and during the move. Cheese on toast, sushi, microwave meals, a barbecued chicken. Anything to keep the washing up to a minimum.
Be kind to yourself and take the easiest routes wherever you can.
9. UNPACK STRAIGHTAWAY
Unpacking is best approached like a military operation, so enlist several pairs of hands, if you can. Three people unpacking and putting away is ideal. Flatten boxes as you empty them and allocate a spot to store them.
10. OFFER A FRIENDLY WELCOME
Leaving a box of chocolates or a bottle of wine and a letter with useful information about the house for the new owners is a nice gesture. You could also share the phone numbers of a trusted plumber and electrician you’ve used before and were happy with, plus a couple of menus from local takeaways. Leave any manuals and warranties for fixtures such as the air conditioner, dishwasher and oven. After all, you can’t take them with you.