Moving is a time-consuming process and a major undertaking, but with the right preparation, it can be rewarding, efficient and exciting! Hopefully, you caught the first part of our series, Part I: Preparing for the Move, to help you plan ahead for your move. Once you have a plan, it’s time to execute and begin packing. For many sellers, packing begins even before their home is listed! Packing nonessential items and storing them away can help declutter your space and make it appear more spacious before you begin showings. It’ll also make your life much easier on the backend with fewer items to pack when you are ready to move everything out.
Moving Boxes
A trip to the hardware store to purchase moving boxes is easy if you’re in a time crunch, but it might be an extra expense you’d rather avoid. Asking around to friends or family members who have recently moved if they have boxes for you to use – and saving them the trouble of breaking them down to recycle – is ideal. Believe it or not, some of the sturdiest boxes to use for moving are diaper boxes! Start stockpiling boxes at your home or ask a friend or neighbor to save some for you. Another great tip is to ask the manager at your local liquor store if they have extra boxes with dividers. Often there is a stack for you to choose from, and then you can use those sturdy boxes for packing your stemware.
Large or XL wardrobe boxes can be time savers when moving hanging clothes since you do not have to unhang, fold, pack, then unpack and rehang your clothes when they arrive to your new closet. Consider asking someone who has recently moved to pass theirs along when they are done using them.
You’ll need to gather packing supplies such as scissors, packing tape, packing paper/bubble wrap, markers, old towels and even your blankets to use as padding for fragile items.
This goes without saying, but always label your boxes! Remember to label your boxes on the sides since the tops won’t be visible when they are stacked. Make boxes marked as fragile stand out – whether that is with bold large print, a red Sharpie, etc. Label the boxes clearly with terms the movers will easily recognize – rather than labeling a box “Amy’s room,” you could write “FRONT LEFT BR” so that everything ends up where it needs to go.
Beginning to Pack
- Before moving day, make sure to pack essentials in a clearly labeled box and request that the movers load it onto the truck last (so that it’s not buried in the front of the truck when you reach your destination). Include items you’ll want the first day you get to your new home, such as silverware, paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, toiletries, items you may need for a meal or child’s naptime and whatever else you’ll need right away.
- You never want to move an empty suitcase… put that space to use! Pack your suitcases full of clothes, shoes or breakables to take with you.
- Put any hardware in a plastic bag and tape it to the piece of furniture you are moving.
- Label cords, chargers and remotes for appliances and electronics.
- Pack glasses and stemware in a box with dividers. As mentioned, you could stop by your local liquor store to ask if they have boxes that are going to be recycled.
- Pack liquids such as cleaning supplies and laundry detergent in plastic bins or bags in case of leaks.
- Consider using mirror/picture boxes for transporting artwork, mirrors and other wall decor.
- Plan ahead so that you responsibly dispose of items such as old paint cans, batteries, cans of gasoline or any other hazardous substances that may be on your property.
- Finally, remember to contact your utility companies to schedule shut-off service and set up mail forwarding to your new home through USPS.
Stay tuned! The final post in this series will cover cleaning out, recycling, and donating household items leading up to your move.
