Whether you’re re-locating to a new city or just moving around the block, packing up your life can be a daunting task.
After years of helping families move from one place to the next, Highland Worldwide has some experience in this area, which is why we have put together a list of tips and tricks to make your move as efficient and stress-free as possible.
Get Your Moving Supplies in Order
The first thing to do when it comes time to pack up your home is get your supplies in order.
Collect boxes from work, friends and family members, or purchase a packing kit to assure that everything you will need is on hand.
Here are the basic supplies you will need when moving:
- Boxes
- Tape
- Markers
- Bubble wrap, packing peanuts, egg cartons or newspaper
Donate Items You Don’t Want or Won’t make the Move
From the old sofa that is sitting in the basement to the chipped mugs and plates in the back of your kitchen cabinets, there are plenty of items you can donate or throw away as you pack up your home for a move.
- We also recommend going through your closets and dressers carefully, donating items that don’t fit or you haven’t worn in years.
Even if you don’t get rid of much, every little bit will help when it comes to packing and unpacking all the items in your home.
Pack Out-of-Season Items Ahead of Moving Day
While there are some items you will have to wait until the last couple days to pack, there are plenty of others that can be packed weeks in advance.
- Start with out of season items like jackets, winter gear, holiday decorations and more, so you don’t have to worry about getting everything done at the last minute.
The toughest part is getting started, and once you get into a routine, packing will become much easier.
Wrap Up & Pack Breakables that could be Damaged when Moving
As you come across breakables – good china, vases, decorative accents, glass ornaments and other important items – put them aside to pack up safely using these tips.
Packaged in a special box and labeled “fragile”, these items can be placed in the moving truck last or packed with you in your vehicle to ensure that they can be set aside carefully when you arrive in your new home.
Label Boxes on the Top and the Sides for an Easier Move
When it comes to labeling your boxes the more information you write, the easier it will be to unpack.
- Include the name of the room the box belongs in on all sides, as well as the top of the box to make them easy to sort through upon arrival.
- Including a list of what is inside each box can also save you some stress; you don’t want to be rummaging around eight boxes labeled “kitchen” while searching for plates on your first night in the new home.
- Also, when it comes to moving furniture, keep all of the screws, bolts, nuts and other small pieces in a labeled Ziploc bag to ensure you can get everything back in one piece without a trip to your local hardware store.
Finally, remember that more boxes aren’t a bad thing.
- Try to keep all of yours under 50 pounds to make for an easier move, and label overweight boxes as such so you don’t hurt yourself trying to pick it up.
Keep the Kids Entertained during the Moving Process
Between driving to your new place, unpacking the moving truck and spending the next couple days getting everything unpacked, it is easy for your kids to get bored.
- Plan ahead and pack a box full of their favorite toys and games, as well as your laptop and a few DVDs.
This way, your little ones will be kept entertained and happy while you set up their bedrooms and get to work turning your new house into a home.
Start your Move Early
Packing is a lot less stressful if you start at least six weeks before your move date.
- Begin by taking an inventory of what you can do without, what should be moved to storage and what will need to be with you in the first night in your new home.
Placed in an “essentials box”, these items will help to ensure your whole family goes to bed happy on the first night in your new space.
Call for Some Help moving your Items
Whether you are planning a local or long distance move for your Mainaland BC home , Highland Worldwide Vancouver is here to help you avoid the bumps in the road when getting from Point A to Point B.
To learn more about our moving services and schedule your big move, visit us online or give us a call at 604-581-2300.
