The time has finally come to start moving into your new home, and you have to face the inevitable: Moving Day! It’s a trial that everyone has to face at some point (or a few) in their lives.
Packing is hard work. It’s a super stressful process that requires a lot of strategic thinking (and perhaps emotional distancing from sentimental clutter) to avoid breaking your bank, your fragile lamps, or your back. This can take a toll on even the best planners. Talk about stress!
But worry not -- we’ve put together a handy list of packing tips to make your moving day as breezy as possible.
Before You Start Packing
Preparation is probably one of the most important steps for moving. Before all else, you have to think about a few things, like your budget and how you’ll be transporting everything (using professional movers and other services? Perhaps your own vehicle?). You’ll also want to update your address on the important platforms. Maybe you want to create a checklist! Once you get that out of the way, you can plan accordingly. The earlier the better!
When You Start Packing
1. Get rid of anything you don’t need.
Yes, we know it can be hard to part from sentimental items. Perhaps it’s a broken bicycle that reminds you of your childhood, or a piece of clothing you had as a teenager that doesn’t fit. Set apart anything you don’t use or need and donate/sell them. You’ll have to resist reminiscing if you’re short on time.
2. Categorize your items and label your boxes.
Organization is crucial. You’ll want to know what’s in each and every box; whether it’s fragile, what room it belongs in, what contents are in it. It’ll save you a lot of frustration in both the packing and unpacking process -- a win-win!
3. Be resourceful!
If you’re bringing your furniture, here’s good news -- your dresser already has half your clothes packed for you! To make things simple, just take the drawers out and use plastic wrap. Use what you already have sorted to your advantage. Stuff things in every available space: your shoes, in your pots, laundry baskets, etc.
4. Make sure fragile items won’t break on the drive.
For things like your TV, you don’t want it to sit in a box of flimsy cardboard. Keep your electronics safe through the drive by using their original boxes; if you can’t find them, there are other materials (thank you, bubble wrap!) that make great alternatives. Having newsprint at hand is also great for wrapping around your breakables during the move. Blankets also work for certain items!
5. Use saran wrap over spillable liquid bottles.
Having your shampoo or lotion spill or leak all over your car is a nightmare nobody wants to deal with. Avoid the potential crying and cursing by unscrewing the cap, wrapping a piece of saran wrap or Ziploc bag over the top, and screwing it back on. Works like a charm.
6. Heavy stuff at the bottom, lighter stuff on top.
Packing is an art. To make sure you use your space effectively without incurring damage to your items, remember to place your lighter items on top of heavy ones. Figuring out how to fit everything together for the move will feel like a Tetris game.
Now you’re ready for the move!
Armed with these useful tips, you’ll be able to pack like a boss and save a lot of time, frustration, and effort. Keep in mind that the sooner you pack, the better -- ideally, you want to be all packed up and ready to go at least a day before! If you are ready to move hassle-free into a brand new home in Fayetteville, let us help you. The Ridges at Kings Grant has several beautiful townhomes in its golf course community.