As I am about to move into my new home, I have come across not only the stress of moving by also how time-consuming and costly it can be. Below are some tips that have helped me and hopefully will help you to with the big move!
Try to start early
Start going through your belongings and getting rid of anything you don’t want. There are many ways to do this; giving to charity or friends and family, throwing out un-useable and selling on platforms like eBay, Esty or Gum Tree.
Leave everyday items until right before you move. Basic cooking, washing and enough clothing to last you through the period before to move.
Don’t forget to change your address at least one week prior to moving on all your mailed bills. At this same time, it is best to get your utility suppliers sorted; Electricity, Gas, Water and Phone/Internet connections. Note* New homes may need a new phone connection which usually costs $300AUD.
Organising Everything
As you’re packing, label boxes with the room it belongs in, and what’s inside. Each box can be moved to the room it belongs in at the new home, which will make the unpacking process easier. Make sure to mark heavy and fragile item boxes to help when loading vehicles or to help your movers.
Keep track of all your belongings by numbering the boxes. If, when you get to your new home, you are missing a number, you’ll know that it was lost in the move and you will be able to find it quickly.
Use everything you have
Before purchasing or finding boxes, utilize any suitcases, duffel bags, or large containers, like laundry baskets, you may have in your home or even borrow from friends/family. You’ll minimise the trash, and the cost, of your move.
Clothing can be moved in the dresser drawers. Keep draws in place with plastic wrap or use cardboard on the dresser edges and tape around them.
Heavy duty trash bags can be used to pack hanging clothes, they’re hanging. Tie the hangers together with a string and stuff the clothes in the bag. Suit bags are also a great cover for moving hanging clothes, if you are too worried about damage during the move, lie them down on the back seat of a car.
Tips for sealing your goods
Remove the lids of gels and liquids in your kitchen, bedroom or bathroom, and cover the openings with plastic wrap before replacing the lids. This will keep them from spilling or leaking out during the move, even if the lids come loose.
If you have powder cosmetics, place a cotton ball on top, inside the container, to keep powder intact.
Pack heavy items on the bottom and lighter items on top.
Protecting fragile items
Try wrapping breakables in cloth you already have; Towels, clothing, bedding, etc. Clean socks fit well inside of glasses and stemware.
If you don’t have enough, bubble wrap is a great solution, but a newspaper is just as effective, usually less expensive, and can be recycled once you’re in your new home.
Plates are less likely to break when they’re packed side to side, like in a dishwasher, instead of stacking them on top of each other.
Preparing furniture & electronics
Furniture is likely to be some of the heaviest things to move. If possible, take it apart prior to moving.
Keep track of hardware, cords and cables by labelling it inside of individual plastic bags, or taping the hardware to a piece of paper.
Take photos of the way electronics are plugged in before you take them apart. It’s easier to put back together with a photo to work from.
[caption id="attachment_2276" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Woman painting walls in living room, rear view[/caption]Prepare your new home
If you are renting your new home, be sure to take photos before you move in. You’ll want a record of the condition of the home when you move in. Record everything!
Cleaning your new home before you move in will ensure that you can put everything away once the boxes arrive.
If you’re planning to install shelving or paint, do so prior to moving your belongings into your new home.