Relocating to a new home always comes with challenges. Even if you don’t accumulate a lot of possessions through the years, packing and unpacking can still prove quite stressful.
Naturally, you want to make sure that you are only bringing with you everything you need. On top of this, it is also important to ensure the safety of all your belongings that will be moved. Damage-proofing your valuables is an absolute must, especially if you wish to avoid additional expenses after the move.
Whether you are personally moving your possessions or hiring professional moving and packing services, there are various strategies you can employ to streamline the process and keep items to be moved safe and secure. Below are nine of these strategies:
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| Professional Moving and Packing Services |
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#1. Create a comprehensive checklist
Prepare an inventory of all the things that you will be taking with you, and then write down what needs to be done to them. Likewise, list down all the tasks you need to stay on top of, as well as when you need to accomplish them.
Make your checklist as detailed as possible. This is the best way to prevent common moving hassles such as forgotten items and certain “things to do” that don’t get done.
#2. Pack by room
Some people would rather pack by category. But if you will be moving into a family home where each family member will be getting his or her own space, get each person to take charge of their belongings and keep their items safe.
Just be sure to provide your family with the right packing supplies and instructions on how to properly pack to protect the quality and integrity of their items.
#3. Apply efficient packing strategies
To damage-proof the items you will be putting in packing boxes, go online for packing strategies or tips.
For example, to prevent fragile items such as dinner plates from breaking, professional packers advise lining the bottom of the box with dish towels and then wrapping each plate with either bubble wrap or packing paper. Pack the plates vertically instead of stacking them on top of each other. This way, the plates will not be weighed down by each other.
Another strategy to use is to put books in medium-sized boxes. Why? Books are quite heavy. You will not be able to move a huge box of them so easily.
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| Packing and Movingy |
#4. Have your rugs and carpets professionally cleaned
Rugs and carpets are dust magnets. If you do not have them cleaned before packing them for the move, they will leave a trail of dust wherever they are taken and may also get your other belongings dirty. Plus, they can trigger allergies.
By having rugs and carpets cleaned before packing and the move itself, you can avoid unnecessary hassles.
#5. Use clear Ziploc bags to store cords, bolts and nuts, screws, and other small components
This will make the unpacking and setting up easier and faster. Include a label as well to indicate what they are for. Keep these bags in your hand-carried items so you can avoid forgetting about them.
#6. Invest in clear plastic containers for your unpacking essentials
All of the materials you need for unpacking should all be placed in clear plastic containers for quick finding and visibility. These are cutters, scissors, power strips, rubbish bags, toilet paper, paper towels, snacks and others.
#7. Take pictures of the proper setup of appliances and furniture
By doing this, even little kids will be able to help out in reassembly or putting together disassembled parts.
Cables for the computer and the entertainment systems are often colour-coded, but if they are not, the pictures you have taken will make it easier to connect cables where they should go. Ditto with furniture pieces.
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| Label All Cartons |
#8. Label all cartons or boxes appropriately
Do not just indicate what’s inside each of the boxes; provide instructions too on how to handle the boxes properly.
Adding special instructions like “do not shake” (because it’s the instinct of some people to shake any sealed carton to guess what’s inside) or “lay down gently” can further reduce the likelihood of damaging belongings.
#9. Study the layout of the house you are leaving and the house you will be moving into
This will allow you to come up with strategies on how to bring in (or out) your belongings. Even removalists will appreciate information about the layout of both homes because they will be able to bring the right moving equipment to make their job a breeze.
These tips have all been proven effective in making moving out of an old home and into a new one a smooth process. So, implement all of these and experience a less stressful move.
About the Author: Craig Jones is the Managing Director at Aussiemove, Australia’s largest independent moving alliance. Craig is a respected member of the removalist network in Australia, having served in senior positions, including the President of the removal industries governing body, the Australian Furniture Removals Association (AFRA). With 23 years of experience at Aussiemove, he has the skills and the highly trained team to move families safely and reliably, in Adelaide, across Australia and around the world.