Moving sounds easy enough if you’ve never done it, but the process can quickly get complicated, time-consuming, and expensive if you don’t have a plan of action. Fortunately, with these 12 packing and moving tips, your move to your dream home will be a breeze.
Great Moving Tricks
Stay Organized
When you move there’s a lot of new information to remember, and typically a lot of paperwork. While few of us are blessed with photographic memories, we can all create a moving folder. This should be a safe place to store your new addresses, contracts, contact details, and any paperwork you have that pertains to the move. It’s good to have both a physical and digital version.
Declutter and Donate
If you’re selling a home, why not leave the bulky furniture and appliances behind — you can even use it to negotiate a better price with the buyer. Go through your possessions and be strict; give away or donate what you can, or even set up a yard sale. It might be difficult at first, but future you will appreciate it! Plus, the less you have to move, the less it’ll cost.
Book in Advance
Whether you’re renting a van to drive yourself, or hiring a moving service, be sure to book it in advance, particularly in spring and summer months. They soon become fully booked, and by getting in first, you can be sure you get the exact van you need — preferably one with a ramp — exactly when you need it.
Consider Storage Options
For ultimate flexibility, consider using storage facilities during your move. Not only does this ensure you have somewhere to keep your stuff until moving day, but it’s also a great plan B in case of delays. If there’s an issue with your new home, or the seller is unable to move out on time, you can keep your stuff safe and sound, until you can move in.
Remember the Utilities
Call ahead and have your basic utilities hooked up to your new home on the day that you move in. This way, you know you won’t be arriving in a home with no running water or electricity after a long day of moving. Don’t forget to cancel the utilities for your old place either.
Set a Budget
Make sure you know how much you can expect to spend on moving. The costs can soon add up, and it can be stressful if you haven’t made a budget for it. Use online moving cost calculators to get an idea and work around that, adding at least 15% just in case. As you speak to companies, tighten up your figure and try to avoid overspending.
Perfect Packing Tips
Start Packing Early
It’s never too early to pack, and the earlier you start, the less stressful it’ll be. Start by packing up the things you don’t need immediately, such as out-of-season clothes, books, decor, and kitchenware you don’t regularly use. Cover the rooms you don’t often use first, but don’t leave the kitchen until last — it often takes the longest time, so try to split it up into stages.
Create a Packing Zone
Set aside a designated packing zone to prevent your home from becoming a boxed nightmare. Here you should keep all your packing supplies handy, as well as the stuff that’s already been packed, keeping it all out of the way.
Coordinate Your Boxes
Make sure you know where each box should go when you arrive. The best way to do this is to color code them, for example red tape goes to the kitchen, blue to the bedroom, etc. Also, write the contents of each box, and draw arrows to prevent delicates from being manhandled.
Buy Quality Boxes
Invest in decent quality boxes to be sure they won’t break and spill your stuff into the road. Some moving companies rent out sturdy moving boxes, which can be returned once you’re done with them. Otherwise, purchase sturdy options that can be reused in the future or passed on to friends or family.
Pack Sensibly
Always place the heaviest items at the bottom of the box, and avoid leaving any spaces. Fill up gaps with small items that have been bundled up and bagged. This way, breakables won’t have space to move and should be safe from damage. Also, set a weight limit per box, so you or the moving team don’t strain yourselves, around 50lbs max should be good.
Keep Your Essentials Close
Finally, make sure you don’t pack everything away. Plan for the worst case scenario, imagining that the moving van is delayed by a day or so, and keep your valuables with you. Also carry a first-aid kit, flashlight, spare clothes, and any important documents about your person, just in case.
For an overview of the real estate market in popular areas across Canada and the U.S., visit the links below:
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Homes for sale in Tulsa
Homes for sale in Wichita
Homes for sale in Cleveland
Homes for sale in Honolulu
Homes for sale in Santa Ana
Homes for sale in Corpus Christi
Homes for sale in Lexington
Homes for sale in Saint Louis
Homes for sale in Pittsburgh
Homes for sale in Cincinnati
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Homes for sale in Duncan
Homes for sale in Maple Ridge
Homes for sale in Mission
Homes for sale in Nanaimo
Homes for sale in Pentincton
Homes for sale in Port Alberni
Homes for sale in Prince George
Homes for sale in Qualicum Beach
Homes for sale in Salmon Arm
Homes for sale in White Rock
