Moving takes time and if you're packing on your own, which most people do, make sure you give yourself plenty of time at least six weeks before your move date and plan carefully. The excitement of finding a new home can quickly dissipate once you realize that you are now officially under the gun of staging, selling and moving out of the one you already have. And, of course, that means checking all your belongings and packing each one. From furniture to cutlery, everything has to go.
We've got some moving and packing tips from the professionals to help you fill those boxes like a world-class Tetris champion. And, while we can't turn the baggage of a task into an exciting and fun-filled experience, we can help make it a little less overwhelming. Here are some of our favorite tips for packing when you move in, courtesy of some of the top influencers. It's hard to let go of things, but this is the best time to sort through all the items in your house and decide if it's worth taking them to your new home.
And when it comes to classification, there is no greater source of inspiration than the guru herself who arouses joy, Marie Kondo. Moving boxes fill up quickly and too often people underestimate the amount of things they have in their homes. That results in last-minute trips running around town, buying packing and moving supplies at a very high price. Since packaging is often considered the most vital part of the moving process, doing it the right way requires more than one or two box sizes and a box-loading strategy.
It will most likely take you about a week or two to pack your house, and that's if you spend most of that time packing. Kimmy from She's In Her Apron recommends starting the packing process by checking each room and packing up non-essential things you won't need during the last week in your home. Since you're packing these temporarily unnecessary things first, you probably need a place to store your boxes. If garage space isn't an option, consider renting a portable moving and storage container.
Choose the right size for you and have it delivered directly to your driveway. The best part? You can charge it whenever you want and keep it easily accessible at your driveway or have it professionally delivered to a secure storage location. Kristi, from Inspired Living with Kristi, knows a thing or two about packing for the move. As a teacher, she moved in and out of several classrooms, and, in her personal life, she has moved with her family seven times four from all over the country.
So, yeah, she knows what she's talking about. She recommends separating your valuables and packing them personally in a suitcase, especially if you are doing a long-distance move. This includes jewelry, passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and other important things that are difficult to replace or contain confidential information. Your suitcase should always be somewhere you can access and never give it to anyone else to help you with your move.
And as a note, if you're flying to your new location, make sure your suitcase is the size of a carry-on baggage so you don't have to check the bag. She recommends unpacking your bedroom, bathroom and kitchen (in that order) on the first day you move into your new home. The reason for this is that you are likely to feel tired from moving and need a shower, food and a good night's sleep. Since it's a good idea to put these rooms in order the day you move in, make sure that the boxes with things for these rooms are more easily accessible in your truck or moving container.
If you have heard a flight attendant give a safety briefing before takeoff, you will have heard the instruction to put on the oxygen mask before assisting others if an incident occurs. This is because our natural inclination is to put our needs second to any pressing matter we have at hand. But if you're not taking care of yourself first, then you can't take care of anything or anyone else. In theory, this same rule applies to the move of an entire house.
For more information from the experts, see the PODS blog. From organizing your home, from top to bottom, to reducing the size of small spaces, we have inside information from influencers across the country. LB Gabriel is a freelance writer who lives with her husband, daughter and Golden Retriever in Memphis, TN. A frequent contributor to the PODS blog, she is a fool for any advice she can find on downsizing, reducing clutter or minimalist living.
When she's not on a deadline, you can find her on a tennis court or golf course. Save my name, email and website in this browser for the next time I comment. . .
