Step One: Downsize
Now is the time to be selective. Plan to bring only the items you want and need for comfort and daily use in your new space.
- Do I love it or need it? Consider your space and purge enough so that all your items have a place in your new home.
- Determining what to do with all of your purged items in advance and save time. Donate, give to family and friends, trash or sell.
- Check your local donation outlets to see what they take and if they pick up.
- Be sure to ask family and friend before giving them any of your items. You don’t want to fill their house with your unwanted stuff.
- Check with your county waste to see if there are items that cannot go into the regular garbage.
- Research the value of an item. Send a photo to an auction house for a quick response. Other avenues for selling items: yard sales, Facebook, eBay, Craig’s List and consignment shops.
- Give yourself permission to let go of sentimental items. It’s okay to let go of items you don’t want or love.
Step Two: Pack
Packing Paper vs Bubble Wrap
- Paper for dishes, mirrors and small fragile items. It takes up less space than bubble and allows for stacking items, like dishes.
- Bubble wrap for larger items like appliances and lamps because it has that added layer of air cushion. Tip: Do not skimp on the packing paper. It’s the most economical way to protect your items during your move.
Packing Boxes vs Plastic Tubs
Packing boxes:
- Easy to stack and store flush in a moving truck.
- Recyclable & easy store when they are broken down.
- Come in standard sizes for easy moving.
- Made to protect household goods.
Plastic tubs:
- Great for storing items in your new home.
- Inefficient and cost more to move because they cannot be stacked edge to edge.
- Vulnerable to cracking and collapsing during a move.
- Keeps items dry.
Best Labeling Practices:
- Label on the top and side of the box (3 sides).
- Use permanent marker.
- Put your name on the box – first.
- Put the name of the room on the box – second.
- List the items in the box – third.
- Share your floor plan with the movers on move day.
- Label your rooms in your new home.
Step Three: Unpack
- Put on some great dance music.
- Set up bedroom, bathroom and kitchen first.
- Reclaim packing materials. Many moving companies will pick up moving materials and recycle them after the move.
- Avoid clutter as you unpack by giving all items in your new home a place to live. An item that does not have a home will be put down in any available space.
If you are overwhelmed by the thought of the moving process, then give us a call or email for a free consultation.
Darla Pompilio
Founder
Your Tasks Our Time, LLC