Moving soon? You're not alone. The average American moves every five years, and the process can be a bit stressful.
There are so many decisions -- how you should pack, what kind of boxes to use, and where to put everything when it arrives at your new house. Here are some packing tips for moving into your new home that will make the entire process less of a hassle!
Use Suitcases
When it comes to packing clothes, don't overthink it. Put your clothes where you normally would when you travel.
Pack your items in a suitcase or garment bag and you'll be all set for the move! They'll stay organized, be easy to find, and be less wrinkled when you arrive.
Don't forget to pack toiletries with your clothes for quick access. Moving is sweaty work, and you don't want to find yourself without deodorant!
Don’t Overpack
The key to organizing your move is finding the right size box for each item you're packing. Be sure not to overstuff boxes with things that don't fit! Overloaded boxes can be very heavy and will likely fall apart when they are moved.
Plastic storage containers are a more durable alternative to cardboard moving boxes. Plus, you can use them for other purposes over the years once you're all moved in!
If you have small or fragile items, use smaller boxes instead of large ones so they don't get crushed during transit.
Secure Your Breakables
To protect all your most fragile valuables, pack them with care. Stock up on packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts.
Even if you don't use it all for your big move, it will come in handy for packing glass ornaments and other breakables at Christmastime.
If you don't want to splurge on packing materials from the store, you can use low cost items found around the house like:
- Newspaper
- Grocery bags
- Towels
- Old sheets
- Leftover birthday wrapping paper
Stay Organized
It's easy to misplace things during a move, so create an inventory list of everything you pack and label all of the boxes with what room they belong in.
This way everything will be easy to access and quick to unpack.
Take Pictures
If you're using a moving company to help with your move, take pictures of all the rooms in order for them to know what they are responsible for.
It's also helpful if some items need special attention like any art work that needs extra care or heavy furniture that requires more time or manpower.
Protect Your Investment
Before you start moving bulky furniture, tape down plastic sheeting. This will protect against scratches or damage from floorboards during transit.
You can also add furniture foot pads to the bottom of each leg to protect your floors and carpets.
Moving into a new home is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming.
We hope these packing tips help you get your belongings from point A to B and set up in style at point C! If you're still on the hunt for the right place, Sturbridge Homes has move-in ready homes available now! And our team can make your transition even easier.