At it’s best, packing and moving your things when you buy a new home is a lot of work. At its worst, it can be downright dangerous if you aren’t careful when lifting and moving heavy items.
A necessary evil of moving to a new home, packing is probably the least favorite part of moving for your average homeowner. However, there are ways you can make this process easier, saving you time and ensuring that decorating your new homes is a simple and satisfying task.
In today’s post, I’m going to run down the list of 5 packing and moving tips to help make your move faster and easier than you thought possible.
1. Cleaning and decluttering
One of the best times to clean out your home is leading up to a move. First, if you’re selling your old home, it will pay off to make the house as clean and uncluttered as possible to attract potential buyers. However, you’ll also likely find that there is a lot of junk that you simply don't need to bring to your new home.
When packing each room, keep a garbage bag with you for things you might want to donate or throw away. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself if you’ve used or appreciated the item in the last two years. If not, you might find that it’s easier just to get rid of.
2. Schedule your packing
There are some items in your home that you’ll want available up until the day you move. Others you might not need for weeks or months until after you’ve settled into your new home. You can lessen your workload by spreading out your packing process across the span of a month or so, tackling a few items each week.
A good example of planned packing is to start packing your seasonal clothing that you won’t need until the next winter or summer.
3. Have someone carry away your old junk
If you have bulk items or furniture that you plan on getting rid of, put them on Craigslist or call a donation center with pick-up a month in advance of your move. This will help you get rid of large items without ever having to leave your home.
4. Hiring movers
Hiring movers might be out of some new homeowners’ budgets. However, there are certain times of the week that you can get lower prices. Movers are typically the busiest on the weekend, often making weekdays a more affordable alternative.
5. Find your local box stockpile
There’s typically no need to spend money on boxes if you give yourself enough time to find a good supplier. Some grocery and department stores will give away their boxes for free because you’re saving them on recycling costs.
Another good option is your local liquor store who probably has several empty wine and beer cases to give away.