Moving to a new place can be overwhelming. You have to arrange for the packing and transport of all your belongings. But with prior planning and preparation, this daunting task can get easier.
This guide will explain how you can prepare your home for a move and make it a stress-free experience for you. Are you ready to learn how?
Assess Your Situation
Before preparing for a move, it is important to assess your specific situation. Start by researching moving companies and their services such as M25 Group to find the one that best fits your needs. Do they provide packing materials and supplies? Is there an additional fee for stairs or heavy items? Are they insured and bonded in case of an accident? Make sure to gather quotes from multiple companies to compare rates.
Once you’ve chosen a mover, confirm the date and time of your move, including delivery of any agreed-upon services like packing goods or storage. Create an inventory list for yourself that details each item to be moved; this will be helpful when analyzing service quotes and during the physical move. Most importantly, check with insurance providers regarding coverage details as you may need additional policies if damages occur during the transport process.
Gather Moving Supplies
Choose a selection of boxes in varying sizes, bubble wrap, and packing or duct tape that can be used to seal the sides and tops of each box securely. To make sure nothing shifts during transportation, use unprinted newspapers or plastic air bubble cushioning around delicate items.
Additionally, it’s helpful to add labels and markers so you can easily identify the contents of each box when you arrive at your new home. If you are in need of more specialized items, you may need to visit a moving company for items like furniture covers and wardrobe boxes for clothing storage. Begin collecting all the items needed for your move beforehand so everything is ready when it’s time to start packing up your home.
Start Packing Early
Beginning to pack as early as possible is one of the most important steps when preparing your home for a move. By packing well in advance, it will be much easier to organize and prioritize items in an efficient manner. It’s also important to create a list of the items you are packing, including the number of boxes and items that have been placed in each one. This will make it much easier to find key items when they arrive at your new location.
Sort and Declutter
Before you begin packing up your home, it is essential to go through the items in each room and sort them into three categories: keep, donate, and discard. You don’t want to spend time packing and moving items that you no longer need or use.
Your sorting should begin in the closets, cabinets, attic, and basement – any area where you could have stored stuff over the years that no longer serves a purpose. Then move on to every room of the house like the living room, dining area, kitchen, and bathrooms.
Carefully go through bookshelves, desks drawers, wardrobes, and anywhere else where possession may be hiding. Chances are you’ve held onto a few things that your family or friends likely wouldn’t mind having as well – think about giving away some of these items as presents next holiday season!
To expedite the process of sorting through possessions:
- Set aside 15 minutes per day for each task
- Ask yourself if an item is necessary or has sentimental value
- Make donating and discarding bins for easy storing of items
- Develop a plan for how you can get rid of items responsibly
Disassemble Furniture
One of the most time-consuming and daunting jobs when it comes to moving is having to disassemble furniture. This includes beds, tables, shelves, chairs, desks, and more. It’s important that your furniture is properly taken apart and secured in order for a safe move.
Start off by gathering the right tools such as a screwdriver, hammer, and wrenches for difficult nuts and bolts. Have extra plastic bags handy to store the screws so you won’t lose them along the way.
Clean and Repair
Begin with a thorough, top-to-bottom cleaning of the house. Vacuum carpets, wash windows and walls, mop floors and clean all surfaces throughout the house. You can use simple household cleaning supplies or you may opt to hire a professional cleaner who can complete the task quickly and efficiently.
Once everything is clean, check all areas of the home for any damage that may need repairs prior to your moves such as broken door knobs or loose railings. Ensure that all smoke alarms are fully functional along with windows that open & close properly, light switches & outlets working correctly, etc.
Label Your Boxes
Labeling your boxes is an essential step in the moving process as it can make all the difference once you arrive at your destination. As you pack, place a label on each of your boxes that clearly states its contents and intended destination.
For example, if a box contains kitchen items such as glasses and plates, you would want to label it as “Kitchen Items” and, if applicable, its intended room such as “Kitchen-Dining Room.” This way, unpacking will be much easier once you arrive at your new home.
Additionally, color coding the labels on each box can be helpful when you are in the process of loading them onto the truck or other transportation vehicle. Assign a different color for every area of your house such as bedrooms, kitchen, and common areas. Having each room color-coded will help ensure that all items reach their intended destination when they are being loaded onto the truck or other transportation vehicle.
Moving can be a stressful process, but it doesn’t have to be. Taking the time to properly prepare your home for the move will help make it as quick and painless as possible. Following these tips from packing early to making sure you have all of your supplies on hand before the big day will ensure that your move is stress-free and hassle-free. Good luck with your upcoming move!