Amazingly Simple Tips That Will Make Moving Day A Breeze

Now is the time to simplify and pare down your belongings to only the things you need and/or love.

Packing stinks. But packing stuff you haven’t used in years (and will probably never use again) just makes no sense.

First of all, you’re making more work for yourself. Second, do you really want to clutter up your nice new home with a bunch of stuff you don’t want or need?

The correct answer is no. You do not want to take that stuff with you. But where do you start?

Here are a few areas to consider paring down.

• Clothing
• Small appliances
• Holiday decorations
• Electronics
• Artwork and knick-knacks
• Cleaning supplies

As you are packing, everything should be looked at with a discerning eye before you put it in a moving box. Do you love it? Do you need it? If the answer is no, put it in the “donate” box instead of the moving box.

Furniture

Getting rid of furniture you no longer need is one of the best moving tips. 

Furniture isn’t exactly clutter, but if that piece isn’t what you want in the new place, you’re better off parting ways with it now. Honestly, it would be super rare for all of your current furniture to work perfectly in your next home.

By selling or donating the items you no longer need, you can save precious space in the moving van. You may even be able to get a smaller truck and save money.

Then. as you start furnishing your next home, consider renting your furniture rather than buying it. Many people have embraced this new way of furnishing their homes, especially those who move frequently.

Since there are now places like Furniture Options, where you can rent high-quality and trendy furniture, you can design your space exactly the way you want it. And you don’t have to worry about spending a bunch of money on something that may not work in your next home.

The best part is that on your next moving day, you can just have it picked up. No more moving furniture from home to home.

Packing Tips For Moving

When it comes time to pack up your home, follow these moving tips to make the process go more smoothly.

• Start packing earlier than you think is necessary. It always takes much longer than you expect, so start early to give yourself plenty of time.
• Book your truck or moving service as early as possible. These things do get booked up. In order to make sure you get what you need, when you need it, just cross that task off your list way in advance.
• Pack non-essential or seasonal items first. This includes collectibles, books, artwork, or out-of-season clothing. Anything you don’t use every day can be packed away early.
• Don’t use boxes that are too large. Use smaller boxes that are easier to carry. Put heavier things (but not too much) in the bottom of the box and the lighter things on top.
• Label the boxes on the side rather than the top. That way as the boxes are stacked up, you can see what they are.
• Use a different color label for each room in your new home. When you get to the new place, put up a sticky note that corresponds with the label color for each room. Pink labeled boxes go in the room with the pink sticky note. Also, pack your things according to where they will go in the new home, rather than where they were in the old home. 
  
• Create a system to track what is inside each box. You could number the boxes and keep a written list of what is inside. Or you could take a picture of the contents before you close up a box. Then organize the photos according to your numbered system.
• Leaving hanging clothes on hangers. Group a bunch of hangers together and secure them with a rubber band. Then poke a hole in the bottom of the trash bag and thread the hangers though. Cinch or tie the trash bag handles (now at the bottom) to keep your clothes clean.
• Don’t empty your dresser drawers. If your dresser is going to your next home, don’t bother emptying all the drawers just to put it all back inside when you get to the new place. Instead, put a few pieces of packing paper across the tops of the things in the drawers to keep them clean. You’ll pull the drawers out to make it easier to move, but there is no reason your things can’t stay inside.
• Pack a suitcase as if you were going on a week-long vacation. Gather enough clothing to get you through a week, along with all of your essential toiletries. Then everything else can be packed for moving.
• Have an “open first” box. This box will include all the essentials you will want to have right away. Items you will definitely want in this box are toilet paper, paper towels, bedding, shower curtain, and bath towels.
• Create a kitchen essentials box. In this box, you’re going to pack what you need to serve a meal or two. Since it may take some time to get the kitchen fully unpacked, have plates, utensils, and napkins where you can easily get to them—even if it is the disposable stuff. And coffee. Trust me when I tell you that you want all the things necessary to make a cup of coffee where you can find them on your first morning. Don’t be like me.

• Take a picture of the back of electronic devices before unplugging everything. When it comes time to put it all back together, you will know exactly where each cord goes.
• Put screws and bolts in a baggie if you need to take furniture pieces apart to move them. Seal the bag and tape it to the back with painter’s tape to keep it all together.
• Pack all cleaning supplies together. You’re going to want to clean up as you start putting things away, so make it easy to find what you need.
• Keep a folder of all important documents related to your move. I hate paper clutter as much as anyone, but make sure this is a hard copy. If you need to access your new lease or the moving truck contract on moving day, spotty cell phone service or lack of wifi is going to pile more stress onto an already stressful day.

Enjoy Your New Home

Once everything is moved into your new home, take some time to get accustomed to your new surroundings. Chances are, not everything is going to look exactly the way you imagined and you need a little time to see how best to use your new space.

Maybe your sofa is too big, or you discover the perfect spot for a little breakfast table. At Furniture Options, you can find the pieces you want for your new place. And you don’t have to worry about what to do with it when it comes time to move again.

You will probably also want to add a bit of your own style to your new apartment. For some renter-friendly ideas to jazz up your new space, check out our article, 7 Easy Hacks To Turn Up The Personality On Your Boring Apartment.