According to the data from the U.S. census bureau, the average person in the United State moves residences more than 11 times in their life. Whether you’ve just graduated, landed a new job, having your first kid, or just feel like getting some new scenery, packing and moving is the least pleasant part of the move.
Depending on how much you own, packing, loading, and unloading a truck can take up to 10 hours long. Pretty daunting, right? Here are a few tips that can help simplify the process and make the transition seamless.
Start early
Most people don’t realize how much they own until it’s time to pack. If you’re a month out from your move in date, it might be time to start packing up. A little bit here and there will go a long way.
Although, you don’t have to pack everything immediately, you can begin to pack your belongings that aren’t used frequently. Starting early also gives you the opportunity to determine whether or not half these things you own are even worth saving.
Declutter
Many of us are guilty of it, that is, hoarding. Getting rid of our belongings can be difficult, even if we haven’t used the items in months, or even in years past. Think about how often something gets used when packing. If an item hasn’t been touched in six months or you can’t see yourself using it in six months, it’s probably safe to throw away. Consider donating or recycling before tossing something in the trash.
Decluttering can be the difference between two different sized moving trucks or a matter of hours spent lugging boxes. If you begin rummaging through your attic early enough, you might have enough time for a yard sale — now your moving truck is paid for.
Unfortunately, furniture doesn’t always last. But, in this instance, it might not be a bad thing. In the age of two-day shipping, everything can be sent to your doorstep. Bed in a box has become increasingly more popular as of late. Your mattress is sent to your door in a box and now you don’t have to worry about the hassle of squeezing your old mattress through doorways or the landing of your staircase.
Organize
Now that you’ve cleaned out your house and made a little extra cash, it’s time to start organizing your things in boxes. While packing, make sure to keep the boxes sorted by room. You can keep track of which items are in which box by using labels and keeping a list.
Numbering your boxes will allow you to track each box as you move things into the truck, from the truck, and into your new home. You’ll be quick to notice if something goes missing.
Get the right truck
Moving trucks can be costly, which is why it is important to get the right size. It’s never fun ordering a truck only to find out that half your things don’t fit or that the truck is so big things are sliding around from side to side and front to back. Oh, and speaking of which, make sure to lock the hatch. I’m sure you don’t want your belongings flying out of the back.
Once you have all your belongings packed, be sure to pile them all together, including your furniture, so you can get measurements for how big or how small of a truck you need. Now that your truck is filled, you can watch it leve into the sunset. Don’t worry, you’ll see it again. Hopefully at your new home.
Moving to a new place can be very exciting, but also stressful at the same time. I hope that these tips will help you plan, keep organized, and mitigate any stressors during the moving process. Now, once you’ve unpacked, you’ll be ready to turn your new house into your new home.