If you want to pack for a move, you need to be mentally prepared that it will not be easy. It is physically exhausting and requires fantastic organizational and time management skills. If you are reading this page, you are probably a greenhorn at packing for a move. Read more for five practical tips to help you get started.
Plan Early
It is important for you to look around your house and categorize the items into small ‘blocks’ for you to pack a little each day. You should start drafting this checklist four to six months before the stipulated move date. The last thing you want is to be up late at two in the morning, taping your boxes before the moving truck arrives. With at least four months into the moving date, you can pack and organize at your own time while you are hustling with your full-time job.
Pack Carefully
While you are sorting out your home items in a list, take note of items that require more care such as kitchenware, lamps, and furniture. This will give you a sense of the kind of moving supplies you may need. For instance, you may need to wrap fragile items in layers of newspapers and bubble wraps before putting them in sturdy moving boxes.
Declutter
You may also want to look at your belongings to see what you do not want anymore and sell them away. Moving is easier when you have fewer items to account for. You do not need to move everything. For instance, you may be better off investing in a new TV when you move into your new place if it has some years to it. You should also dispose of any harsh chemicals, corrosives, or flammable liquids; these may compromise the safety of the other items in your boxes. Lastly, if there are clothes that you no longer want, you can donate them to your neighbors or organizations like The Ottawa Mission.
Save Money on Moving Supplies
Moving can be costly. The costs of hiring movers and buying moving supplies pile on top of the money spent to buy a new apartment. To save costs, it is easiest to start with moving supplies. You can get free moving boxes from large retailers such as Walmart, Target, or any local pharmacy. This is not surprising since they tend to receive large shipments of products, and hence may have flattened boxes in their storage room. Furthermore, you can also connect with people on Facebook Marketplace to find recent movers who are giving away free boxes.
Hire a Reliable Mover
There are plenty of moving companies to choose from. Budd Van Lines in particular is reputable for our excellent moving service. Our Load It Once system makes moving more efficient and careful by storing your moving boxes in tight-sealed sturdy containers until it is ready for delivery. As there is less handling, your items will not be damaged or lost. Contact us today to discuss your moving plans!