So you’re getting ready to move. Tough, right? Whether you’re attempting a DIY move or hiring a moving company, packing is one of the few areas in which you can save money. Instead of leaving the task to full-service movers, you can do it yourself, provided you have the time and patience. To make things easier, here are six essential tips that will surely help you breeze through the packing process.
1. Make Ample Preparations
Diving into something without a plan in mind can be disastrous. Not getting the right supplies or educating yourself about the proper way to pack will most likely end up with costs exceeding your budget. That said, here are some excellent ways to prepare:
- Set a budget. Most people like to buy supplies first and then realize that they spent more than they planned to. Come up with a definite budget for packing and try to stick with it.
- Time the transfer of utilities. You don’t want to lose access to electricity, internet, or water during moving day. You don’t want it to start running at your new home before you arrive either. Cooperate with your provider so you can avoid wasting money when you can use it to buy extra packing materials instead.
- Identify the items you’ll be packing. You probably shouldn’t move some things, such as pianos, beds, prized collections, etc. Make a list of what to pack and leave the rest to your movers.
- Make an inventory checklist. Download an app or buy a notebook so you can easily track down every single belonging or box that you are moving.
2. Downsize Your Home
Before jumping into packing, you have to make sure you’re only boxing up belongings you genuinely need. There’s no point in holding onto an old toaster you barely use or bringing an entire collection of 12 different spatulas. When decluttering, the golden rule is letting go of things you haven’t used in the last six months.
Start by organizing your inventory. Sort items into three groups: to pack, to donate/sell, and to throw away. You can sell your stuff online through eBay or post it on social media. Have a garage sale if you still have plenty of time. This is an excellent way to get back on some of your packing expenses. And for the rest of the items that nobody claimed, donate them to charity or send them straight to your local junk removal company.
3. Gather Supplies
Luckily, most materials are readily available at your local grocer. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Packing tape
- Packing paper
- Bubble wraps
- Scissors
- Moving boxes (discarded produce boxes work great)
- Markers
If you’re in a hurry, you can buy moving kits on Amazon or from Walmart. But if you’re keen on saving up, try to ask for free boxes from your neighbors or office. You can also scoop up free, durable boxes from a nearby liquor store.
4. Be Resourceful When Packing
It’s finally time to start packing! Want to save more money while expediting the entire process? Here’s some useful advice:
- Suitcases are great for storing heavy stuff like books. The wheels make it easy to drag around despite the weight.
- Got clothes on hangers? Don’t bother folding them one by one. Just roll and pile them together inside clean trash bags.
- Laundry in a basket takes up a considerable amount of space. Place it inside a vacuum-seal bag to shrink the space your clothing consumes.
- For clothes already tucked in drawers, leave them as is and move the drawer instead!
- If you run out of packing paper or bubble wrap, don’t waste time dashing to the store. You can use old newspapers and linens to pad belongings.
- Pack the kitchen first as it’s the most compartmentalized room in the house. Once you’re through with it, other rooms will seem easier to handle.
- Sort and keep smaller items like jewelry, make-up, manicure tools, etc., in Ziploc bags.
- Don’t forget to label each box. You can even color-code them according to the room they’re assigned to, so unpacking becomes much easier later on.
5. Pack a 1st Day Survival Box
Prepare a separate box containing necessities to help you survive the first day in your new home. This includes bathroom products, a fresh set of clothes, a toothbrush, and medications. It might seem bothersome to do this, but it’ll definitely make your post-move life easier.
6. Ask Friends to Come Over
They say the more, the merrier. Packing with more people also makes it faster and less tedious. That’s why you shouldn’t think twice about asking your friends for help. You may think it’s quite embarrassing, yet little do you know they are actually excited to help you out! It’s also the perfect time to say goodbye. Just make sure to order a ton of pizzas and prepare lots of hankies, though!
One Final Tip
Want to know the secret to make packing easier as a whole? Enjoy the experience! You might not be moving in a few years or never again! So approach the task not as a chore but as an opportunity to have fun. Wish you all the best on your upcoming move!