Moving Made Easy

It’s moving time, my friend, and no matter if you’re moving IN to Avonlea Highlands or from and into a new place, you’ve probably managed to collect a lot of STUFF over the past couple decades. It’s finally time to pack it all up and haul it to your new home. Whether you’ve moving in with your family, or living alone, moving can be quite overwhelming. Luckily for you, we’ve got 21 useful tips that are going to make the transition easy.

BEFORE YOU MOVE

1. Change your address at least two weeks before moving. You may overthink this step since most of your notifications are electronic- but don’t forget things like your insurance, bank, pharmacy, doctor’s office, credit cards, etc.

2. Make sure you have a few food essentials with you in case you won’t have time to grocery shop (although it is quite convenient having Kroger literally across the street!) At least until you’re settled and can do some real shopping.

3. Start early and give yourself more than enough time to pack up your things. This will reduce stress and allow you to deal with unexpected problems that may arise. Begin boxing up items four weeks ahead. Start by packing things that you won’t use in the next couple weeks.

4. Save money on moving by asking stores if they have boxes you can use – instead of buying new. You can try contacting your local furniture or grocery stores. More great box sources are Craigslist, Freecycle, liquor stores, book stores, McDonald’s fry boxes (there is a whole Facebook page dedicated to alternative uses for these boxes), Starbucks, schools and perhaps your workplace.

PACKING

5. Labeling: Label your boxes with what room/category they belong to. Label the sides of the boxes instead of the top so you can identify them even when they’re stacked.

6. Use different colored duct tape for each room/category. That way it’s easy to distinguish which boxes go to which rooms or designated areas.

7. Make a list: Label each box with a number and keep a list of all the items you put in each box. Avoid packing items from different rooms/categories in the same box. This will make unpacking easier and keep things more organized so you don’t risk losing or misplacing valuable items.

8. Pack an overnight bag with personal essentials like a toothbrush, deodorant, toilet paper, a change of clothes, etc. so that you have the basics you will need for the first night at the new place without having to unpack a ton of boxes.

9. Pack heavy items in small boxes and lighter items in larger boxes.

10. Place a cotton ball or pad in your pressed powder cosmetics to keep them from breaking.

11. Use empty egg cartons to transport your smaller jewelry like earrings and rings. Tape the carton shut so nothing falls out.

12. Your dresser drawers can be used as their own moving boxes, which will keep you from having to unpack and re-fold their contents.

13. Pack liquids separately in a plastic bin. If anything spills, it doesn’t damage any of your stuff, and it won’t leak through a plastic container as it could if it were in a cardboard box.

14. To help cut down on boxes, use any laundry bins, suitcases, hampers, storage bins, and baskets you’re taking with you to store items in (use the suitcases with wheels to pack heavier items like books).

15. While your clothes are still hanging in the closet, place a garbage bag over them, including the hangers. This will make packing and unpacking more efficient.

16. Use vacuum seal bags to pack blankets, towels, and other clothing that’s not hung up in your closet. This will free up a ton of space since blankets and towels can be very bulky.

EXTRA TIPS

17. To save money on bubble wrap – use your clothes (t-shirts, scarves, socks) to wrap your breakables in, like dishes, glasses, etc.

18. Before taking apart your electronics, take a picture of the back so you can remember how and where all the wires go.

19. Use sandwich bags to hold any small parts of things you have to take apart, like the screws to a mounted TV. Tape these bags to the back of the item they came from. You can also use this method for the cords to your electronics, that way you know what cord corresponds to which electronic.

20. Make sure to supply food and drink to the family and friends that help you on this new journey of moving. Also, give them first dibs on items you plan to sell or donate.

21. If you decide to hire movers, make sure you read the fine print and find out exactly what they will and won’t move. For example, some movers won’t move things unless they are in boxes.

WELCOME HOME!!

Moving Made Easy

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