A small move may refer to a short distance between points A and B. A small move may also refer to the number and types of items that are being relocated. If your goal is to make your move as affordable and efficient as possible, preparation ahead of time can help to reduce costs and time spent searching for high-usage items in your new location. Read the below points to learn how to do Packing for A Small Move.
Dispose of Unwanted, Outgrown and Non-functioning Items
Unless you are a dedicated minimalist, you probably have collected some items in your household that are seldom or never used. Before moving to a new location, particularly if you are downsizing, it is important to be realistic about the amount of space you have and the number of items that will fit into that space.
Thrift stores such as Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity stores and St. Vincent de Paul are always happy to accept donations. Other outlets which appreciate donations include local women’s shelters and veteran’s programs. Some of these programs will even pick up donated items at your location.
There are commercial businesses that will help you to de-clutter your house if you prefer to have professional help. Typically, the sorting is done at three levels: Donate, Trash, and Move.
You can set other household rules while sorting. For example, you may limit the move possessions to a certain number of boxes per child. You may donate anything that has not been used in a year. The rules will vary according to the specific needs and preferences of the household. Donations are a good way to help others in your community.
If you want to earn a little extra to apply it to the costs of the move, you could consider having a yard sale or a virtual yard sale with unwanted items. A surprising number of people are interested in items you may consider junk.
Plan Your Packing for Minimal Disruption
A packing plan should be in place for everyone assisting or participating in the relocation. You can structure the plan by Date Started, Completed, Who is Responsible, or Priority of Usage. The items used least often but still needed at the new location can be packed first.
One example is seasonal items such as Christmas decorations or winter clothing and blankets during a summertime move. Items that will be used up until the last day or so before the move and will be needed early on in the new house should be packed last.
While it is not helpful to over-think the plan, it can save stress and interruptions on moving day if everyone involved knows what is already packed, where it is going, and who is responsible.
A Few Suggestions About Boxes
For many, boxes holding all of your items are a problem. There are various places where free boxes can be found. These include local supermarkets, electronics outlets, and liquor stores. Free boxes may seem good, but you risk flimsy or poorly constructed boxes. There may be sites on social media where people are offering free moving boxes.
When selecting boxes, think about the size and weight of the items you are packing. Even a small move may have some heavy items, such as books, which should be packed in boxes that can be easily lifted by those doing the physical labor.
Pots and pans, as well as oversize cookware, can be heavy, but they can also be used to hold small items which might otherwise be overlooked. Small paring knives or potato peelers can be placed in a saucepan with the lid secured to avoid an accident when unpacking the box.
Labels and Locations
Every box should be packed and secured with tape. If you plan the right number and size of boxes, most boxes will be full of like items. Each box should be clearly labeled with information about the contents and which room is where the box will be placed in the new location. Additional information can include elements from the packing plant.
Think about your arrival in the new location and which items will be needed first, which should be unpacked next, and which can wait until you fully organize your new space.
Prioritizing the boxes as you are packing and labeling them will also help you to plan the unloading order at the new house. You don’t want a stack of boxes in your kitchen with the least used items on top of the stack.
If you have a team of movers on moving day, and the boxes are marked with the priority level, the least used items can be placed on the truck last, so they are first unloaded. The highest priority level should be easily accessible at the new location.
Alternatively, you may want to have your low-priority boxes set aside in an area that will be unpacked later. Once everything is secured and labeled, you can first concentrate on unpacking the highest priority items.
Use Your Furniture
For homeowners with furniture items such as dressers, wardrobes, and tool chests, leave loose items in the furniture rather than emptying them into boxes. It is relatively easy to move a dresser with several drawers by removing the drawers temporarily while the large piece is loaded and secured. Then the drawers can ride in their original furniture piece with minimal packing and unpacking to be done.
If the things are not too heavy, the drawers can be moved with plastic wrap and heavy-duty adhesive. This will prevent drawers or cabinet doors from shifting during the lifting and transporting.
Packing For Essentials
On moving day, you may not have the energy or time to think about unpacking. Pamper yourself as much as possible by packing an overnight bag or suitcase with the items you cannot live without.
Some examples might be a change of clothing (or two), toiletries such as soap, shampoo and a toothbrush, and any daily medications or supplements that are critical for your health. You may need to consider whether any of these items must be refrigerated.
The suitcase will allow you to quickly unpack the items you must have available for your personal needs. Other items that might be used immediately can be in a second box or bin. These include scissors, pens, knives, tape measure, and keys. Critical or sensitive documents and records should also be identified to keep them secure.
A Few Final Words
Sorting, planning, packing, and unpacking are the necessary steps, regardless of whether the move is large or small. Pampering yourself during the time leading up to, during, and after the new location is reached is necessary to limit physical and emotional exertion.
Limiting financial stresses is also important. When your move is well planned, there are fewer items to move in most cases. A small move can be a great opportunity to make your life less complicated and less cluttered. Take advantage of the tips here to reduce some of the costs of relocation. You can book our Safeway moving long distance and short distance services.
