Moving is not something most people relish. Although it’s associated with a shiny new chapter, many parts of the ordeal are frustrating and stressful.
The anxiety of what to pack and when to start packing is among the most important. Get lost in too deep, and you risk forgetting valuable belongings. Lose too much, and you risk spending more money than necessary to replace it.
We want to help alleviate some stress. Read on to learn when to start packing for a move.
Consider the Size of Your Current Home
When considering when to start packing for a move, the size of your current home should definitely be taken into account. A small studio apartment may require only a few hours to sufficiently pack all belongings, while a three-bedroom home may take weeks.
If you plan to pack yourself, it’s best to start early but not too early. This is because you don’t want your packed boxes to take up too much room in your home before moving day. Before the actual packing process begins, it is a smart idea to check your current home’s storage capacity.
What do you own that will require special packaging techniques? Are boxes and packing materials easily accessible? Answer these questions ahead of time so as not to overload yourself when the actual packing begins. Planning and assessment before packing can go a long way when trying to save time and energy in the moving process.
Evaluate Your Schedule and Commitments
When evaluating your schedule and commitments prior to a move, it is important to consider when to start packing for a move. Even though you can wait until the week of the move to start packing, the more planning and packing you do before the move, the more likely it will go smoothly.
It is advisable to start packing six to eight weeks prior to the move. Create a moving day checklist to stay organized. This could include things like getting rid of things you don’t need, scheduling a moving company, and getting packing tools.
Get family and friends involved to help lighten the load. It also helps to designate a room to begin packing from if you’re able to, to ensure a smooth and organized transition from start to finish.
Factor in the Distance of Your Move
When factoring in the distance of a move, it is important to begin packing at least 3-4 weeks in advance. Leaving enough time to start packing is key.
First, go through each room in the house and make a list of what needs to be packed. Take a mental note of bulky items that take up more space. Take into account the more fragile items that need a special packing job.
Gather the appropriate packing materials– boxes of various sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and blankets. Once you have identified which items to pack, start with the items you don’t use regularly and proceed to the items you use daily.
It is important to pack in stages and not rush it. Leave extra time for unexpected events, like finding a place to donate extra items or having to repair pieces of furniture. As you prepare to pack, also get ready to label boxes clearly and effectively. This will help during travel and unloading.
Tips When Planning When to Move
Moving can be a stressful time. Proper planning is key to helping reduce stress. Understanding when to start packing for a move is the first step in the planning process. Read on to learn more.
Take Inventory and Declutter
When moving house, it is best to start the packing process by taking inventory of all the things that you own. This process will help you decide what to keep and what to get rid of.
Take the time to go through each room, writing down an inventory of what you have and making a list of items you should get rid of. Donate items you no longer need, and be realistic about what you can and cannot take to your new home. This will help reduce the amount of time it will take to pack and unpack your belongings.
Plan for Special Items and Fragile Belongings
When planning for a move, it is important to prioritize packing items that are more fragile and have special meaning. Fragile goods such as furniture, glassware, and picture frames should be properly wrapped and have enough padding for transport.
Additionally, if you have any technology items, equip them with special bubble wrap and other packing materials to ensure that they don’t get damaged along the way.
Allow for Unexpected Delays
Unexpected delays can occur, however, and that is why it is important to allow for extra time when it comes to packing. Make sure to consider delays such as bad weather, stressful traffic, and unforeseen problems when talking to a professional mover.
You may also want to consider packing up non-essential items a couple of weeks earlier than the other items. If unforeseen delays occur, you will still have the items that you need. Allowing for extra time and preparing ahead will help guarantee a smoother transition when moving.
Enlist Professional Help if Needed
Start by making lists of what needs to be packed and then distribute that task among those that will be helping with the move. Enlist professional help if needed, typically a few weeks prior to the move. Utility companies, cleaning, and residential moving company can often be secured in advance.
They will often provide supplies once they arrive. Professional assistance can make the process much less stressful. Moving in advance will also ensure that the best rates are secured with the help of moving companies. Taking the time to organize beforehand makes all the difference in the moving process.
A Guide on When to Start Packing for a Move
Packing strategically is the key to a successful move. Start planning early and use the tips from this article about when to start packing for a move to help guide you throughout the packing process.
Set a timeline and stick to it, and your move will be a breeze! With the right organization and plan, you can make moving easy – let’s get started!
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