So you’ve decided to buy a new home or rent a new apartment. It may seem like the hard part is over, but it’s just beginning. If you’ve lived in any one place for long, you’ve probably never given much thought to exactly how you would gather and move your things to a new home.
If you find yourself in this position, don’t fret. Moving doesn’t have to be a harrowing nightmare, just as long as you approach it like a professional moving company. Here are a few areas to pay attention to that will make moving day a breeze:
Get Organized
First and foremost, you’re going to need to get a handle on what you’ll be moving. It’s possible that you don’t even want half of the things you have to come along with you. To get started, focus on an inventory of what you have. Decide what to keep and what you can do without. Go through every container and closet; don’t overlook anything. If you have things you’d like to get rid of, many donation services will come right to your door to pick up your unwanted items.
Gearing Up To Pack
To make sure your things arrive safely, you’ll need some supplies. Here’s a good starter list from Norfolk mover:
- Quality boxes in at least three sizes, small medium and large
- Packing tape
- Masking tape for labeling
- Scissors and utility knife
- Packing paper (Bubble wrap if necessary)
You may encounter things as you pack that will require more specialized materials, but this list will cover most of your belongings. A more exhaustive list can be found here.
Packing Strategies
The first thing you’ll want to do is create a “day-one” box. Try to think of everything you’ll need immediately when you arrive at your new home. Remember that it’s going to take you a while to unpack everything else and you’ll need to get by for a little while. Next, group your items by which room they will belong in, and label them. If you’re dealing with a large home, color coding boxes could also be helpful.
Pay attention to wrapping breakables carefully. Keep in mind that the movers won’t know exactly what’s in your boxes, so if you want them to be safe, it’s up to you. Most movers will inspect your boxes to make sure they’re packed well because they’ll be liable for damages if something breaks.
Loading The Truck On The Big Day
Believe it or not, there’s a right and wrong way to load a moving truck. If it’s done improperly, you could damage or destroy your belongings. First, put the largest, heaviest items in the front of the truck. Next, place furniture and heavy boxes in the center. Load mattresses and couches along the sides of the truck, surrounding the center items. Lastly, load all remaining boxes, with the heaviest items on the bottom. Make sure that you secure all large or heavy items to prevent shifting. If you’ve done it right, everything should be just as you loaded it when you arrive at your new home.