Even if you’re on top of packing, transferring utilities, and setting up wifi, moving is a daunting ordeal. As moving season gets into full swing, we’ve put together a complete Moving Survival Guide (with help from our moving-savvy Taskers) to keep you from drowning in boxes or getting your couch stuck in the doorway. First up is perhaps the most dreaded part: packing. Read on for tips to stay organized and sane before the big move.
1. Need boxes? Get scrappy
They may be a nuisance when they’re piled up after a big online shopping spree, but sturdy, clean boxes are like gold come moving time. Aside from asking friends and coworkers if they have any, try your local print shop, grocery store, library, or liquor store. Think outside the box, too. Toss pillows and comforters in heavy duty garbage bags or laundry baskets, and invest in plastic storage bins for items that will go straight into the attic or garage.
2. Pack, sell, donate, or toss
Declutter your belongings as soon as you know you’re moving. It might sound harsh, but we’ve all done the dance of pulling a jacket out of the closet, swearing we’ll wear it, and hanging it back up—only to do it again a few months later. If you really, really see yourself using an item on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, pack it. Donate or sell what doesn’t make the “pack” pile (unless it’s of sentimental value), and toss items that are no longer functional. (Save yourself a few trips to Goodwill, and schedule a Tasker to handle donation drop-off!)
3. Sort by category instead of room
Packing entire rooms in one go can get overwhelming. If you’re one to focus on one task at a time, try organizing by category—all your clothes from your bedroom and storage closet, then books, then electronics, etc.
4. Label everything
Nothing is more annoying than rummaging through dozens of boxes for that one thing you swore you packed. Don’t just label your boxes by room. Include a list of what’s in it, too. If you want to get really organized, number each box, and create a master list on your phone or tablet that you can easily search when you need.
5. Photograph electronics
Unsure of what color cord goes where? Document your TV setup before unplugging it so you don’t have to play a guessing game at your new place.
6. Measure furniture
Don’t spend moving day trying to fit an oversize couch into a door frame. Taking note of your furniture dimensions well ahead of time not only helps you avoid getting stuck on moving day, but it also gives you a sense of how to lay out your new space.
7. Pack an essentials kit
You’ll want to have some easy-to-reach basics for your first few days in a new place. Pack a carry-on suitcase as if you’re going on vacation, with comfortable clothes, toiletries, soap, toilet paper, towels, phone and laptop chargers, and anything else you might need before you tackle the unpacking.
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8. Use the Entire Box
Efficiency is key when moving, so be sure to pack your boxes tightly and securely. Obviously you don’t want to put fragile dishes up against sharp-edged electronics, but it’s imperative to ensure your boxes are filled so you don’t have to make as many trips.
9. Use Your Suitcases
Suitcases have to be transported with every move, and the most efficient way to move them is by filling them like a moving box. Suitcases are a great vehicle for bulky items that don’t fit inside small moving boxes.
10. Have an Inventory of Valuables
Keep track of valuables like jewelry, your wallet, and your passport. Make a list of all your valuables, and try to keep them in a safe place like a lock box that won’t be lost or damaged in the move.
11. Keep Your Clothes on the Hangers
Keeping your clothes on hangers makes it easy to transport them. You can grab a few of them and move them easily, or use specialized clothes moving boxes to hang them up and move your whole closet all at once!
12. Disassemble
Break things down as much as possible when moving. Beds, couches, appliances, and anything with parts that can be reassembled should be deconstructed. It will make moving easier and save a ton of space.
13. Hire Movers
Getting help with your move can be a great way to speed things up! Hiring one or more Taskers is the perfect way to save time and energy throughout your move. Taskers can do the packing, heavy lifting, and organizing so you don’t have to.
14. Pack Toiletries in Plastic
Put your toiletries in clean plastic containers (like a see-through makeup bag) so you can locate them easily and keep them from spilling or exploding. You’ll be grateful you did this when you complete your move without spilling coverup all over your bed sheets.
15. Take Care in the Kitchen
The kitchen is often overlooked when it comes to caring for fragile items. Microwaves, blenders and plates are easily broken and need to be wrapped thoroughly. Be sure to organize plates vertically, and use padding on any items that are made of glass (or otherwise brittle).
16. Organize Your Wardrobe
Organizing your wardrobe is essential before moving so that it’s easy to unpack. If you have all of your socks and shoes together, it’ll be a breeze to unpack them in your new place and get them situated in your new storage ASAP.
17. Have a Plan for Perishables
It’s time to eat those leftovers and toss out those bananas. While you can move perishables, it’s best to dispose of them prior to moving so they don’t make a mess or spoil throughout the process.
18. Create an Unpacking Schedule
Having an unpacking schedule can help you stay focused and organized when unpacking. A schedule will enable you to take things piece by piece and prevent you from being overwhelmed.
19. Plan to Move Heavy Items First
Always move the heaviest items first so you can make space and expend your energy wisely. The last thing you want to do is move a heavy couch after a day of running around!
20. Get Rid of Junk
Haul away your old junk before moving, preferably a couple of days before. Having less clutter ensures a smoother move.
21. Create a Moving Checklist
A moving checklist is a great way to stay on track! You can tick off items as you go to ensure nothing is left behind.
22. Consider Storage
Lastly, if you have too much stuff, it might be time to consider storing some of it. You can put your belongings into a storage unit and decide what to do with them at a later date. Storage is a great option for folks with larger homes and more inventory!
Additional Moving Tips
In addition to the tips above, here are some extra considerations when moving:
- Color code boxes: Color coding boxes by room or category can save time when unpacking and diminish the need for frantic searching.
- Label electronics: A bit of tape and a marker can make a perfect label for electronics. Simply place the tape on a cord, and forget about the confusion
- Use a fitted sheet: When moving your mattress, place a fitted sheet on it to prevent it from getting dirty.
- Get the right boxes for art: Transporting art can be perilous, especially with larger pieces. Be sure you have special boxes for paintings, which are generally sold at places like U-Haul.
- Keep a first aid kit: Injuries can happen on moving day, so be sure to stow a first aid kit in your car or somewhere accessible.
If you’re feeling ready (or not) for the big move, why not hire a Tasker? Taskers make your move seamless and do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. Hire a Tasker today!
