By Jonas Bordo, CEO and co-founder of Dwellsy
It’s true that packing for a move usually isn’t a complex process, but if you want your move to go as smoothly as possible (and your belongings to survive intact), there’s a little more to packing than simply loading your stuff
into boxes and hoping for
the best.
Here are some packing best practices:
- Declutter. Do this well before the big day! If you have any belongings you don t need or want anymore, now’s the time to set them aside, donate them or dispose of them. This isn’t a task you’ll want to deal with when you’re in the throes of moving.
- Assemble your packing materials. You also don’t want to realize you’ve run out of boxes or tape midway through packing up your kitchen. In addition to boxes, make sure you have packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, foam peanuts, newspapers or other materials handy.
- Pack one room at a time. Not only is this more time efficient, but it will also make the process of unpacking much easier.
- Allow enough time for disassembly. Remember that you’ll have to unhook electrical appliances, take nails out of the walls and remove lightbulbs from lamps. You may also need to disassemble large pieces of furniture, like your bed frame or bookshelves.
- Consider leaving clothing in drawers and on hangers. If your dresser drawers are full of non-breakable clothing, why not leave these items where they are? Secure the drawers in place with tape or straps so that they don t slide open or fall out in transit. You can also leave clothing on hangers.
- Label everything. Playing the “what’s in which box” game is not how you want to spend your first few days in your new home. Label each box in detail as you pack it. For example, don’t just write “Kitchen.” Write “Kitchen: toaster, tea kettle, spatulas, immersion blender and oven mitts.”
- Save the essentials until last. These are items you’ll want to use while moving out and moving in, as well as belongings you don’t want to take any chances with.
- Make sure to rent the right size truck. It’s easy to underestimate how much space your belongings will take up, so if you’re renting a truck or trailer, err on the side of “too big.” This is especially important if you’re moving
a long distance. - And don’t forget to include appropriate equipment. Plan to use moving blankets or furniture pads to protect non-boxed items and straps to secure large items so they won’t shift in transit. Don’t forget items like hand trucks, dollies and ramps.
Jonas Bordo is the co-author, along with Hannah Hildebolt, of the book “Everything You Need to Know About Renting But Didn’t Know to Ask: All the Insider Dirt to Help You Get the Best Deal and Avoid Disaster.”
This Article is curtesy of Florida Realtors
