So you’ve decided to make the big move; maybe it’s for a new job, or a change of scenery. Whatever the reason, moving house can certainly push up those stress levels in no time! When it comes to packing, being faced with a house full of packing boxes and a looming race to the end can be a rather daunting process, but never fear – below are a few ideas and words of advice to help you keep the sanity levels in check:
Image courtesy of Lost Albatross/flickr.com
1. Plan
Regardless of whether you are packing part of all of your belongings, be sure to get started as soon as possible. Prepare a rough plan and set yourself dates to pack each room, working one room at a time. Start with those drawers and cupboards, the contents you use least. The key is getting organised early and allowing plenty of time to complete the process.
2. Ditch those flimsy boxes
Utilising packing cartons like those used commonly by most interstate removalists is the best way to go. Grocery boxes from the supermarket are convenient, but wow…how many of those does it take to fill a truck? And if you’re a hoarder, forget about it! Do yourself a favour and spend a little extra on purpose-fit boxes that will better protect those fragile items during a removal. Especially if you’re moving overseas, these flimsy boxes that once contained truss tomatoes could be in danger of being confiscated or worse – destroyed by Quarantine or Customs when they land in your new town! How much would THAT cost you?
3. Packing effectively
A little strategy that needs to go into packing your cartons. Always place your most breakable items on the top of your filled cartons to prevent weight being placed on them. Scrunch up plenty of paper at both top and bottom of every carton to fill any gaps and stuff them in so everything’s nice and snug. The less room there is for your things to move, the better. Besides, you can’t always count on the guys who are packing your track to love your possessions as much as you do. And hey – if you hate this part of the process, bribe a friend or partner! What’s a massage worth to them?
5. Label every box & nominate the room for placement in your new home
During the packing process make sure each box is labelled with a permanent marker. Write clearly on each box your surname, the contents of the box; for example ‘The Kitchen’ or ‘My Bedroom’, and what’s generally inside; for example ‘Linen’. Again, this will make things far easier for you to sort through at your new place. If something is particularly fragile don’t forget to label the box as fragile.
While professional removalists will take the up-most care transporting all your cartons to your new house it is important to keep in mind that goods packed by you – the owner, are often unable to be insured, so check with your removalist prior to moving day or simply invest in the services of professional packers for these fragile items for added peace-of-mind.
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I’m so glad we haven’t had to move in over 9 years. When we were in college I remember having to deal with packaging and boxes every year when we’d switch apartments. It was always such a pain. You almost wanted to own less stuff so that you wouldn’t have to pack so much!
My Money Design recently posted..Finally a Safe Savings Rate for Your Retirement Formula
Moving is the biggest pain ever. After moving many, many times as a child and young adult, I’m seeing the benefit in buying a “forever house” and just staying there!
Sophie recently posted..Finance: Would More Expensive Petrol Change Your Driving Habits?
Lesson learned on the weight advice….I used to stack boxes to the brim, only to realize that I couldn’t later pick them up! Great advice on getting sturdy cartons, too. Just the fact that they’re uniform shape will help you make sure that nothing gets lost AND if you’re moving yourself will make packing the truck easier.
AverageJoe recently posted..What Do You Do When Things Go Wrong? – 2 Guys and Your Money
I hate moving and have done way too much of it. But every move is a chance to get rid of everything that hasn’t been used in a while. Don’t go clutter the other home straight away!
Pauline recently posted..Try change! It is good!
I’ve literally posted the same thing today. What a coincident.
We moved house two weeks ago and it’s something I absolutely detest.
We paid for boxes, begrudgingly, since we’ve always been able to get them free. It was a great exercise in dumping a lot of our clutter and tat. In terms of unpacking we decided to but all our boxes in one room and distribute from there. It meant we weren’t walking around boxes and could unpack at our own rate.
Jamie Dickinson @ YourSavingAngels recently posted..Tips for Moving House When You Rent
UGH I hate moving! That’s the only thing I will really hate about moving.
Michelle recently posted..$5,983 in February Extra Income and Goals
Moving is so stressful. It’s one of the things I hate most in life. I think another thing would be to make sure to de-clutter all year long…so when it comes to move you don’t have to try and de-clutter before you even start packing. Makes it so much easier.
Budget and the Beach recently posted..One Step at a Time: Part One
We always pack all of the boxes ourselves but hire movers to move everything. We have heavy furniture and there is no way we could move it!
Holly@ClubThrifty recently posted..8 (Surprisingly) Cheap and Beautiful Travel Destinations
I absolutely hate moving and glad we’ve not had to do it in six years. These are all great tips, but #5 is a huge one. It can really help make the moving day experience more efficient so you’re not just dumping boxes in one location.
John S @ Frugal Rules recently posted..Taking the Plunge: How to Build a Client Base For Your Small Business
I hate moving with a passion. Our last move was April 2012, from our apartment (with elevator) to our new condo (3rd floor walkup). We had movers, but even with the movers we did a ton of up and down the stairs. The day after the move I was so sore I could barely move. Poor bf had an asthma attack and was hospitalized for 3 days. Way to start our new life together. Next house we buy will be a 2 story with 1 flight of stairs in the suburbs, or in an elevator building.
KK @ Student Debt Survivor recently posted..I’m Dating a Financial Stud!
I have always moved our family around and never hired movers. I will probably do it when we sell our current home because I don’t want to deal with it. Thanks for the tips Glen.
Debt Roundup recently posted..Straight Talk Review Update – Not Truly Unlimited
Planning is important, but stick to the plan is just as important! Many times in real estate I See people show me their elaborate plans they came up with in excel or word, then a few weeks later they tell me they have been improvising and going with the flow instead of following their plan. You made it for a reason!
Edgar@ Degrees and Debt recently posted..Make Money While Shopping
Great tips! I agree with Tonya; decluttering well in advance of your anticipated move, will save you in time and energy. Added bonus: less stuff to pack
Mackenzie recently posted..Link Love: Hello March Edition!
When moving always pack TP somewhere that it will be easily accessible. Better yet, keep it in a purse or in your car so that when nature calls you’re not frantically searching 100 boxes for it.
Justin@TheFrugalPath recently posted..Wealth: One Word Many Definitions
I hope I don’t have to move for a long time, but I would have one mother of a yard sale first. Labeling the boxes is a huge thing you need to do. I’ve learned that one the hard way before.
Kim@Eyesonthedollar recently posted..What if I Can’t Pay My Income Taxes?
Great advice Glen, getting ready to move and these will come in handy. I think the most important thing to do is labeling, I always forget. Heck, half the time I forget whats in the box the moment after I tape it up, ;-( Good thing I have a really organized wife!!
Jim recently posted..When Inflation Rises It’s Time To LEAP Into This Investment
Glen, great advice! Love the tip about starting early. We usually start organized, but since we don’t start early enough, we’re organized at the beginning and then at the end, simply throwing everything into boxes. Next time, we’ll start early too!
Laurie @thefrugalfarmer recently posted..How a Family of Six Keeps Healthcare Costs Low
I actually really like to move…haha…I love setting up the new place and decorating, etc! Although since owning my condo, I haven’t moved since 2010.
The Happy Homeowner recently posted..Increased Productivity = More Money in My Pocket
I’m probably a pro at moving at this point. Every box gets 1-2 words describing the contents, the name of the room it will go in, and any special restrictions on the box, like fragile or partially full–nothing on top.
Edward Antrobus recently posted..February 2013 Net Worth Update
Moving is the best time to declutter and truly decide what “stuff” is important to us. If we take the chance and ditch a lot of belongings, your instructions become even easier, Glen!
Tony@WeOnlyDoThisOnce recently posted..Flee School: Get Out Into the Real World
I wish I would have seen this post a month ago! I just moved, luckily I hired a moving crew and have some good friends that helped as well.
Paul @ The Frugal Toad recently posted..Budgeting Tips: How to Stop Spending Money on Things You Don’t Need