Moving homes can be a real stress. Sometimes it can feel like all the planning in the world isn’t enough, and other times it can feel like once you pack something, you won’t be able to find it for months. With so many things to organise, coordinate, and pack, it’s no wonder many people dread it.
Here at Icon Homes, we know a thing or two about moving to your new dream home. To help make your moving process a little smoother and easier, here are some key tips and tricks to move home effortlessly.
Preparation is Key
The best time to start planning is as soon as you decide to move house. The earlier you start, the less stress or last-minute panic you’ll have down the road.
Begin by choosing a date to move. It might be worth scheduling the move for a Thursday or Friday and then taking those extra days off work. That way, you have a long weekend to sort through your boxes and furniture before diving back into work.
Prepare for the move by listing everything you’ll need to do. The list should include all the major tasks such as packing your belongings, notifying your utility providers, and tasks such as informing work and letting your neighbours know. You’ll also give yourself enough time to browse removalist and moving services and find one that suits your budget.
Declutter
Before you begin packing, take some time to declutter your home.
Remember that everything you keep, you’ll need to pay to transport it to your new home. This means it’s better to be as ruthless as possible and cull anything you don’t need. Donate all your unwanted items to a local charity, or see if you can sell any items online.
Boxes
Unless you’re using a moving company that includes coming into your home and packing everything for you (the dream!), you’ll need to acquire some sturdy boxes. Speak with your moving company to see if they offer cardboard moving boxes. You can save money by sourcing boxes from your local supermarket, too.
Most importantly, the boxes you pick need to be sturdy, strong, and not likely to fall apart when you begin packing.
Pack a first day/week box with the essentials
Before you begin packing up your entire home, begin by creating a “first-day/week” box.
In this box, put all the essentials your family will need, including toothbrushes, toiletries, basic cooking utensils, pet food and supplies, linen, and toys or electronics to distract little ones if you need them.
An essentials box will save you from rifling through boxes at your new home, looking for the things you need while you settle.
Pack mindfully
When you begin packing, ensure you are using the right boxes for the right rooms and objects. For example, shoes and heavy boots can go in smaller boxes, whereas lighter items like bed linen and towels can be placed in heavier boxes.
A good way to organise your boxes is to colour code the room where they hold items. Boxes that contain anything from the kitchen can have yellow stickers. The bathroom could have blue stickers, the living room has red, and so on. This way, you’ll know which box goes where when unloading.
Make sure to pack your boxes right to the top—no spaces! You can use bubble wrap, pillows, clothes, towels, grocery bags, or other soft items to help buffer gaps.
Not many people know this, but it’s better for your clothes if you pack them while they’re still on their hangers. It makes sorting your clothes much easier, and you can just unwrap and hang them.
For plates, stack them vertically in the boxes. Stacking ceramics horizontally can often lead to bending, cracking, or breaking due to the weight and pressure.
Tape your boxes well
When taping the boxes, use a few pieces of tape to close the bottom and top seams of the box first. A good packing tip is to wrap the tape around the box a few times, concentrating on the stress points and giving the box more support.
Communicate with your chosen moving company
If you are confused, stressed, or unsure how to pack something, speak with your moving company. They do this professionally and know the ropes. Tell them ahead of time if you have bulkier or delicate items requiring special handling. Some furniture requires special equipment, so give them enough time to prepare.
There’s nothing more exciting than moving into your brand new home. We love helping you make your dream home a reality here at Icon Homes. Speak with one of our expert team members today, and you might be unpacking boxes and moving into your dream home in no time.
