Moving into a new home is an exciting experience, but it can also be highly stressful. You have to figure out where and how to begin packing, which room to start with, and who to contact for assistance.
If you’re looking for some tips to help make the move smoother, here are some steps you can follow.
1. Declutter
Packing all your belongings into boxes and bags can be overwhelming, which is why it helps to cut back on the clutter.
Gather all unused or unnecessary items and decide between selling, donating, or disposing of them. It is also crucial to take measurements of your new house and remove any furniture that won’t be able to fit. You may refer to our guide on proper furniture removal for simple tips on how to handle these bulky items.
Decluttering reduces the packing supplies, movers, and truck space you need. Hence, it keeps the moving process inexpensive and stress-free while allowing you a fresh start in your new home.
2. Make a moving checklist
Creating a checklist simplifies the packing process.
The checklist should contain crucial information such as the moving contracts, rental or purchase papers, and an inventory of all the items you and the moving company will carry. This inventory will help ensure that you know what kind of packing supplies you need and that nothing gets lost in the process.
3. Start packing early
It is often difficult to know what and how many supplies you need before packing. Hence, it would be best to start packing a few weeks early so you don’t stress yourself out at the last minute trying to figure out what you need for the move.
It helps to start with items you don’t often use, such as home decor pieces, books, and DVDs.
You should also label your boxes clearly so the movers know where to put the box without constantly consulting you.
4. Book movers early
Another advantage of packing early is knowing how much heavy lifting and boxes you have for professional movers. This knowledge allows you to estimate what size truck and how many movers you require, thus making price negotiation easier.
Furthermore, the earlier you book your movers, the higher their chances of availability and the more affordable their prices.
5. Schedule utilities
Once you have finalised the move-in date, you should contact your utility providers to schedule services at your new home so you have working electricity, water, and wifi when you move in.
It is also crucial to remember to request service stops for your current home so that you won’t incur extra bills.
6. Keep the essentials with you
Though the risk is low, there is still a possibility that the moving truck, along with your belongings, gets lost or stuck while on its way.
Hence, it would help if you held onto essentials such as paperwork, keys, medications, and a change of clothes.
7. Stock up on moving supplies
Some supplies you will likely require include:
- Boxes
- Garbage bags
- Box cutters
- Adhesive bandages
- Permanent markers
- Paper towels
If the moving company hired doesn’t provide these items, you must remember to stock up on them. Moving equipment like furniture dollies and tie-down straps is also helpful for bulkier items.
8. Get a truck with a loading ramp
Getting a truck with a loading ramp will help facilitate the moving process by eliminating the challenge of lifting every box high enough to get into the truck, which would be time-consuming.
9. Keep track of screws and parts for furniture you need to disassemble
If you have disassembled furniture, you should have a ziplock bag labelled with each piece of furniture’s name so that you can keep track of all the screws and parts inside. These bags should be placed in a box both you and the movers can easily access.
10. Pack bedding with you
After a tiring day of moving, nothing is more relaxing than resting on your bed. Therefore, you should keep your pillows and bedding with you so you can use them immediately.
Conclusion
Packing for a move is often daunting because of the sheer number of things you need to keep track of. Hopefully, this guide will help to simplify the process and make moving a stressless and hassle-free experience for you.
If you’re looking for professional moving services in Singapore, check out JC Movers. JC Movers also offer furniture removal and disposal, commercial office movers, and furniture storage services. Contact us to find out more.