How can I make moving easier?

Moving Prep

After finally deciding to move house, the packing process is one of the biggest challenges for most of us. One of the toughest parts is deciding to let go of things that have sentimental value but no real market value. It’s overwhelming to pack supplies in a matter of weeks or days for possessions that took years to organize at home.

Beginning early and having a straightforward plan makes the moving process easier. In this article, we guide you through the packing process step-by-step to make sure you are ready on your moving day. We collaborated with moving professionals to make sure you get expert advice to perform a seamless move on your moving day.

What Packing Supplies Do You Need?

The contents of every house are unique because we have a tendency to organize our homes based on our unique preferences. Some houses have more fragile items than others, while some houses have an abundant supply of heavy furniture. The following is a list of some of the basic supplies you will need to move:

  • Boxes (cardboard or plastic storage containers)
  • Bubble wrap
  • Brown tape
  • “Fragile” tape
  • Garbage bags, vacuum seal bags, and recycling bags
  • Labels and marker pen colors
  • Packing paper

In the days before your move, start collecting these items. Some of these things can normally be found at home. This way, you can reduce costs and minimize wastage.

When To Begin Packing?

You should start packing at least five to seven weeks before your moving date. Beginning too late can make the entire packing process seem mind-blowing. Will you be able to perform the move when you feel emotionally and physically drained because you don’t have the time?

Planning the packing process will give you the time to organize your belongings and get rid of things you don’t need without putting a big dent in your budget. Consider getting professional movers to help if you are making a last-minute move.

Choosing The Date To Move

Choose a date to move, five to seven weeks from now. It should be convenient for you and all your family members. Consider selecting a date that lies on a weekday when you and your partner have the entire day off. Remember, the moving process is a work in progress and it is not over until you get to your new location. Going through any of these steps too fast means you might compromise the efficiency of the entire moving process.

Things To Do 5 To 7 Weeks Before Moving

Organize your inventory by decluttering things that have been left untouched for a long time. Do you need all of your old appliances at the new location? Let your friends and family know about any appliances you want to sell or sell them online for the best price. You still have the time.

Go through possessions that have emotional value and decide which ones you want to keep. Are there other ways you can preserve these belongings without physically taking them with you?

Things To Do 4 To 6 Weeks Before Moving

Separate hazardous materials like one-time use hardware equipment, paint, glue, and miscellaneous DIY supplies. Moving companies do not transport these items anyway. Start organizing kitchen appliances, tools, and decorations that are not in use.

Start packing out-of-season clothes and remove old clothes that no longer fit. Also, pack things you don’t need here in the next few days.

Things To Do 2 To 3 Weeks Before Moving

Sift through important documents, paperwork, and valuables to create a safe stash for these items. Make sure you have a checklist that lists all the documents inside the safe stash. Start packing crockery, terracotta, and fine china but leave just enough kitchenware for daily use. Think of other valuables that you need to take with you to the new location but cannot be transported by the movers.

10 Days Before The Move

Prepare an essentials box (more on that below), that contains the items you need as soon as you get to your new house. Organize furniture and plants so they can be packed easily and transported to the new location. Organize and label the boxes based on their content and original location.

Clearly label boxes that contain valuable or fragile items and appliances. This is a good time to consume food that is already in your house. Refrain from making any large unnecessary purchases until after you reach the new location.

The Day Before The Move

Check all the rooms in the house, the kitchen, the bathrooms, cupboards, the cellar, the attic, the porch, and the balcony to make sure you miss nothing. Keep your safe stash and the essentials box with you to take to the new location by yourself.

Organizing An Essentials Box

Think of the essentials box as your “survival kit” for the first few days as you reach the new property. The essentials box contains all the items that you would need on a weekend getaway. Everyone has a few belongings that they need regularly to get through the day. Let’s look at what needs to be packed in the essentials box.

  • Cleaning supplies
  • Toothbrushes and toothpaste
  • Shower gel, soap, shampoo, and conditioner
  • Toilet paper
  • Fresh change of clothes
  • Bedsheets, pillowcases, bedspreads, and blankets
  • Kettle and coffee cups
  • Coffee, tea, and sugar
  • Tableware
  • Chargers for laptops and phones
  • Sleeping clothes and nightgowns for everyone
  • Children’s entertainment items or pets
  • First aid kit

The contents of the essentials box will help you get through the first few days when you get to the new house. Unpacking all the boxes will take time. You could break something while unpacking if you are unnecessarily eager to unpack because you need something urgently.

To Make Life Even Easier Hire Bin-it Professionals

Professional moving companies such as Bin-it offer not only full-service moves but also host a range of products to help make any move efficient, easy and even fun. Looking for plastic or cardboard boxes? Buy or rent them out on Bin-It; the one-stop-shop for all your moving essentials.

If you are planning a move to New York and surrounding areas and are seeking professional movers you can’t go wrong with Bin-it