Changes are part of life and, often, this includes where you live. It’s generally nice to leave for a new place, live a new phase of life, but the act of packing all your belongings and transporting them safely to the new destination is quite laborious. For these moments, the first step is planning. Without it, things can get very difficult and messy. Therefore, we have put together some valuable tips for organization and practicality when it comes to residential moves.
Cleaning
There is no point in transporting all your belongings if your house, whether old or new, is dirty or dusty. The dirt will end up spreading over your objects and this will be twice the work.
Cleaning is an essential part of organizing a residential move, and tackling it strategically can save you time and effort in the long run. Here’s how you can approach cleaning during a move:
Pre-Move Cleaning:
- Declutter First: Before you even think about cleaning, declutter your belongings. Getting rid of unwanted items reduces the amount of stuff you need to clean around and pack.
- Deep Clean Room-by-Room: Start with a deep clean of the rooms you’ll be emptying first. This allows for easier cleaning throughout the packing process. Focus on areas like floors, cupboards, and countertops.
- Kitchen Scrub-Down: Pay special attention to the kitchen, including cleaning appliances, wiping down cabinets, and degreasing surfaces.
- Bathroom Blitz: Bathrooms require thorough cleaning. Disinfect surfaces, scrub toilets and showers, and clean mirrors and floors.
- Light Fixture Attention: Don’t forget about light fixtures. Dust cobwebs and wipe down chandeliers or ceiling fans.
- Schedule Carpet Cleaning (Optional): Consider professional carpet cleaning, especially for high-traffic areas.
Move-Out Cleaning:
- Final Sweep: Once everything is packed and furniture is removed, do a final sweep of the entire house. Vacuum floors, wipe down surfaces, and empty trash cans.
- Focus on Neglected Areas: Pay attention to areas that might have been hidden behind furniture, like baseboards and corners.
- Appliance Attention: Clean inside the oven and refrigerator before leaving them behind (if not included in your agreement).
Cleaning at the New Place:
- Fresh Start Clean: While the old place is sparkling clean, your new place deserves a good cleaning too. Wipe down surfaces, vacuum floors, and ensure a fresh start in your new home.
Donating unused clothes, accessories, and objects
Everyone has a bunch of objects, clothes and accessories at home that they haven’t used in a long time. How about donating them to someone who will make better use of them? If they are broken or obsolete, it is best to throw them away, but the important thing is not to carry unnecessary weight when moving.
Donating unused clothes, accessories, and objects is a fantastic way to declutter before a move and give your belongings a second life. It benefits both you and those in need. Here’s how to approach it:
Sorting and Assessing:
- Declutter ruthlessly: Go through your belongings with a critical eye. Ask yourself: “Have I used this in the past year?” “Does this still bring me joy?” Be honest and create separate piles for “donate,” “throw away,” and “keep.”
- Condition matters: Donations should be in good, usable condition. Ripped clothing, broken accessories, or malfunctioning objects won’t be helpful. These items might be better suited for recycling (if possible) or responsible disposal.
Finding Donation Opportunities:
- Research local charities: Many charities accept clothing, accessories, and household items. Research local shelters, community centers, or donation drives that align with your interests.
- Online donation platforms: Several online platforms facilitate clothing and household item donation. These platforms allow you to schedule pickups or drop off your donations at designated locations.
- Think beyond traditional charities: Animal shelters often accept gently used towels, blankets, and even some clothing scraps for bedding. Additionally, some community centers might take on board games, puzzles, or sporting equipment.
Cardboard boxes
Yes, they are the best friends of those who are moving. However, you need to take certain care with cardboard boxes. First, separate objects from different rooms into different boxes. Identify the boxes with the name of the location for which the objects placed in them are intended, so that you are not carrying them from one side to the other unnecessarily. Another interesting tip is to place heavy objects in small boxes and light objects in large boxes, as they can be carried in greater quantities. Try to reuse these moving materials (cardboard, adhesive tape, bubble wrap, etc.) as much as possible to avoid waste. Respect the environment!
Here’s a breakdown of your points and some additional considerations:
Strategic Packing for Efficiency:
- Room-by-Room Packing: Separating objects by room is a brilliant strategy. Labeling boxes clearly with the destination room (kitchen, bedroom, etc.) saves time and frustration when unpacking at your new home. No more hunting for that box of towels across a maze of unpacked boxes!
- Weight Distribution: You’re absolutely right about weight distribution. Packing heavy objects in smaller boxes makes them easier to lift and prevents them from damaging the box or injuring your back. Lighter items can fill larger boxes, maximizing space utilization.
Eco-Friendly Moving:
- Box Reusability: Reusing cardboard boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap is a fantastic way to minimize waste and be kind to the environment. Ask friends or family if they have any leftover packing materials you can borrow, or check online marketplaces for free or used moving supplies.
- Creative Reuse: Get creative with reuse! Old blankets or towels can be used as packing material instead of bubble wrap for some items. Empty plastic containers can hold miscellaneous odds and ends.
Here are some additional tips for using cardboard boxes effectively:
- Don’t Overload: Avoid overpacking boxes. Overweight boxes are difficult to move and more prone to tearing or collapsing.
- Use Proper Closure: Securely close boxes with sturdy packing tape. Apply tape along the top and bottom seams for maximum reinforcement.
- Fill Empty Spaces: Use packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or fabric scraps to fill any empty spaces within boxes. This prevents items from shifting around and getting damaged during transport.
Essential Items First
Sometimes changes are made in more than one day, which can cause certain inconveniences. To avoid them, try to bring essential items first, such as food, personal hygiene items and some clothes. Leave the rest more superfluous for later.
Here’s how to create the perfect essentials bag for your relocation:
Prioritize Needs Over Wants:
- Focus on Essentials: Fill your bag with items you’ll need for the first 24-48 hours in your new home. This should include necessities like toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, pajamas, and chargers for your electronic devices.
- Don’t Forget Food: Pack enough snacks and easy-to-prepare meals to avoid scrambling for food in an unfamiliar environment. Consider including granola bars, canned goods, and instant noodles.
- Bedding Essentials: Pack a sheet, pillowcase, and a light blanket to ensure a comfortable first night’s sleep in your new home.
Fragile objects
Fragile objects must be transported with extra care. Packaging with bubble wrap is recommended for small objects.
For larger fragile items like lamps, electronics, or small appliances, cardboard boxes and sheets of Styrofoam provide excellent protection. Line the bottom and sides of the box with bubble wrap or packing peanuts, then position the appliance in the center. Fill any empty spaces with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent the item from shifting during transport.
Marking and Labeling:
- Fragile Identification: Clearly mark all boxes containing fragile items with the word “FRAGILE” in large, bold letters. You can also use red or orange caution tape for extra visibility. Consider labeling the boxes on multiple sides to ensure the message is seen from any angle.
- Content Description: In addition to marking the box as fragile, include a brief description of the contents on the outside. This helps movers identify the boxes that require extra care and ensures they are placed in a safe location during transport.
Measurements
Before moving large objects, such as beds and closets, as well as appliances, check the measurements of the new home, including doors and windows, and confirm that these objects fit into the new home.
Note: Don’t forget to change the address of your correspondence and public services, such as water, electricity, telephone, among others. Notify friends and family of your newest address!
Reliable carrier
It is very important to hire the services of a reliable moving company. Preferably, look for references with people who have had successful changes.
Here are some key points to consider when searching for a reputable mover:
Seeking Recommendations:
- Word-of-Mouth: References from friends, family, or colleagues who have recently used moving companies are a valuable source of information. Ask about their experiences and if they would recommend the company.
- Online Reviews: Research potential movers online by reading reviews on platforms like Google Maps, Yelp, or industry-specific websites. Look for reviews that mention positive aspects like professionalism, efficiency, and careful handling of belongings.
Assessing Qualifications:
- Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the moving company is licensed and insured. Licensing verifies they operate legally, while insurance protects your belongings in case of damage during transport.
- Estimates and Contracts: Get written estimates from multiple moving companies. Carefully review the estimates to understand the services included, pricing structure, and any additional fees. Once you choose a company, sign a detailed contract outlining the agreed-upon services and costs.
