Buying a new home can be super exciting, but moving all your belongings from your old spot to the new pad is usually a huge downer. I recently moved, so I know firsthand the pain of packing, and then unpacking, what feels like 8,000 boxes. Following are a few tips that can help make the process a bit less painful:
• So you can snuggle in to your bed the first night in your new home without having to worry about locating the box that contains your pajamas, pack a suitcase like you’re going out of town for a few days. Pack what you’ll need first last to make it even easier.
• Pack as much as you can in dresser drawers, baskets, coolers, etc. These things have to go anyway, and not having to break down boxes to recycle is a plus.
• Make tough choices about what to donate or sell on Craigslist or apps like Letgo.
• If you still have boxes you haven’t unpacked since your last move (we all do), really think about whether or not you need whatever is in there.
• If you’re hiring movers, get quotes and ask about specials—midweek moves are often cheaper.
• It’s great to get free boxes (the ABC store has very sturdy ones), but if you don’t want to run all around town trying to find them, you can just buy them at Home Depot or Lowes.
• Pack a kit with toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, toiletries, etc.
• Disposable plates and utensils are your best friends the first few days in a new house so you don’t have to worry about finding plates and knives—go ahead and buy them beforehand so you don’t have to run out to the grocery store exhausted.
• If you’re moving to a short-term rental, pack those items that you will not need in the near future in separate boxes and label them so you don’t have to re-pack them a year later.
• Use clothing and linens as cushioning for plates and breakable items. This is much cleaner and more environmentally friendly than using paper.
• Keep a couple of empty boxes around for last minute packing of cleaning supplies, food, and anything else that didn’t make it into a box the first time around.
• Unpack one room at a time so you don’t feel as overwhelmed, and allow yourself some time to relax every now and then.
Hopefully this will help make your move a little less painful! If you have any other moving tips, I’d love to share them, so drop me a line at cynthia@charlottelifeandhome.com.