There are a number of things that can cause moving mayhem and these include: Neighbours: If you have a neighbour that is disruptive, rude or just annoying it can disrupt your move.
Injuries: If you are injured during your relocation then it can be a nightmare. The injuries have to be serious though; your typical black eye won’t cut it!
1. Don’t Pack Everything
Trying to pack everything you own into boxes can lead to a lot of clutter and stress. It also wastes a lot of packing materials like boxes, tape, bubble wrap and more.
Before you start packing, do a merciless purge of items you don’t need. This will cut down on the number of boxes you have to move and it will make unpacking easier. Plus, donating or selling items you no longer need will help reduce the cost of your relocation.
Some items are just too dangerous or too valuable to be packed and transported by movers. They include hazardous materials, chemicals, propane tanks and gasoline. Also, firearms, food, perishables and certain personal items should never be packed with your belongings. These items should either be personally transported by you or stored in a secure place until you are ready to move them.
You should also avoid packing food and other perishables in advance of a move. Instead, eat up or donate these items. Also, opened bottles of liquids, like cleaning products and condiments, can spill during transit, causing damage to your other items. Lastly, be sure to keep essentials handy, like a change of clothes, a toothbrush, important documents and chargers.
If you are still unsure of what to do with your unwanted items, consider donating them to your local library or holding a garage sale. There are likely many people in your neighborhood who are willing to take these items off your hands. It will also help reduce the amount of junk that ends up in landfills and recycling centers after a move. You can even make a little cash on the side by selling your unwanted goods to online buyers.
2. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
There are a variety of reasons why you may need to move on short notice, from job relocations to lease expirations to family emergencies. Whatever the reason, it can be stressful to pack, whether antiques, heavy, or awkward, when you’re working against the clock.
One of the most important things you can do to save time is to get an early start. If you wake up before dawn and begin packing as soon as you can, you’ll have a much more relaxed evening when you finish.
Another great tip is to make a list of items you want to pack, donate, or trash as you go. This will help keep you organized and prevent items from getting lost in the commotion of moving day. However, if you decide to use this method, make sure your bags are clearly labeled. You don’t want movers or your family members to mistake your “keep” bags for trash, which will create unnecessary chaos.
3. Don’t Forget the Small Things
When it comes to packing, a checklist is important. Forgetting the small items that are on your moving list can cause unnecessary stress and delay. For instance, it is easy to forget to pack your bed linens or towels, toiletries and medications on moving day. It is also common to forget important kitchen tools like silverware, plates, bowls and drinking glasses. And, if you have kids or pets, remember to pack essentials like toys, treats, medication and leashes.
In addition to packing the essentials, don’t forget to pack a suitcase of necessities for your first week in your new home, including pajamas, clothes, toiletries and bedding. Also, consider packing a box with household items like trash bags, light bulbs, scissors, tools, flashlights and paper towels. Finally, make sure to leave a key with a neighbor in case you forget your house keys on moving day and need help getting into your new home.