The Top Ten Packing Tips for your Next Move

Packing is not an activity that many people enjoy or gladly anticipate. In fact, packing can be downright laborious and stressful. However, with the right amount of planning and forethought, this dreaded activity can actually be completed without too many headaches.

Here is your game plan for easing up your packing stress:

1. Start early – The absolute best thing to do is start packing early. Even if the move is several months away, there are a number of tasks you can begin taking on regarding packing so that you don’t find yourself short on time and in over your head packing at the last minute.
2. Take it slow – Starting early gives you the opportunity to take the packing process slowly. Tackling one room each week, for example, is a sensible goal, as you can really take the time to sort through your belongings and decide what stays and what goes.
3. Hold a garage sale – Speaking of things that go, consider holding a garage sale to get rid of unwanted belongings and housewares. A garage sale is also a great idea for earning extra cash to cover your moving costs and expenses!
4. Consider what you can’t take with you – One of things that every seller should consider is where they are moving and what they can and cannot take with them. For example, it may make sense to take measurements of the rooms in your new home to get a better idea of how your furniture will fit into the space. If you can’t accommodate all your furniture, it makes more sense to get rid of it now and avoid taking it with you.
5. Donate or gift – If you can’t bring all your belongings with you, consider gifting or donating them.
6. Use a dot system – Head to your local office supply store and pick up different colored dot stickers. Allocate a color for each room and stick it on the appropriate box. The stickers will be easily seen so you can be sure you are directing the packed boxes to the appropriate area of your new home.
7. Hit your local liquor store – Liquor stores have loads of boxes and, because they are constructed to hold heavy liquor bottles, you can be sure they are strong enough for your packing needs.
8. Keep your valuables safe – Instead of packing up your belongings and leaving them for the movers, ask a close friend or family member to hold onto your valuables until you move.
9. Avoid overpacking – If you can’t pick up a box once it is packed, it is overpacked!
10. Consider what to not pack – Don’t forget that you and your family will need a certain number of personal effects during the move, so make sure you don’t accidentally pack them.