Are you getting ready to move? Here are some ideas to make it easier.
- Use the correct boxes
Even if you are on a budget, make sure to purchase specialty boxes. Just one wardrobe box per bedroom will help tremendously. Your clothes will not arrive at your new home wrinkled and you won’t have to worry about packing your hangers.
TV and art boxes are also worth the cost. Don’t chance your expensive art or electronics getting damaged.
Other boxes can be found at your local grocery store. Produce boxes work best. You can also find deals on Craigslist and Freecycle.
- Make sure to allow enough time
As a rule, allocate one day of packing per room. Double that if you have a lot of belongings or unusual sized things to pack.
Plan 3-5 full days to pack a three-bedroom home. A studio should take 1-2 days. A one-bedroom should take 2-3 days and plan on 5-8 days for a five-bedroom. Of course, it will take less time if you have help!
- Color code the boxes – This is a headache reducer.
Instead of writing room names on your boxes, color code them. This will keep you from having to direct your helpers all day long, freeing you up to do other things. You can do this easily with colored tape, across the top and sides to close the box, but a piece of the right-colored tape on all sides helps move things along.
- Pack one room at a time
Begin with the least-used room and complete it before moving to the next. This will help you stay organized and focused AND you will feel a great sense of accomplishment when it is done. Wandering from one room to another will waste your precious time.
Your least-used room could be your guest bedroom, the attic, garage, or storage closets.
Make sure to put the heavier items on the bottom and don’t leave any extra space in the boxes.
- Things to set aside
Create an Essentials Box. This is the first box you will open, and it should have what you need for your first night and morning in your new home. It should have medications, snacks, toilet paper, paper towels, phone chargers, coffee and a set of clothes. Make sure to include a first aid kit, too.
If you have small children and pets, consider packing their own essentials bag.
- Develop a moving timeline
Having a calendar is very helpful. It will help reduce your stress and keep you motivated. You’ll feel less rushed knowing that you are on task.
Break big rooms and projects into small, easy to accomplish tasks. It will keep your spirits up knowing you are accomplishing things.
Stick to the schedule and you’ll have everything ready when the moving truck arrives!
For detailed recommendations, visit https://movinggameplans.com/articles/packing-to-move for these nifty packing tips Room by Room.
Your local Realtors are here to help. Visit https://rrea.org for more information.
Karen Domnitz is a Realtor with C21 Award, DRE #00897503 and vice president of the Ramona Real Estate Association
