By Amanda Brown
Having survived 7 moves in the last 4 years; living out of a suitcase for the majority of the last one, there are a few things I’ve learned when it comes to packing and preparing for a move. These are less of professional tips or hacks, but more of a haphazard list of suggestions born out of my own moving mistakes – mistakes I would highly encourage you to avoid.
Number one:
Ignore your packing instincts. Often times, our initial response is to want to organize our belongings. This is an overall good instinct, but it comes with some major pitfalls if not done correctly. It has always been my reflex to sort and organize items by group: things that live together, pack together. Kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, linens, closet, cleaning products, etc., all these categories should be packed together, separate from unlike items, in their own boxes. It seems like a logical, good idea until you move a few times, and you realize that it never goes how you imagine. You never get everything unpacked and put away in the timely manner you thought, and you end up rummaging through unpacked boxes looking for specific items as it comes up that you need them. So, here’s the tip: pack the items by their frequency of use in your life. The things you will need first when you arrive at your new location should be packed together, and packed last – ideally, in one or two easily accessible containers. Yes, this might mean that you put your toiletry kit, your favorite frying pan and your allergy medicine in the same box – and if you’re OCD like me, it might drive you insane to see this – but trust me, it’s worth it.
Number two:
Label everything. Sure, you’ve heard it before. You intend to. I know. But seriously, do it – and I mean everything. Every one of your moving boxes needs to look like an ingredients list in a health food store. You’ll think that it seems unnecessary…until it’s midnight on the day before Thanksgiving and you’re rifling through one of the boxes labeled “kitchen stuff” looking for the recipe book from your grandmother so you can make the pecan pie you promised you’d bring to dinner. Once you get through all of the boxes labeled kitchen stuff, you remember that you ran out of room and put your recipe books in with your old college textbooks, and they’re still in storage. Too personal? Sorry. My point is, we think we will remember the little last-minute places we stash things when packing. But here’s a newsflash; moving is stressful, and chances are, you’re going to forget. Take the time to thoroughly label contents while you’re packing – it will save you time and energy in the long run.
Number three:
Splurge on quality packing containers – and don’t forget to buy the kind with lids that actually stay shut during transportation. It may be tempting to save up with randomly sized cardboard boxes in preparation for the move. Another idea is to ask your neighbor for any extras they may have, or even go dumpster diving behind the alley of a grocery store in search of moving boxes that you think will save you money. But the issue with this skimping technique is that while it gains points in the frugality department – mismatched, awkwardly sized cardboard moving boxes gain zero points in both the efficiency and functionality department when it comes to moving. They don’t stack well; they don’t travel well; they don’t hold up to moister; they deteriorate in storage, and regardless of how much duct tape you layer on, they don’t seal well. Not to mention, they’re not easily accessible when it comes to opening and reclosing. As much as it hurts to spend money on more items to hold your many items, it will make your moving life so much easier. And the best part is, if you invest in a quality brand of container, they will last you for many moves and remain trustworthy for the items that may be forgotten (but still loved) in storage.
Number four:
Before you ever begin final packing on the day that you actually plan to move out, create a to-go bag. Set out all the things you will need for the next three days; this includes clothes, beauty products, hygiene products, shoes, jackets, phone charger, etc. Ideally, you can make all of these items fit in a carry-on sized suitcase. Pack this before loading or moving anything. This way, when the worst happens and the van carrying all of your belongings is stolen, or (more realistically) you’re just too emotionally exhausted to begin the unpacking process in a timely manner, you have all the items you need to live comfortably on hand for at least three days.
Number five:
De-clutter while you pack. Moving is a wonderful time to take inventory of your belongings. It’s also a time when you’re basically already putting a hand on everything you own – so utilize this time to get rid of the things you don’t need. Don’t bring unnecessary baggage with you to your new home – literally and figuratively. If it is at all possible with the time frame of your move. Allow yourself time to access your belongings and cull the unnecessary items. If you have close friends or family that volunteer to help you pack and move, do this before they arrive so that they know everything present is valuable. Additionally, no time will be wasted on “do you need this?” check-ins, making the entire day (or week) run a lot smoother.
Ultimately, moving will always be stressful. Hopefully with a little strategic planning, fortitude, and a willingness to learn from other’s mistakes, your next move can be as stress free as possible. Happy packing!