Whether you’re moving across the country or around the corner, packing and unpacking your entire house is a huge undertaking, one can always contact the removalists from Canberra.
It’s one that involves lots of moving parts — pun intended. From planning your big move to redecorating your new home, there are many important points to remember and plenty to do.
Keep anxiety at bay and make your big move a success by adding these oft-overlooked tasks to your checklist.
1. Start Early
Big moves are stressful enough without procrastinating until the last minute. That’s why you should start packing as early as possible.
Start with the items you use less often, like camping supplies, sports equipment and seasonal clothes. You can even box up games, books and other hobby items well in advance. Odds are if you haven’t picked them up in the last few months, you won’t pick them up before your move.
2. Transfer Utilities
There’s nothing worse than showing up to your new home only to realize you haven’t transferred the utilities. It can take up to three business days to get electricity, so you’ll want to check this task off your list well in advance.
Call around and transfer gas, electricity, water, internet, trash and recycling, cable and home security systems to your new address three to four days before moving day. Remember to cancel any services you can’t transfer so you’re not charged post-move.
3. Use Labels
When you’re tossing things in boxes, labeling them is probably the last thing on your mind. Yet, adding labels to your boxes and crates will save you a ton of time when you unpack.
All you need are some colored stickers and some sharpies. Color coordinate boxes with rooms in your new home to help movers know where to place each one. Use your sharpie to write exactly what’s in the box so you can quickly locate items post-move, too.
4. Use Soft Goods for Packing
Bubble wrap, tissue paper and packing peanuts can cost an arm and a leg depending on how much you’re moving. Why not save your money and use things you already have to keep fragile items safe?
Socks, towels, hats, washcloths, scarves and other soft goods make the perfect packing materials. Use them to wrap dishware, mugs and breakable knick-knacks or layer them between items to prevent knicks, cracks and scratches.
5. Keep Documents Separate
You’d be surprised how many things get lost or misplaced during big moves. Everything from keys to furniture can turn up missing after a move, regardless of who’s helping you transport things.
That’s why it’s important to keep all important documents with you on the big day. These include birth certificates, passports, social security cards, titles, tax documents and other paperwork containing sensitive information.
Pack them in a folder or briefcase and keep it in your purse or car. That way you know it’s safe.
6. Pack an Overnight Bag
Imagine your dismay when you finally get to your new place and can’t manage to find your toothbrush, not to mention a change of clothes. You deserve relaxation and comfort after your big move, which is why an overnight bag is a must.
Include everything you’ll need on your first night in the house, from eating utensils to toilet paper. If you’re going a short distance, a gym bag will suffice. Make sure everyone in the family packs one so you don’t have to carry it all.
7. Clean as You Go
Not only must you pack and unpack all your things, but you also need to clean both your old and new homes. Doing it all on moving day is impractical, not to mention impossible.
Instead, break these massive to-dos into smaller pieces by cleaning as you go. Pack one room at a time. Then, spray, wipe, mop and dust it clean before moving on to the next. You can use the same strategy to make your new home sparkle, too.
8. Fuel Up on Moving Day
Once moving day arrives, it’s easy to get caught up in the process. Between loading the truck and keeping an eye on the kids, you might even forget to stop and take care of basic needs like eating and staying hydrated.
Food will keep you fueled up so you can lift heavy furniture and load up boxes, so remember to plan meals for the day. Whether you order out or prep snacks in advance, prioritize frequent breaks so you can actually enjoy the food and replenish your energy.
Remember to Pace Yourself
You know what they say. It’s about the journey, not the destination.
While moving might be the main goal, there are many things still left to do before the big day. Pace yourself and take a day off if need be.
It might seem counterintuitive, but taking a break will help you re-energize and refocus so you can check more to-dos off your list in the days ahead, so embrace the journey. You’ve got this!
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- 5 Ways Parents Can Alleviate Moving-Related Anxiety for Kids
- How to make moving stress-free
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