One of the biggest and most important tasks when preparing for your move is packing your belongings. Of course, you can decide to start this at the last minute and box everything randomly, but you can also go about it much more systematically and organized. Unfortunately, most of us resolve to start early and then end up doing everything at the last minute. With the step-by-step plan below, you can easily prevent these stressful situations.
Step 1: the preparatory work
Before you start packing, it is wise to prepare well for this. That way, you have everything at hand when the time comes. You can use the list below to collect all the materials you will need to pack and complete the preparatory work.
- How many boxes do you need: Determine how many boxes you need to pack. This usually comes down to 20 boxes per person, and if you have a family with 2 children, 80 to 90 boxes are often sufficient. Always round up to make sure you have enough storage space.
- Arranging the boxes: you can rent, buy, buy second-hand, borrow or collect moving boxes. Decide the best option for you, and start organizing your boxes as soon as possible. A few plastic crates for extra heavy or wet objects are often very handy.
- Protective Packaging Materials: Don’t forget to also purchase plenty of markers, stickers, tape, moving blankets, bubble wrap, and any other packing materials you may need.
- Make an inventory: then, you make an inventory of everything you will pack. You do this per room, and it is most convenient to use a spreadsheet. Write down what you take per room, add the value, leave a column open where you can tap that it is packed, and a column where you write which is through it. Then, during the packing itself, you can further add to your inventory.
- Decide what should stay: critically review your household effects and determine what you want to take with you, what you can throw away, and what can be recycled. The less you move, the cheaper and easier it is.
- Create a numbering system: by systematically numbering your boxes, you know exactly what goes where and which box has to go where in your new home. Think of a system that suits you and which is also understandable for the movers. They can then put all the boxes neatly at their destination.
Step 2: start packing
In principle, you can start packing very early. You do not need the things in storage in the attic or basement; they can already go into the boxes. There may also be a closet in the utility room or garage with items you don’t use regularly. You also pack this in advance. Leave the boxes in the rooms, if possible, so you can refill them later. Then, on the day of the move, you must add the last few things and seal the box. Pack room by room and don’t forget to tick everything off your inventory.
Pack the;
- Stuff in the attic.
- Stuff in the basement.
- Things in the garage.
- Things in the pantry.
- Stuff in the hall.
- Items in the bedrooms.
- Things in the kitchen.
- Stuff in the bathroom.
- Things in the toilets.
- Things in the living room.
Some packing tips
Packing the boxes is not always easy. It is important that these do not become too heavy and do not exceed their load capacity. Therefore, you can use the following tips to make the most efficient use of the space in the boxes.
- Heavy objects at the bottom: you pack books and other heavy items at the bottom of the boxes. You can supplement this with lighter items such as towels and bed linen.
- Fragile items: protect fragile items well, for example, with bubble wrap, newspapers, or tea towels. Write on the box that the contents are fragile so that the movers can consider this when loading.
- Equipment: if you are going to disassemble and pack your equipment, take a picture of the cabling before you remove it. Then fold all cables neatly and place them near the device to which they belong. Installing it in your new home will be much better if you have a picture of how it should be done.
- Plants: it is better not to move plants in cardboard boxes. They are often wet and heavy, and cardboard is much less strong when wet. Instead, consider purchasing some plastic crates for your plants so that you can also move them safely.
TIP: Use an ice pack to pack your fridge items in cold boxes. From Britwrap.com, you can buy them easily. So your food will stay cold and fresh.
Step 3: the move
Now you are ready for your move. Everything is neatly packed in numbered boxes, and on your inventory, you can see exactly what you have, where it is, and how much it is worth. If necessary, place the boxes near the door so the movers can load them more easily. Moving is much easier, more organized, faster, and less stressful.
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