The best way to pack for moving
We’ve posted many articles with tips about the best way to pack for moving. This time we’re going to examine what to pack and what to leave behind to save you time and money. It’s simple: the more you pack, the more it costs you to move it. The challenging part is working out how to downsize your move before you put anything into a box. Here are some tips to get you thinking.
Keep, sell or donate
This is the mantra to use when you’re planning to pack. Walk around the house and review your belongings. It’s rare to find a household where every item is a keeper. If you’re not sure what to leave behind, here are some suggestions.
Old appliances
If you haven’t used an appliance for over a year, you’re probably not going to use it again. They’re often bulky and heavy items. If you’re not going to use it, why move it? It’s also worth asking the new occupier if they want appliances like fridges, freezers or washing machines. These can be added to the sale of your house as chattels.
Furniture
Do you need all your furniture in your new home? Again, furniture is bulky, heavy and difficult to move. If it’s only going to gather dust in your new home, you don’t need it. Also check the condition of your mattresses. You should change them every eight to ten years, so if they’re a little worse for wear, treat yourself to an upgrade instead of paying to move them.
Toys and games
When children grow out of certain toys or games, we tend to put them away in the cupboard and forget about them. If you won’t use them again, clear them out so other children can get more enjoyment from them.
Clothes
Most people hoard clothes without realising it. Like your appliances, if you haven’t worn an item of clothing for over a year, you’re unlikely to wear it again unless it’s special. Clothes are light, but they add a lot of bulk to packing. And who doesn’t love the chance to freshen up their wardrobe?
Large, bulky and heavy items
You’ll have to make special arrangements with your moving company for certain large, bulky and heavy items, such as a piano. This includes fragile items like fish tanks, or furniture with mirrors or large pieces of glass. If you don’t need them, there’s no need to pay the extra moving costs.
Crockery
Like clothes, we unintentionally hoard kitchen items too. Serving bowls and platters make great gifts, but how often do you use them? Do you need more than one dinner set? How many novelty mugs in your drawer do you actually use? Go through your cupboards and look at everything again with a critical eye. It might amaze you how much you’ll streamline your packing.
What to do with the ‘to sell’ and ‘to donate’ pile
Now you’ve lightened the load for moving, you’ll have yourself a ‘to sell’ and a ‘to donate’ pile. You can hold a garage sale or sell your items on online auction sites. Add anything that doesn’t sell to your ‘to donate’ pile and give them to a charity shop. Then enjoy your fresh start in your new home.
As always, if we can help to lighten your moving load, give us a call.