Moving checklist - Tips for packing for a move
You've just sold your home and now it's time to move out. Where do you even start? Moving out can feel overwhelming and there is a lot to keep track of. To make things easier, you can use this moving checklist to simplify the process.
When should you start packing for your move?
Some people like to prepare their moving boxes weeks before it's time to move out, while others have the tendency to procrastinate and rush through packing at the last minute. Whichever type you belong to, the key is to plan your move well in advance and carry it out in a structured way - step-by-step. If you know that things are easily lost or misplaced, it's a good idea to buy notes and markers so nothing gets lost in the move. Actually, there is no rule about when it is appropriate to start packing for a move - but we recommend starting the process, at least mentally, as soon as you have successfully sold your home.
How long does it take to pack for a move?
Depending on the size of your home and how much stuff you've accumulated over the years, packing for a move takes different amounts of time. As an estimate, it can take around 3-4 weeks to pack up an entire apartment - that's assuming you've already cleared out any clothes, furniture or things you no longer want to keep.
Checklist: 6 things to consider before your move
- Declutter! Before you start packing your entire home into boxes, it's a good idea to clear out the things you no longer use. Donate furniture, clothes or crockery to an organisation.
- Buy materials for your packing. You'll need plenty of moving boxes, tissue paper, bubble wrap, markers and stickers.
- Start on time. Avoid rushing through your move and risk losing valuables in the process.
- Save an empty moving box. In the last week, you can start filling your last moving box that you can easily access during the move with clothes, mobile phone chargers, toiletries and computers.
- Label all boxes on the side as they are often stacked on top of each other.
- Hire a professional removal cleaning.
Packing to move - Room to room
Moving house: Kitchen
The kitchen is a room in your home that requires a lot of time to pack up for the move. Glasses, crockery, vases and saucers also need to be carefully packed in moving boxes, with either bubble wrap or tissue paper to protect them from damage. Start by listing the kitchen utensils you rarely use and can imagine living without for a few weeks. How often do you actually use the food processor or smoothie maker? It's also visually satisfying to see your progress towards the move as the kitchen is slowly emptied of items. Step two is to pack away most of your glasses and plates - leave a few so you can survive until the move.
Packing crockery
Stock up on bubble wrap and tissue paper. Carefully wrap all fragile items and place the crockery in an airy moving box. You can place plates upright instead of lying down, to reduce the risk of them breaking. Label the box and don't forget to note that the contents are fragile. A housewife's tip is to place a towel at the bottom of the box to create a soft surface to protect against shocks.
Packing glass
When packing glass for a move, you can use the same housewife tips - place a towel at the bottom of the moving box to reduce friction. Then wrap each individual glass in bubble wrap, tissue paper or a towel to protect against cracks.
Moving house: Living room
The living room is often perceived as the most difficult room to pack before moving. Of course, it's especially hard if you've just done everything in your power to create a stylish home. Everything from potted plants, mirrors and books must somehow be packed into moving boxes, one by one. The mistake we often make is to pack each category of things into a single box, but it doesn't take long before you realise that a moving box filled to the top with books is incredibly heavy to carry. Or that your potted plants fall over and soil the whole box. We suggest that you fill several boxes with a few books, thus distributing the weight. Try balancing your potted plants between sofa cushions and wrapping mirrors in blankets from the sofa. It's possible to be creative - even when packing for a move! Also, don't forget to wrap and tape cords to your electronics to avoid tangles in the moving box.
Removals: Bathroom
Here it is important to have ice in your stomach. Until you actually move, it might be a good idea to keep some clean towels on hand. Other things that you won't need can just be packed away until you're ready to clean.
Moving house: Wardrobe
Do you own many suits and evening dresses? To avoid unsightly creases, you can thread a bin liner onto the hanger. It will also make it easier to find your best clothes when unpacking. The rest of your clothes and shoes can be packed as usual, but keep your everyday clothes for the next few weeks before you move out.
Removal cleaning tips - How to get a spotless home
There are a lot of things to think about before cleaning your home. Did you know that the people buying your home have the right to complain about the cleaning if it is not good enough? We recommend using Hello Clean for removal or deep cleaning services to achieve a professional result - without breaking the bank.
