Let’s be honest. Moving is almost never fun. Packing up everything you own, cleaning, loading a box truck, unloading, unpacking, cleaning again… Those are just a few of the reasons moving is usually listed right up there with the death of a loved one, loss of a job and divorce in the list of most stressful life events. Moving companies and apartment locators can make the job easier, but packing is inevitable!
So now that it is established that moving is stressful, there are things you can do to make the process a little easier. The biggest step is to avoid waiting until the last minute. Packing at the last possible second is a recipe for disaster. Plan, plan and plan some more. Organize your boxes. Label everything clearly.
Saying that, we know there are still plenty of renters who wait until the movers are a few hours away before they start packing everything up. So here are a couple of last-minute tips for the packing procrastinator.
While you’re gathering your stuff, sort it out into three categories. Keep, throw away and donate. Have boxes ready and set aside for stuff that will be donated. Know where you’re going to donate and the nearest drop-off location.
If you’re using a moving service, make sure your boxes weigh less than 75 pounds. Anything more than that is probably going to cost you extra.
Speaking of heavy boxes, pack your books in smaller boxes. This makes the size and weight more manageable for everyone involved.
This may sound like common sense, but make sure and label boxes as fragile if they contain breakable items. Remember, these are tips for people trying to wrap up packing in a hurry. Sometimes it’s the little things you forget.
Don’t bother buying packing material to stuff in the boxes. Use softer items like towels, sheets, hats and small carpets as buffer in your boxes.
Don’t forget to pack a “first night” bag for your new apartment. Put items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant and any medications you need in there.
And speaking of the first night in your new apartment, set aside a clean set of sheets for your bed once you get everything inside. There is nothing quite like the feeling of laying your head down on clean sheets after you’ve been moving all day.
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful. A few helpful tips to make moving day go just a little bit more smoothly – even if you wait until the very last second.
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