Try These Hacks for a Smoother Move
Packing is a long process that requires a lot of supplies and a lot of thought, especially if you plan to quickly and efficiently unpack those boxes after a move.
Not sure where to begin, or what you need to gather to get started? Keep reading to discover packing tips from a packing and moving company in Calgary, AB.
Tip 1: Declutter Ruthlessly Before You Pack
You don’t realize just how many things you’ve accumulated until it’s time to put them all into little boxes and drive them to your new home. Before you make the mistake of telling yourself that you’ll declutter after the move, remember there’s no time like the present.
Donate old clothes and knick-knacks, sell gently used furniture, or discard broken items in advance. Your future-self will thank you. Why? If not, you’ll pay a Calgary moving company to move items you don’t need, and unpacking without them will be much easier after your move.
Tip 2: Gather Quality Packing Supplies
Quality packing supplies hold up during your move, reducing the chance that your belongings could fall out or be damaged.
Start by sourcing sturdy boxes. You can purchase them new from local big box hardware stores or directly from your Calgary moving company. Ask your friends, family, or coworkers if they have any used boxes you could take for moving.
Next, pick up tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. Choose tape meant for packing boxes, and ensure you have enough padding that you won’t run out before you’re done filling boxes. If you do end up needing a bit more padding or filler for boxes, use bath towels, throw blankets, and decorative pillows in a pinch.
Tip 3: Pack a Box of “Essentials”
This is for your own peace of mind. Moving takes time and energy. By the end of the day, you’re ready to jump into bed. The last thing you want to do is go on a scavenger hunt, looking through all the boxes piled throughout your new place trying to find the items you need.
Plan ahead of time. Make sure to pack an “essentials” box with toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, chargers, important documents, basic tools, your favorite all-dressed chips — anything you could see yourself needing (or wanting) the day-of your big move. Carry it in your personal vehicle, rather than placing it on the local moving company’s truck during your move.
Tip 4: Label Boxes Clearly and Specifically
Knowing which box belongs to which room saves a lot of time, which is why you should label each box with a heavy duty marker or felt-tip pen. This way, you don’t have to open every box to figure out what’s inside. Most people already know this packing hack and use it accordingly. But, a pro packing and moving company in Calgary, AB, would advise you to take it one step further.
Include a brief list of contents on the box. If you’re looking for a plate to heat up dinner, and you have 10 “kitchen” boxes, you’ll be grateful to find a box labeled, “kitchen – bowls and plates.” You can also include the classic “fragile” warning so you and your local moving company don’t accidentally roughly handle anything breakable.
Have items you know you’ll need soon after you arrive in your new home? Label those, “open first.” You could even colour-code labels for even greater organization. Use whatever system that works best for you and your Calgary moving company crew.
Tip 5: Keep Important Documents Separate and Accessible
Our final and most important piece of advice is to keep a dedicated, clearly marked portfolio or box for your important documents. This is where you’ll store your passports, birth certificates, medical records, financial papers, insurance cards, moving contracts — anything you could need in an emergency. Keep this with you, not on the moving truck.
Tip 6: Hire a Packing and Moving Company Near You
Moving companies in Calgary, AB, can help you pack your belongings efficiently if you decide you need help. These companies’ crews are trained to wrap and protect items, fill boxes to the right capacity, seal them up, and move them, all without accidentally damaging your belongings.
If you’re out of time, feel overwhelmed, or simply aren’t interested in handling boxes, hiring a crew to take care of it for you is a smart way to ensure your moving experience is pleasant and even enjoyable.
