Moving 101

It's Moving Day!

The time has finally come! You are moving into your new home! This is such an exciting new chapter. Whether this is your first home or your dream home this new change brings so much joy. You are a homeowner! It's time to make this house yours,  just how you've pictured it. First things first, the move. This happy time can also come with some stress. Moving your entire life into another space can be daunting. We are here to help you with some tips and tricks to make your move into your new home as seamless as possible. 

Let go...

First things first, it's important to only bring the essentials. If you know it's not going to be used in your new home, don't bring it with you. Today we have so many options to help us declutter our lives and start a new. You can recycle things that are no longer useable or sell your furniture online. You can also donate your clothing and lightly used kitchen tools to organizations that help people in need. It's best to get this step out of the way in the beginning so you can save money on packing materials and boxes.

The first night...

Pack your arrival kit. This is a suitcase filled with your first night essentials. This bag would contain a change of clothes, shoes, sleepwear, toiletries, and bed linens. The everyday items that you can't live without. This small step will make the first night in your new home seamless. Remember to pack a kit for your pet as well. Their food, toys, bed whatever they need to feel safe and comfortable in this new space. 

One room, two-room...

Packing room by room. Many say this is the best packing hack. Start in your least-used spaces, perhaps a formal sitting room, or your basement. Begin packing the items you will not need until you get to your new home. This can be decor, books, and miscellaneous items. Packing this way will keep you organized, the clutter will stay in one space until it's nothing but boxes. Keep newly packed boxes open in case you need to access something before the big day. No need to waste tape. 

Make a system...

It's important to label your boxes accordingly. Be specific, write exactly what is in each box to make things simpler. Take photos of the contents as inventory of your things. A great tip is to colour code your boxes to make traveling from the truck to the house easy. When you have friends or family helping you or your movers this step makes the process faster than stopping to read the contents of each box each time. Each room will have a colour, and the corresponding boxes that go in that room will have a coloured piece of paper or tape on top to indicate the match. 

Storing...

Here are some helpful clothing packing tips. Leave your clothes on their hangers in the closet, add them to a box or put an elastic band around a group of hangers and cover with a garbage bag for traveling. Roll your clothing to maximize space in your boxes. This tip also makes it easy to find what you want to wear when you start unpacking. You could also leave your clothes in their dresser drawers, just wrap the drawer with plastic wrap so your things do not get damaged or dirty during the trip. If you own storage containers already you can use those to store clothing and shoes to save money on boxes. 

Big box, little box...

You may be wondering what size boxes to purchase for your move. It's important to have a variety. Your heavy items should be stored in smaller boxes, making them easier to transport and carry. Whereas your light bulky items like pillows and blankets should be put in the larger boxes, this way you can put more inside without hurting anyone's backs. 

The Jean Richer team is here to help you on the journey to sell your current home or to find a home that is the perfect fit for you. You may be a first-time homebuyer with many questions, I have the answers and would love to speak with you. Please feel free to reach out through my website, or download my app. Or use the free home evaluation tool to find out the worth of your home today. Happy Packing!