It’s no secret that moving and packing isn’t necessarily something that the average person looks forward to.
We understand that getting into your new house is so exciting, but everything that takes place before it, probably not so much. But just because you don’t love packing doesn’t mean it has to be complicated. That’s why we’re coming at you with our top three favorite tips for making your packing and moving experience a breeze.
#1 Purge Before You Pack
Take a few hours about a week before your move to go through everything and decide what you need to keep and what needs to be thrown out, or better yet, donated. Clothes are the perfect example. Go through your closet and determine what clothes make you feel good and which ones don’t. The KonMari method is the perfect way to determine what you should keep to pack and move and what can be donated. For example, does your old high school speech and debate t-shirt still bring you joy? If not, maybe it’s time to repurpose it, donate it, or throw it out. This method can apply to anything in your house! Old furniture and decor, kitchen utensils and appliances, and other non-sentimental knick-knacks.
Another thing to keep in mind is your pantry and fridge. We highly recommend that you stop going to the grocery store for about one to two weeks before moving. Why? Because you don’t want to waste any food, do you? Take stock of what you currently have in your fridge, and plan out meals using what fresh ingredients you have left. That way, you’ll be left with nonperishables and spices that are easy to move and less food waste. If you’re trying to save on space and transporting your nonperishable items doesn’t seem worth it to you, stop by a local homeless shelter, soup kitchen, or humanitarian organization to see if you can help them grow their pantry.
#2 Label and Color Code Everything
Labels and colors are the perfect way to keep everything perfectly organized. Moving and packing can be pretty hectic, but the best way to make sure everything gets put in the right place is to pack it in a clearly labeled box. While there are many ways to organize, we recommend using different marker colors to determine where a box will go when you get to the new house. For example, your color code could look something like this:
- Red – Kitchen
- Orange – Living and dining room
- Yellow – Main Bathroom
- Green – Master Bedroom
- Blue – Master Bathroom
- Purple – Kids Room
- Pink – Guest Room
Just make sure you have a color code key on hand. Consider also listing exactly what is in the box so you’ll have an easier time finding it when you start the unpacking process.
#3 Pack an Overnight Bag for the New House
This might seem like an unnecessary step. After all, everything is moving with you, right? However, putting together an overnight bag with your bathroom essentials and a change of clothes for the next day will be much easier than digging through everything when you’re exhausted from your move. Even if you just pack the bare essentials, you’ll be thanking us later when you find how much easier it is to get ready for bed that night. Thanks to this article from USA Today, we put together a list of the essentials you should definitely consider packing in your overnight bag:
- Pajamas
- Change of clothes
- Undergarments
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shower essentials (Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush
- Other hygiene necessities
- Medication
The Best Moving Tip of All? Hire Best of the West Movers!
If you’re in Utah and you’re about to move, hire Best of the West movers for the easiest and best moving and packing experience you will ever have. Our moving experts can do anything from helping you pack to hauling all of your belongings to your new home. We offer labor-only moves, full-service moving, and even long-distance moves. Plus, we do it all at a price you’ll love. We serve both Davis and Salt Lake County, Utah, and then move you wherever you’re headed. Contact us today to learn more and to get a free estimate!