When packing and moving in or out of your apartment, the process can either be smooth and organized, or mass chaos. Now, some people work best without any organization, but most need some sort of strategy. There are a couple of steps to take before you dive right into all the mess and boxes.
Create a Packing Plan: Before you start packing, create a plan to organize the process effectively. Make a list of all the items you need to pack and prioritize them based on their importance. Labels will be your friend. Label each box with the room it belongs to and a brief description of what is in it. This will make unpacking much easier (and hopefully faster) when you arrive at your new place.
Declutter and Donate: Moving is an excellent opportunity to throw out all those old clothes you bought but never wore! Declutter and get rid of items you no longer need or use. Go through your belongings and separate them into three categories: keep, donate/sell, and throw away. If you have any broken or unnecessary items, throw them out and consider donating or selling items that are still in good condition. This should help reduce the amount of stuff you have to pack and make your new apartment feel less cluttered.
Pack Essentials Separately: Set aside separate boxes or bags for essential items that you’ll need when you arrive at your new apartment. This box should include everyday items like a change of clothes, your bedding, and any important documents or medications. Keep this box in the front seat or close to you during the move, so you can easily access any essentials without rummaging through ten-thousand different boxes. (This is also where labeling can help!)
Have the Right Packing Supplies: Make sure you have the right packing supplies, so your items don’t fall through the boxes! Use sturdy boxes in various sizes, bubble wrap or newspaper for fragile items, and strong packing tape to secure everything. Wrap any delicate items individually to prevent them from breaking and consider using towels or blankets to cushion fragile items instead of packing them separately. It also allows you to pack those away until you get to your apartment!
Take Measurements (if needed): If you have bigger furniture, the worst thing you could possibly do when moving, is get to your new place and have none of it fit. Measure your new apartment’s rooms and doorways to ensure your furniture will fit. This will help you determine which items to bring and whether any furniture (unfortunately) has to be taken apart. The worst situation is when you buy that dream piece of furniture and it takes up the entire space. Planning in advance will save time and prevent frustration rearranging it all once you arrive.
Moving can take a lot of time and effort, but if you create a plan, stay organized, and find a few friends to help, things will go smoothly, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your new place!