Packing and Moving Tips for a Smooth Move
by Brenda Thompson
CEO / Managing Broker / Owner of HomeSmart Stars
Welcome back to our series of articles helping you to prepare for your move to The Outlook. If you are planning to manage your own move and are not planning to use a full-service move manager, here are some practical tips and personal insights to help make your move as seamless as possible.
Start Early and Stay Organized:
- Create a Moving Plan: Outline a timeline and checklist for your move, detailing tasks to be completed each week and each day surrounding your actual move. This will help you stay organized and on track.
- Declutter Before Packing: Take the opportunity to declutter your home. Continue to donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need. This will reduce the volume of items to pack and make your move easier.
- Gather Packing Supplies: Stock up on boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers. Having the right supplies on hand will make the packing process more efficient. Professional moving companies and U-Haul have great options for boxes. Liquor stores, grocery stores and big-box warehouses generally have free boxes available too.
Packing Tips:
- Pack Room by Room: Tackle one room at a time to stay organized. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to in your new home.
- Protect Fragile Items: Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or towels to protect fragile items. Clearly mark these boxes as “fragile” to ensure they are handled with care.
- Keep Essentials Accessible: Pack a “moving day essentials” box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home, such as toiletries, a change of comfortable clothes, medications, important documents, and basic kitchen supplies. I also like to have a bag that includes TP, paper towels, packing tape, masking tape, scissors, screwdriver, hammer, nails and picture hangers, and of course duct tape.
- Use Wardrobe Boxes: These boxes are perfect for transporting clothes on hangers, making it easy to unpack and settle into your new closet quickly.
- Take Photos of Electronics: Before disconnecting electronics, take photos of the wiring setup. This will make it easier to reconnect everything in your new home. If you have a label-maker, this is a great time to label the cables.
- Place the Moving Label in the Same Place on Every Box: For me it was the side of the box, upper right-hand corner. The label can have “shoes” or “glasses” or “books,” something simple. When the movers bring in the boxes, they put them down on the floor, label facing out, and it really is a time saver instead of spinning boxes around, wondering where the label is and what is inside the box.
Moving Day Tips:
- Hire Professional Movers: I highly recommend hiring professional movers to ensure your belongings are transported safely and efficiently. Research and book a moving company well in advance. I’m happy to provide recommendations and I’m sure The Outlook can as well.
- Supervise the Move: Be present on moving day to supervise the process, answer any questions, and ensure everything goes smoothly.
- Stay Hydrated and Energized: Moving can be physically demanding. Keep water and snacks on hand to stay hydrated and energized throughout the day.
Settling into Your New Home:
- Unpack Strategically: Start with essential rooms like your bedroom and bathroom. This will help you settle in quickly and comfortably.
- Take Your Time: Unpacking can be overwhelming. Take it one box at a time and don’t rush the process. Enjoy arranging your new space to reflect your style and preferences.
- Get to Know Your New Community: Take some time to explore The Outlook at Windhaven and continue to get acquainted with your new neighbors. Building connections in your new community will help you feel at home. Attend as many of the gatherings as you can that are being organized by The Outlook. Great opportunities to meet your neighbors.
Your Call to Action: As you prepare for your move, remember that you’re not alone. I’m here to provide expert guidance and support every step of the way. Whether you have questions about packing, need recommendations for professional movers, or want insights on the real estate market, I’m here to help. Reach out today to schedule a personalized consultation and let’s make your transition to The Outlook at Windhaven as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Warm regards,
Brenda Thompson
CEO / Managing Broker / Owner
HomeSmart Stars – Real Estate Made Easy
214-797-5003 Cell/Text
www.BrendaThompsonBroker.com
Brenda@nullHomeSmartStars.com
