Louis Whaling
Real Estate Broker Inc.
Real Estate Broker

10 Helpful Moving Tips

Hanover is a beautiful spot to call home. Located near the water in southwestern Ontario, you’ll be happy you’ve movedhere. But first things first… before you can settle in and have your new neighbor’s over, you have to go through the moving process, which isn’t always easy or fun. However, this guide will help take some of the stress away and ensure it’s a smooth process for you, with 10 helpful moving tips.

 

  1. START WITH YOUR BUDGET AND A CHECKLIST

Most people have two months to pack and move and it’s rare when the entire family has the same schedule through this timeline. Visually organizing your move can help you plan for events as they unfold. It allows you to see how much packing or work is ahead, and whether your partner or kids can help. 

 

With these details sorted out, you can create a moving budget. This will help you decide if you hire professional movers, rent a truck, buy boxes or try to salvage free boxes from the grocery store. Professional movers can be well worth the added cost, whether they’re just doing the heavy lifting and transportation for you, or if they help pack. 

 

  1. DONATE, SELL, OR TRASH

Decluttering is the first step in packing; you certainly don’t want to pack and carry stuff you don’t use anymore. Sometimes eliminating your old belongings is the hardest part about moving. I find when I’m clearing out stuff, be it clothing or electronics, if I’m having a hard time getting rid of it, I remind myself that I haven’t worn or used it in a while and someone else out there needs it more than I do.

 

  1. STOCK UP ON SUPPLIES

Quality moving boxes are essential. Many movers and truck rental companies sell both new and used boxes. If you’re collecting them from stores, produce boxes from grocers are usually strong and sturdy and the liquor store offers thick smaller boxes that are great for dishes or other fragile items.

 

Moving companies also sell foam or bubble wrap, but you may find better deals on the padding from office supply stores. 

 

  1. SET PACKING GOALS

Packing is harder, longer, and a lot less fun than unpacking. Some find it helpful to schedule packing sessions and even set a timer. This can ensure that you pack for one hour a day. This technique is especially helpful for kids.

 

  1. PLAN YOUR ESSENTIALS

As you make it through the packing process, you’ll eventually start packing everyday items. Figure out what needs to stay handy for the last week of packing and the first week of unpacking. This could be certain clothes, tools, or kitchen supplies such as the can opener or utensils. 

 

  1. USE COLOUR CODED LABELS

By using coloured labels or masking tape on your boxes, you and your movers can easily see what goes where. This really helps to organize the unpacking portion of your move.

 

  1. DON’T OVER OR UNDER PACK

Even if you’re hiring movers, keep your boxes to under 50lbs. Don’t pack the box so its contents are sticking out on top. It should be flat on top so boxes can be stacked. The flip side to this, is that you don’t want to under pack a box either. If it’s not filled to the top, it can be crushed when another box is stacked on top. 

 

  1. REPURPOSE HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Laundry baskets and suitcases are perfect examples of items that should be temporarily repurposed for the move.

 

  1. TAKE PHOTOS OF ELECTRONICS BEFORE DISASSEMBLING

Is your TV hooked up to an amplifier with several surround sound speakers, a stereo and gaming consoles? Complicated setups like this can be easily recreated by taking photos to show what goes where. This also works well for furniture that needs to be taken apart before moving. 

 

  1. USE PLASTIC TO AVOID LEAKS

Plastic bags or wraps should be used to protect anything with the potential to spill. This could be shampoo, or a nice bottle of scotch. 

 

If you’re thinking about moving, Louis Whaling can help you start the process by finding your dream home. Contact us today to get started.