There are few things in life less boring and tedious than packing for a move.Time consuming and stressful are just two of the reasons why many of us loathe packing. However, if you are wanting to relocate you will unfortunately need to pack your belongings.
At Allied, we help thousands of Kiwis relocate everyday. Whether it be only a few suburbs away or across the globe, we are experts when it comes to packing for a successful move. So, we’ve created a list of ‘pack hacks’ to help you pack as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Easy pack hacks
Get started early
When it comes to optimising your packing, there’s nothing better than starting early. If possible, begin to plan and pack for your move a few weeks prior. This gives you time to create your packing strategy and get started. There’s nothing more stressful than trying to pack the night before. A rushed job tends to lead to mistakes down the track.
Create a packing plan
Creating a plan may seem unnecessary, but it's a strategic and logical approach to packing. Start by creating a list to pack each room. We recommend that you start packing a room such as the laundry, garage or study first. You should begin with the things that you don’t use everyday. This includes books, out of season clothes (like winter coats if moving in the summer), and decorations. When it comes to kitchen items, it's best to first pack things such as the fine china, larger pots and other cooking implements or appliances which you don’t use as often.
You can use our moving house checklist to help speed up the process and so you don’t forget anything!
Source reliable moving boxes
A poor workman blames his tools, but having the right moving boxes can make a big difference to your packing. While using boxes found at the supermarket, online shopping, or from friends can be handy, you want your boxes to be of uniform shape, sturdy and easy to label. Renting or purchasing moving boxes from a moving company is the best way to find suitable boxes.
Declutter before the move
Downsizing means you’ll have less to pack. Before a relocation, we suggest that you sort all your furniture and belongings. Take the time to review each item, ask yourself when was the last time you used it. Are you simply hanging onto it for sentimental reasons? Or have you not had a chance to get rid of it? Sort into three piles; keep, donate and bin. You can either give items to friends or family, or donate it. Before you donate something to a local charity, seriously consider whether you would give the item to a friend. If not, then it’s best to dispose of the item in the rubbish.
Consider storage
Feeling overwhelmed by all the belongings you are taking with you? During a declutter, you may find items that you want to keep but don’t want to take with you. Putting these in storage is an ideal solution. Allied’s storage service is a great option for those needing to store their items and furniture safely and securely. You won’t have to worry about your belongings being damaged by dust, dirt or vermin. Decide that it does have a place in your new home? Transportation services means it's easy for your item to make its way to your new place, regardless of where in the world it is.
Set up a label system
A label system can make things easier and more efficient when you are unpacking in your new home. Colour coding is an effective way to identify which boxes belong to which room. For example, all orange boxes should be put in the kitchen. If you are using a label system and a moving company, ensure you discuss the system with your movers before they begin. In the case of labelling boxes, keep it simple. Write the room such as ‘main bedroom’ and one or two descriptions of the contents like ‘books and pictures’.
Make a playlist
Packing can be a drag. Making a playlist of motivational songs or interesting podcasts to listen to while you pack can make the task a little less painful. While it may be tempting to chuck on a sports match or Netflix in the background, it’ll likely end up being more of a distraction. We recommend sticking to audio entertainment.
Do a little everyday
Handling all over your packing during a weekend may seem like a good idea in theory, but it’s an exhausting and stressful experience. Instead, try to do a little each day. The mammoth task of packing your family room can be broken down into smaller and more manageable tasks such as packing the book case.
Create a moving kit
When moving room to room, we recommend putting all your packing essentials in one box or small bag. This will keep your tape, markers, scissors, water bottle and other tools together as you navigate the chaos of packing.
Secure your fragile items
You can use softer items like blankets, towels and jumpers to wrap fragile items instead of using packing materials or bubble wrap. Not only is this packing two items at once, but it’ll save you from using excess materials and is great for the environment. We recommend placing old newspapers at the bottom of a moving box and ensuring to label your box fragile so the movers take extra care. Avoid seven years of bad luck by taping an X across your mirrors. Use masking or washi tape for easy removal.
Organise your pet
Relocating with a pet? When it comes to packing for a pet, it’s best to do it gradually. Some pets may become upset or worried if suddenly all their familiar belongings are packed away. Take it slowly and ensure to leave out one or two of their favourite toys. Have their essentials accessible such as a lead, food, water, bed or cage. If using a pet relocation service, discuss how best to ease your pet into the packing process.
Pack your closet
If you are packing your clothes into a suitcase or box then we recommend rolling them. Opposed to folding, rolling can save more space and also prevents wrinkles. An alternative method is to leave your clothes on hangers. When your clothes are hanging in the closet, open then wrap a trash bag around them. You can then pull the drawstring closed to secure. Simple, efficient and easy to move, you can hang your clothes in your new closet straight away.
Photograph your electronic and cable set up
Configuring the wire set up behind a television can be excruciating. Working out the wires and inputs can take time if you don’t know what you are doing so we recommend taking a photograph before you disassemble it. Packing electronics in their original packing is recommended, otherwise you can discuss the best packing solution for delicate items like plasma televisions with your moving company.
Defrost your refrigerator
This is an important step to packing that many forget until the last minute. A week before your move, limit the purchase of new groceries. Instead, try to make do with what you already have. A day or two before your move, you will need to clean your fridge and freezer out. Either transfer to a chilly bin or give to friends and family. After a thorough clean, remove any interior shelves or compartments and pack securely. Turn your fridge off and tape the doors shut.
Prevent toiletries and liquid leaks
Nothing worse than your shampoo and conditioner leaking all through your belongings. To prevent possible spills, you can unscrew the lid of a bottle and cover the opening with plastic wrap. Double bagging is also recommended.
Keep track of the smaller stuff
When disassembling furniture such as bed frames, keep all necessary screws in a labelled ziplock bag. Tape cords and chargers to their designated appliance to avoid losing parts in the move.
Pack an essentials bag
When moving, you’ll want to keep some essential items close by. We recommend putting toothbrushes, cutlery, bed sheets, change of clothes, phone chargers, and other essential items in a bag or box and keeping it with you.
Make copies
Before your move, ensure to make copies of important documents including birth certificates. Accidents can happen and items can be lost during a move so we recommend having both additional paper and digital copies of your documents. The same goes for sentimental items such as precious photo albums.
Strategically pack your boxes
People can be pretty fast and loose in how they pack their moving boxes. When it comes to heavy items such as books, it’s best to pack them in small boxes. Spread your heaviest items across boxes. Pack your dishes like records, vertical stacking will prevent any breakage.
Trust the experts
You can learn to pack like an expert, or you can hire one! With Allied’s professional packing services, you don’t have to worry about how best to pack and transport your fridge, heavy box of books and other delicate items. Instead, let the experts handle it!
If you need more moving advice or would like to book your relocation with Allied, contact our friendly team today.