Support our educational content for free when you purchase through links on our site. Learn more
[2023] How soon should you start preparing for a move?
Moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be a stressful and overwhelming experience if you're not properly prepared. One of the most common questions people ask when planning a move is, "How soon should I start preparing?" The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, including the size of your home, the distance of your move, and your personal schedule. In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide on when and how to start preparing for a move, so you can have a smooth and successful transition to your new home.
Table of Contents
- Quick Answer
- Quick Tips and Facts
- Declutter, declutter, declutter
- Overestimate when it comes to packing materials
- Leave clothing on hangers
- Shrink the sweaters
- Start with your lesser-used things first
- Don't Forget About the Knick Knacks: They May be Small, but They Can Take a Lot of Time to Pack
- Pack a suitcase with valuable belongings
- Make a parts box
- Consider the fact you’ll have to unpack, too
- Remember to put the oxygen mask on yourself first
- Leave a Comment
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- Useful Links
- Reference Links
Quick Answer
To ensure a smooth and stress-free move, it's best to start preparing at least 8 weeks in advance. This will give you enough time to declutter, organize your belongings, and pack everything properly. However, if you're moving on short notice, don't worry! We'll provide you with a timeline and tips for preparing in as little as 2 weeks.
Quick Tips and Facts
Before we dive into the details, here are some quick tips and facts to keep in mind when preparing for a move:
- Start early: The earlier you start, the less stressful the process will be.
- Create a moving checklist: Having a checklist will help you stay organized and ensure you don't forget anything important.
- Label your boxes: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking much easier.
- Pack an essentials box: Pack a box with essential items you'll need immediately upon arrival at your new home, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents.
- Hire professional movers: If your budget allows, hiring professional movers can save you time and effort. They'll handle the heavy lifting and transportation of your belongings.
Now, let's dive into the details of each step in the moving preparation process.
Declutter, declutter, declutter
One of the first things you should do when preparing for a move is to declutter your home. Moving is the perfect opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need or use. Not only will this save you time and effort during the packing process, but it will also help reduce the cost of your move. Here's a step-by-step guide to decluttering your home:
-
Start with one room at a time: Trying to declutter your entire home at once can be overwhelming. Instead, focus on one room at a time. Sort through your belongings and separate them into three categories: keep, donate/sell, and throw away.
-
Be ruthless: When deciding what to keep and what to get rid of, be honest with yourself. Ask yourself if you've used the item in the past year and if it holds sentimental value. If the answer is no, it's time to let go.
-
Donate or sell unwanted items: Items that are in good condition but no longer serve a purpose for you can be donated or sold. Consider hosting a garage sale, listing items online, or donating them to a local charity.
-
Dispose of hazardous materials properly: Some items, such as old paint cans or expired medications, require special disposal methods. Contact your local waste management facility to find out how to properly dispose of these items.
By decluttering your home before your move, you'll save time, money, and energy. Plus, you'll start fresh in your new home with only the items that truly matter to you.
Overestimate when it comes to packing materials
When it comes to packing materials, it's always better to overestimate than to run out in the middle of packing. Here are some essential packing materials you'll need:
-
Moving boxes: Stock up on various sizes of moving boxes to accommodate different items. You can find moving boxes at local home improvement stores, online retailers, or even ask friends and family if they have any to spare.
-
Packing tape: Invest in a good quality packing tape to secure your boxes.
-
Bubble wrap: Bubble wrap is great for protecting fragile items during the move. Wrap breakable items individually and use additional bubble wrap or packing paper to fill any empty spaces in the box.
-
Packing paper: Packing paper is an excellent alternative to bubble wrap for wrapping fragile items. It's also useful for filling empty spaces in boxes to prevent items from shifting during transportation.
-
Markers: Use markers to label your boxes with their contents and the room they belong to.
-
Furniture covers: If you have valuable or delicate furniture, invest in furniture covers to protect them during the move.
Remember, it's better to have extra packing materials than to be caught without enough. You can always return or sell any unused materials after your move.
Leave clothing on hangers
Packing and unpacking clothing can be a time-consuming task. One way to save time and effort is to leave your clothing on hangers. Here's how:
-
Group similar clothing items together: Start by grouping similar clothing items together, such as shirts, dresses, or pants.
-
Tie a garbage bag around a group of hangers: Take a garbage bag and cut a small hole at the bottom. Hold the bag up from the bottom and slide it over a group of hangers. The hangers will poke through the hole, and the bag will cover the clothing.
-
Secure the bag at the bottom: Tie a knot at the bottom of the bag to secure it in place.
-
Repeat for each group of clothing: Repeat this process for each group of clothing until all your hanging clothes are protected.
When you arrive at your new home, simply remove the garbage bags from the hangers and hang the clothing back up in your new closet. This method saves time and eliminates the need to fold and pack individual clothing items.
Shrink the sweaters
If you have a collection of bulky sweaters, you can save space by shrinking them before packing. Here's a simple method to shrink your sweaters:
-
Fill a basin or sink with warm water: Fill a basin or sink with warm water, ensuring it's not too hot to avoid damaging the sweaters.
-
Add a small amount of mild detergent: Add a small amount of mild detergent to the water and mix it gently.
-
Submerge the sweaters: Submerge the sweaters in the water and let them soak for about 10 minutes.
-
Rinse with cold water: After soaking, rinse the sweaters with cold water to remove any excess detergent.
-
Gently squeeze out the water: Carefully squeeze out the water from the sweaters without wringing them.
-
Lay the sweaters flat to dry: Lay the sweaters flat on a clean towel or drying rack to dry. Avoid hanging them, as this can cause them to stretch.
By shrinking your sweaters, you'll be able to pack them more efficiently and save valuable space in your moving boxes.
Start with your lesser-used things first
When it comes to packing, it's a good idea to start with the items you use less frequently. This will allow you to gradually pack over time without disrupting your daily routine. Here's a suggested timeline for packing:
-
8 weeks before the move: Start packing items that you rarely use, such as seasonal decorations, specialty kitchen appliances, or books you've already read.
-
6 weeks before the move: Pack items from guest bedrooms or additional storage areas that are not frequently used.
-
4 weeks before the move: Begin packing items from your main living areas that you can live without for a few weeks, such as non-essential kitchen items or decorative items.
-
2 weeks before the move: Pack the remaining items, leaving only the essentials you'll need for the final weeks before the move.
By following this timeline, you'll be able to pack gradually and stay organized throughout the process.
Don't Forget About the Knick Knacks: They May be Small, but They Can Take a Lot of Time to Pack
Knick knacks, such as small decorative items, collectibles, or souvenirs, may seem insignificant, but they can take up a lot of time to pack. Here are some tips to make packing knick knacks easier:
-
Wrap fragile items individually: Use bubble wrap or packing paper to wrap each fragile item individually. This will help protect them from damage during the move.
-
Pack them in small boxes: Use smaller boxes to pack your knick knacks. This will make them easier to carry and prevent them from shifting during transportation.
-
Label the boxes: Clearly label the boxes containing your knick knacks to ensure they are handled with care during the move.
-
Take photos for reference: If you have a lot of knick knacks or items with sentimental value, consider taking photos of them before packing. This will help you remember how they were displayed and make it easier to set them up in your new home.
Packing knick knacks can be time-consuming, so it's best to start early and give yourself plenty of time to pack them properly.
Pack a suitcase with valuable belongings
When moving, it's essential to keep your valuable belongings with you instead of packing them in a moving truck. This includes important documents, jewelry, electronics, and sentimental items. To ensure their safety, pack a suitcase with these valuable belongings and keep it with you during the move. Here's what to include in your valuable belongings suitcase:
-
Important documents: Gather important documents such as passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, and any other documents you may need during the move.
-
Jewelry: Place your jewelry in a small, secure container or jewelry roll to prevent damage or loss.
-
Electronics: If possible, pack your electronics, such as laptops, tablets, or cameras, in their original packaging. If not, use padded cases or wrap them in bubble wrap to protect them during the move.
-
Sentimental items: Include any sentimental items that hold significant value to you, such as family heirlooms or photographs.
By keeping your valuable belongings with you, you'll have peace of mind knowing they are safe and secure throughout the move.
Make a parts box
When disassembling furniture or electronics for the move, it's crucial to keep all the parts and hardware organized. To avoid losing small screws or important pieces, create a parts box. Here's how to make a parts box:
-
Gather small plastic bags or resealable containers: Collect small plastic bags or resealable containers to hold the parts and hardware.
-
Label each bag or container: Use a marker to label each bag or container with the name of the item it belongs to. For example, if you're disassembling a bed frame, label the bag or container "Bed Frame Hardware."
-
Keep the parts box in a safe place: Once you've labeled each bag or container, place them all in a larger box or container. Make sure to keep the parts box in a safe place where it won't get lost or mixed up with other items.
By creating a parts box, you'll have all the necessary hardware and parts readily available when it's time to reassemble your furniture or electronics in your new home.
Consider the fact you’ll have to unpack, too
While it's important to focus on packing and preparing for your move, it's equally important to consider the unpacking process. Here are some tips to make unpacking easier:
-
Label your boxes: As mentioned earlier, labeling your boxes with their contents and the room they belong to will make unpacking much easier. Start by unpacking the essentials first, such as bedding, toiletries, and kitchen items.
-
Unpack one room at a time: Unpacking can be overwhelming, so take it one room at a time. Start with the most important rooms, such as the bedroom and kitchen, and gradually move on to other areas of the house.
-
Take breaks: Unpacking can be physically and mentally exhausting, so be sure to take breaks and pace yourself. Don't feel like you have to unpack everything in one day.
-
Organize as you go: As you unpack, take the time to organize your belongings in their designated spaces. This will help you maintain a sense of order in your new home.
Remember, unpacking is a process, and it may take some time to fully settle into your new home. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey of creating a new space that reflects your personal style.
Remember to put the oxygen mask on yourself first
Moving can be a physically and emotionally demanding process, so it's important to take care of yourself throughout the journey. Here are some self-care tips to keep in mind:
-
Get enough sleep: Moving can disrupt your sleep schedule, so make sure to prioritize getting enough rest. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
-
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and energized.
-
Eat nutritious meals: Moving can be hectic, but don't forget to nourish your body with healthy meals and snacks.
-
Take breaks: Moving can be physically exhausting, so take regular breaks to rest and recharge.
-
Ask for help: Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or professional movers. Moving is a team effort, and accepting assistance can make the process much smoother.
Remember, taking care of yourself is essential during a move. By prioritizing self-care, you'll have the energy and resilience to tackle any challenges that come your way.
Leave a Comment
We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights on when and how to start preparing for a move. Whether you're planning a move in 8 weeks or 2 weeks, following these tips will help you stay organized, reduce stress, and ensure a successful transition to your new home. If you have any questions or additional tips to share, we'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment below and join the conversation!
FAQ
How far in advance should you prepare to move?
To ensure a smooth and stress-free move, it's best to start preparing at least 8 weeks in advance. This will give you enough time to declutter, organize your belongings, and pack everything properly.
How do I start prepping to move?
To start prepping for a move, begin by decluttering your home. Sort through your belongings and separate them into categories: keep, donate/sell, and throw away. Once you've decluttered, start gathering packing materials and labeling your boxes. Create a moving checklist to stay organized throughout the process.
What should I do 2 months before moving?
Two months before moving, start decluttering your home. Begin with items you rarely use, such as seasonal decorations or specialty kitchen appliances. Make sure to label your boxes and gather packing materials. Create a moving checklist to help you stay organized.
How do I prepare for a move in 2 weeks?
If you're preparing for a move in 2 weeks, focus on packing the essentials first. Start with items you can live without for a few weeks, such as non-essential kitchen items or decorative items. Pack gradually and stay organized by following a moving checklist.
How do I pack fragile items for a move?
To pack fragile items for a move, wrap each item individually with bubble wrap or packing paper. Use additional bubble wrap or packing paper to fill any empty spaces in the box. Label the box as "fragile" and handle it with care during the move.
How do I stay organized during a move?
To stay organized during a move, create a moving checklist and label your boxes with their contents and the room they belong to. Pack gradually, starting with items you use less frequently. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and ask for help when needed.
What are the benefits of hiring professional movers?
Hiring professional movers can save you time and effort during your move. They have the expertise and equipment to handle the heavy lifting and transportation of your belongings. Professional movers can also provide packing services and ensure your items are properly protected during the move.
What are the drawbacks of hiring professional movers?
The main drawback of hiring professional movers is the cost. Professional moving services can be expensive, especially for long-distance moves. Additionally, some people prefer to have full control over the packing and moving process, which may not be possible when hiring professionals.
Conclusion
Preparing for a move is a process that requires careful planning and organization. By starting early, decluttering your home, and packing strategically, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free transition to your new home. Remember to take care of yourself throughout the moving process and ask for help when needed. With the right preparation and mindset, you'll be ready to embark on your new adventure with confidence.
Useful Links
- Shop moving boxes on Amazon
- Shop packing tape on Amazon
- Shop bubble wrap on Amazon
- Shop packing paper on Amazon
- Shop markers on Amazon
- Shop furniture covers on Amazon