10 Packing, Moving and Storage Planning Tips. Part 2 – Packing and Moving

19 Jul 10 Packing, Moving and Storage Planning Tips. Part 2 – Packing and Moving

In part 1 of this two-part series, we looked at organizing and planning for a move, including gathering packing supplies and moving boxes, de-cluttering while packing, moving items into storage and making use of a spreadsheet we provided for a “things-to-do” list and timeline. This month, we’ll look at packing and moving.

6) Move Valuables to Your Kamloops Storage Before You Move

Once you’ve reduced the clutter, move valuable items you don’t have room for to a Kamloops storage facility. Doing so before the move allows you to start with a clean slate, saves time you’d spend moving these items, and having to find storage for them in your new home.

7) Get Packing

A month before your move, start packing seldom-used items.

If you are looking for packing supplies and moving boxes in Kamloops, visit our office at Valleyview Mini Storage.

7-14 days prior to your move (depending on the size of your home) start serious packing room by room.

Here are some quick tips:

• Label every moving box with the room name.
• If you really want to be organized, inventory each box you pack on a sheet of paper, making note of the room name and what’s inside each box.
• Add another label with a short list of contents the box contains.
• Use plenty of packing paper or bubble wrap. Packing paper is inexpensive and could save you the heartache of broken valuables.
• Label fragile boxes with several “Fragile” and “This Side Up” labels (if appropriate). Make sure these labels are on each side of the box and top so they will be noticed.
• Don’t over pack moving boxes. Over packing boxes makes the box hard to lift and carry and increases the chances of a box being dropped. Using more moving boxes keeps them light and will help prevent back strain and broken contents.
• Don’t pack essential items just yet (leave them until a day or two before the move).

The day before your move, pack essentials and straggler items.
Pack an “open me first” box (or two). These boxes can contain toothbrushes, pyjamas, pillows, medications, toiletries, snacks, a few utensils, paper plates and other items essential to that first night in your new place.

For more detailed packing tips, view Tips for Packing Boxes for Your Kamloops Move and learn how to pack fragile items into moving boxes for your storage in Kamloops.

8) Moving Day

If you’ve followed the steps so far, moving day should go smoothly. If you’ve hired movers, it’s a good idea to oversee their work both when they are moving your things out and when moving them in. You can help them identify fragile items and things that need extra care. At your new place, you can save yourself a lot of unpacking time by reading the moving box label and pointing out to the mover which room the box belongs in. Keep the move safe for movers and helpers by ensuring that kids and pets aren’t underfoot. While helping the movers carry moving boxes may seem like a good idea, refrain from the temptation for two reasons. First, you’ve paid professionals to do the work, and secondly, your “help” may actually become more of a hindrance.

9) Do a Post-Move Check

After the movers have finished, complete a quick check to ensure that everything made it to your new home. It’s surprising how often a moving box gets left behind. Check the moving truck or van to ensure that it’s empty, and if not too far away, drive back to your old place for a last look around.

10) Unpack a Room at a Time

Just as you need a packing plan, you’ll find it easier to unpack moving boxes in an organized fashion. Here are some tips to make unpacking easier:

• Unpack your “Open me first” box or boxes.
• Unpack only the essentials on day one. Surrounded by moving boxes, you’ll be tempted to start tearing them open and putting things away. Stay on track. Sticking with a room at a time will reduce frustration, keep you organized and save you time in the long run.
• Make use of the moving box inventory list if you created one (see tip #7).

Here’s a good order of unpacking:

1. Kitchen
2. Bedrooms
3. Bathroom
4. Living room
5. Things for your basement, garage or in-house/in-suite storage

Looking for Moving Boxes in Kamloops?

Valleyview Mini Storage has all the packing supplies you need for moving to your new place or moving into storage. We carry moving boxes, packing tape, packing paper, bubble wrap and labels. If you have any questions about our Kamloops storage facility or the types and sizes of moving boxes we carry, please contact us.