If you are planning a DIY relocation in the near future, know that there are ways to make the preparations less stressful. First of all, search for the best moving companies Orange County has to offer and find the one you like. Second, read on for some tips on how to make a good packaging plan and how to get the job done faster, more efficiently, and with significantly less stress.
DIY relocation: what are the pros and cons
Here are just some pros for DIY relocation:
- you can relocate on your own terms and at your own time
- when it comes to packing, you know you will take care of your items better than anyone else
- you’re in control
And here are some cons:
- you do everything on your own
- packing bulky items can be challenging
- you can easily get hurt
Plan and mark important days on the calendar
If you want to get ready for DIY moving, determine the exact date of relocation to a new home as soon as possible and mark the packing days on your calendar. This will allow you to have a reminder at all times of how much time you have left on the day of moving and make it easier to finish everything faster and more efficiently. If you are planning to hire a moving company for loading only, you can always call movers Santa Ana.
Start planning
Once you have set a relocation date, start slowly and plan your packing. First, make a moving plan. The more time you have to sort everything out, like finding moving supplies and trucks, the fewer obligations you will have on the day of moving.
Make a list of people you can ask for help with packaging
If you are moving long distance and plan DIY relocation, at least ask Familly Affair moving for a free estimate to see if it’s maybe cheaper to leave everything to professionals. If you have friends or relatives you can always count on, ask for their help as soon as you realize you will need it. Plan the day (or days) when they can help you and ask them in advance to come and help you out.
Donate or give away excess items
Before you start packing, go from room to room and inspect your belongings in detail. Decide what you should save and keep, and what is surplus. Don’t wait for the things to pile up, because if you put everything off until the day of moving, you will expose yourself to more stress. It is best to do it as soon as possible so that you can book transport vehicles and loading and unloading services for the date you need. If an object is broken, torn, stained, or otherwise unusable, simply put it away for disposal. If the item is in good condition, but you never use it, put it in a place where you will put away all other unnecessary items that you can give or donate to someone.
Prepare packaging material
Once you’ve sorted all the stuff and put away the excess, you’ll have a clearer view of how much boxes and other packaging material you’ll need. The best option is to ask for packing supplies as they have everything you may need. Get enough boxes or bags for moving for each room. Also, get enough adhesive tapes and paper for wrapping fragile things. If you have a lot of fragile items, get bubble wrap, which is excellent protection when transporting fragile items.
Make a list of things you need to pack
This, of course, does not mean that you have to list every little thing you pack for moving. This means that you should make a list of things that you use every day and that you may need, even during their transport to a new home. Pack the most important things in a special box or bag, which will be at your disposal at all times.
Make a list of what you will need immediately after moving into a new apartment, such as personal hygiene items, bedding, kitchen utensils. When you finally arrive at your new home, you will probably be exhausted and you will need at least a little relaxation and rest. The least you need then is to struggle to find everything you need in a pile of boxes and bags. That is why it is best to pack a box for the “first night”. This bag can contain things such as pajamas, towels, basic personal hygiene items, a mobile phone charger, maybe even some ready meals. Get a good night’s sleep and rest, and leave the main unpacking for the next day.
Organize things for the new home, not the old one
Many people, even professionals, practice packing room by room, but it is not a good idea if the apartment or house you are moving into is designed completely differently. Make a list of the rooms that your new home has and organize the packing of things for moving in accordance with that list. This way you can make it easier for yourself to unpack and arrange things in your new apartment.
Mark all the boxes or take photos of them
Mark the boxes with “living room” or “kitchen”, but it is even better to know in more detail what is in those boxes. Add a sticker to each box with a list of things packed in it. This will save you extra time (and nerves) when unpacking. You can go a step further. You can take photos of all the things just before packing them in a box. Then you can easily view the photos on your smartphone and in the blink of an eye find which box contains the item you are looking for.