Things to Consider Before You Pack for a Move in 2021
May 2, 2021 | Moving
Thankfully, after more than a year of living in the midst of a pandemic, we’re slowly getting into a new groove. For many, that means finally taking action on a long-awaited chance to move to a new home.
There is little argument, the pandemic dramatically changed the way we live and work. One of the biggest changes is turning out to be the number of people expected to move throughout the remainder of the year.
Moving season begins in May so our best tips are to taking steps to engage with a real estate agent, hire a professional moving company, and even reserving a storage rental (if you need one) as soon as possible.
But most importantly, is to give yourself time to rejuvenate not only after your move but taking breaks during the process. Here are some tips on how to pack for a successful move in 2021.
Packing Tips for Moving
Downsize and Declutter Before Moving
Planning a move is an excellent time to discover new possibilities with your belongings. In other words, pack for your new home, not the old one. Even though letting go of clutter is scientifically proven to be painful, it can also be quite liberating.
Downsizing your possessions and decluttering before a move will save you time and money in the long run. It may also help you move on from old memories and give you more space to create new ones in your next home.
Moreover, it is also scientifically proven that giving items away to family members or to people in need via charitable organizations makes us feel better about ourselves.
Some items are seasonal though. Ski jackets, mountain bikes, kayaks, and other types of recreational gear are financial investments meant to last for several years or even decades.
Even so, if you haven’t participated in an outdoor activity like mountain biking lately, it could be time to sell those items.
Follow Best Moving Practices in 2021
More people will be moving in 2021 than during the height of the pandemic so plan ahead and continue to follow protocols to stay safe if you’re moving in 2021.
Because you’ll be interacting with a lot of people during your move, it’s important to find out how your city and state ordinances around the ongoing pandemic could affect your relocation experience.
Your real estate agent will be a good source on what protocols are required for showing and selling homes. However, if you’re hiring professional movers, be sure they’re still following best practices for keeping everyone safe while moving during a pandemic.
First Step: Get Your Moving Supplies
To save time and stay organized, pack for a successful move by getting all of the moving supplies you’ll need before your start:
- Sturdy Boxes: Finding cheap or used free moving boxes is a thing of the past due to recycling efforts and COVID concerns. By purchasing all of your moving boxes at one location will save you time in the long run. Your local self storage facility should carry unique box sizes for TVs and lamps in addition to mattress covers and other useful packing supplies.
- Bubble Wrap: Because bubble wrap is so light, it’s easy to ship via Amazon or another online supplier. Bubble wrap is essential to pack fragile items such as dishes, mirrors, and artwork. Keeping your things protected during transportation is you’re number one goal when packing.
- Dolly: Save your back by borrowing or renting a dolly or handcart if you don’t already have one. If you’re hiring professional movers, they’ll have this covered. Otherwise, carrying boxes to and from your moving van or truck will become taxing and could lead to a back injury.
- Miscellaneous: Don’t forget items like packing tape and large, permanent markers for labeling your boxes. Scissors and painter’s tape also come in handy during a move. Keep all the miscellaneous supplies in a tote bag to stay organized during your move.
Organize and Label as You Pack
Organizing your move by packing the least used areas and rooms in your home first, will make the initial phases of the transition less disruptive. Also, packing an entire room or space at a time will make labeling your moving boxes easier too. More importantly, you’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment having completed a task.
Popular labeling methods for organizing the packing process range from color-coding moving boxes by room to numbering boxes and keeping an inventory checklist.
Either way, be sure your labeling method identifies the first-to-open boxes in each room.
Pack Fragile Items with Care
As you progress, it may be tempting to rush the packing process. However, when it comes to packing your dishes and other fragile items, taking shortcuts may not pay off.
Bubble wrap and foam sheets are the best packing materials for dishes, serving platters, and glassware. Alternatively, newspaper or packing paper is cheaper and can be as effective by using several sheets to wrap each item individually.
Dish paks are worth the investment if you have irreplaceable dishes and glassware. Be sure to label boxes as fragile so you’ll remember and movers will know to take extra care when transporting and unpacking.
Items Professional Movers and Storage Companies Won’t Accept
Suppose you’re planning to hire a professional moving service to transport your items or store your household goods at a local storage facility. In that case, there are certain items they won’t be able to accept for you:
- aerosol cans
- ammunition
- batteries
- charcoal/kerosene/propane
- chemicals and solvents
- fertilizer
- firearms
- fire extinguishers
- fireworks
- fuel/gasoline/oil
- nail polish and remover
- oxygen
- paints/varnishes/painthinners
- perishable food
- pesticides
- plants
- pool chemicals
- propane tanks
- scuba tanks
- weedkiller
Pack First-Night Essentials Separately
Prepare for the first night in your new home by packing an essentials box or suitcase. You’ll want things like toilet paper, pajamas, toothbrushes, etc., easily accessible for the first few days while you’re unpacking and settling into your new home.
- Toilet paper and paper towels
- Bath towels and washcloths
- Soaps and shampoos
- Personal electronic devices
- Phone, laptop, and tablet chargers
For pet owners, be sure to pack plenty of food, treats, and toys for Fido and Fluffy for the first few days. Pet stress is not uncommon during a move so be sure to give your furry friend lots of calming reassuring pets and snuggles.
Consider Renting a Storage Unit
The number one reason people rent storage units is to make moving less stressful. If you’re relocating to another part of the country, try renting a home to try before you buy. This is a great way to get to know a new city or suburb.
When it comes to choosing a storage company, location, security, and management styles will all influence your decision. It’s helpful to know if you’re renting a storage unit before you pack for a move. This way, you’ll know what goes to storage and what goes to your temporary home or apartment. At Metro Self Storage, we offer a number of state-of-the-art facilities with advanced features to make your moving experience convenient from start to finish. Find a Metro Self Storage facility near you today!
