To be honest, almost no one actually Excited On the prospect of packing boxes for a move: I always look forward to settling into a new place (hello, never-ending decorating projects!). But having lived in six different apartments throughout my 20s, I’ve never enjoyed the packing process itself. It’s mentally exhausting, physically demanding, and seems to drag on no matter how early I start.
Professional organizer shares tips for packing for moving
So for a long time, I was searching for tips to streamline packing for a move and make it a little easier. In search of answers, I turned to professional organizer, Ordered, LLCCharlotte, N.C. Here, Lattimore shares how to make moving less stressful: Great tips!
Jaina Lattimore
Jayna Lattimore, Owner and Lead Organizer of Ordered, LLC, began her career as a professional organizer in 2019. Over the past four and a half years, she has helped countless families and organized hundreds of spaces in Charlotte, NC and the surrounding areas. She strives to motivate her clients to embrace a more organized lifestyle by reducing clutter and establishing beautiful, functional organization systems.
Don’t do a lot of shopping before you move
Reading this advice, I began to shudder, because I’ve made the cardinal mistake of ordering everything from new furniture to coffee table books to kitchenware right before moving. I couldn’t resist, because I was so excited to start decorating. But, according to Lattimore, doing so naturally means moving more stuff to your new place, and the things you choose “may not match your final setup or decorating preferences in your new home.”
She adds: “Taking the time to unpack and set up your new space will help you make better decisions about your new furniture and decor items, and avoid the hassle of returns and last-minute product research.”
I’ll be honest, a cute three-drawer chest that I really wanted for my NYC apartment ended up not fitting in at all once I moved everything else in. I ended up having to pay expensive return shipping to send it back to the retailer I ordered it from. A costly lesson.
Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for your move
Thankfully, I’ve never been one to procrastinate, but if you’re someone who feels like you work best under pressure, you might want to rethink this mindset a few months before you move. Yes, I say months: Lattimore recommends starting to prepare for your move two months before your lease is due to start.
First, make a list of all the pre-move to-dos you need to make, including booking movers, of course. Additionally, use this time to focus on one space or room at a time, says Lattimore. Start with the spaces you use least: “De-clutter or deep clean each room and get rid of anything you won’t be taking with you to your new home,” she suggests. You might also consider keeping a donation bin and making a list of items you’ll need to replace once you’re settled in your new home.
Don’t leave your furniture up for sale
I follow a lot of people on social media who post about the furniture they want to sell before they move, but in my opinion, some of these people just don’t know when to give up and cut their losses. Posting every day for weeks on end seems exhausting when there are so many other logistics to focus on.
Lattimore follows a similar philosophy: “If you find something you can sell, list it immediately and give it a deadline,” she says. “If it doesn’t sell by the deadline, consider donating it to avoid unnecessary clutter.” Someone in need will greatly benefit from your generosity, and you’ll feel less overwhelmed with your surplus. thing In your home.
Organize thoughtfully
If tidying isn’t your forte, Lattimore suggests asking yourself questions like: “Do I love it? Do I need it? Do I use it? Do I have the space for it in my new place?” She adds, “If the item doesn’t align with your identity or aspirations for the future, it’s best to let it go.”
Read more: A practical, actionable guide to decluttering your entire home
Don’t forget other important tasks
The moving process is much more than just packing all your belongings into boxes. There are a lot of logistical elements that are just as important, and Lattimore points out that people often forget to do these tasks until the last minute:
- Update your mailing address (notify both USPS and friends and family)
- Arranging childcare or pet care on the day of the move
- Cancellation or transfer of utility bills
- Ask friends and family to help out on the day.
Lattimore recommends getting these last-minute chores done a few weeks in advance. “Moving is a big event and can be incredibly exhausting,” she says. “No one wants to be stuck with a last-minute request for help.”
Pack like a pro
Lattimore has plenty of helpful packing tips that will make both the packing and unpacking tasks easier. Below are some of her top picks:
- Pack the items you use least often first. Think things like out-of-season clothing and holiday decorations.
- Specify a box for a particular category or room. It may take time at first, but it will help in the long run, say organizers: “If you stuff too many things into a box, it will be a pain to unpack it later.”
- Pack heavy items at the bottom of the box. Then, add some padding to the top before sealing it – this will help when stacking the boxes.
- Label each box. It’s a no-brainer, but a necessary tip nonetheless.
- Pack an overnight bag. This will come in handy for those first nights settling into your home: “It’ll be nice to have a few changes of clothes and toiletries that you can quickly grab without having to rummage through boxes,” Lattimore says.
- Open one box at a time. Start with the most important rooms: the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.
Since you’ve made an effort to get tidy and organized during the packing process, keep up that effort once you’ve settled in. “Now’s the time to set up your storage solutions,” says Lattimore. “Make sure it’s functional for you.” Drawer organizers, bins, and baskets will be your new best friends, and labels always come in handy, too.
It’s also a good idea to maintain a regular chore schedule in your new home. “We recommend de-cluttering your home at least two to three times a year and, if necessary, before holidays or special events to make room for new purchases,” Lattimore says. “Taking 15 minutes each day to reset your home and establishing simple routines like sorting your mail can help prevent items from piling up and staying in place for too long.”
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
