What to Know Before Moving and Packing An Old House

Moving from your old house can be an exciting but stressful time. Amidst the process of closing on your new house, you’ll need to make time to pack up all your belongings, schedule the top movers in Alexandria, and prepare everything for moving day. The best way to make sure an upcoming move goes smoothly is to spend as much time as possible preparing for the big day. Read on for the best ways to prepare for your upcoming trip.

 1. Make a Plan of Attack

Moving is particularly stressful. While it’s exciting to start a life in another place, having to pack up your entire home can be overwhelming. Without a clear plan of attack, you may find yourself struggling to shove all of your belongings into moving boxes the night before the big day.

Make sure you’re not caught off guard by your move by creating a detailed moving plan. Start by determining the length of time you have left to prepare before moving. Ideally, it’s best to start several months ahead of time to make sure you’re able to take care of all your packing needs before the big day. 

Create a plan of attack in the form of a checklist. Start drafting this checklist by listing all the responsibilities you need to take care of by moving day. Consider tasks like scheduling the movers Alexandria, ordering supplies, making travel arrangements, and packing up every room in the house. Get into the habit of reviewing this checklist on a daily basis to make sure you’re on track by the time moving day arrives. 

2. Create a Supplies List

In addition to creating a moving checklist, it’s important to put together a list of moving supplies. This packing list should include the supplies you need to finish this packing job. Items like packing tape, box cutters, sharpies, bubble wrap, and the like are all the items you should have on hand during the packing process.

3. Gather Enough Moving Boxes 

Though moving boxes are no doubt on the list of supplies, make sure you have enough for the big day. While you can purchase moving boxes from Alexandria moving company, there are more cost-effective methods to find moving boxes.

Find gently recycled moving boxes by asking your friends or family for their old ones. Consider asking local grocery stores or businesses for extra cardboard boxes as well. 

4. Avoid Certain Items When Packing

Common packing mistakes can make an otherwise easy move a nightmare. Make sure you’re prepared for the big day by avoiding mistakes like packing inappropriate items. These include items that need special handlings like fragile furniture, expensive jewelry, or anything else that may be prone to damage. If possible, make plans to take these items with you or take additional precautions to package them safely. 

In addition to paying special attention to sensitive items, experts from Alexandria moving company warn clients to avoid shipping anything illegal. Items to avoid packing on your moving truck include charcoal, guns or ammunition, aerosols, fertilizer, nail polish remover, gas or oil, poison, and paint cans. Failure to adhere to these laws when moving may result in imprisonment and hefty penalties.

5. Get Rid of Excess Clutter 

Packing up your old home can be much more challenging with extra clutter lying around. Anything that you won’t be able to take with you or put into storage should be considered clutter. While you can throw these items away, consider donating or selling items that are in good condition. 

Make this process easier by getting rid of all your unwanted belongings early on in the cleaning process. Though it may be uncomfortable sorting through your belongings, this is an important part of paring down and packing up. 

6. Pack an Essentials Box

While you’re busy putting all your furniture, clothes, electronics, and other items into boxes, don’t forget to make an “essentials” box. This box will be used to store all of the items you need on a day-to-day basis. These items include the likes of hygienic products, clothes, and important documents that you need to keep on hand throughout your move. 

When packing, remember to keep your essentials close to you. If it’s easier, consider packing an essentials bag or suitcase so that you don’t mistake it for another cardboard box that’s going on the moving truck.

7. Prepare Your Old Home

As you get ready to move, don’t forget to prepare your home for its new owners. Do a run-through of your old home to make sure it’s move-in ready for future homeowners. For example, if you’re leaving any appliances behind, make sure the warranties are easily accessible as well. 

Another way to prepare your old home for new owners is to leave an informative note explaining where the best local restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores are. In addition to leaving the information behind, make it a point to clean the home before moving out. This way, homeowners have a freshly cleaned house to come home to. 

Moving is always smoother with a well-thought-out plan in place. As moving day draws nearer, remember to keep this guide in mind.