Moving to a new home is a fun, exciting time, but the moving process can be quite stressful. If you haven’t moved frequently, it’s hard to know where to start and how to organize a move.
Luckily, there are many moving tools and resources for a well-coordinated and smooth relocation. If you’re in need of professional packing or quality moving supplies, look no further and explore Toronto’s trusted moving supplies services.
Here are the best tips for packing and organizing before the moving truck comes.
Create a Moving Binder
Consider creating a binder if your move isn’t sudden and you have a few months to plan. Having a moving binder will help keep you organized and store all of your important documents in one place.
Tab your binder to include:
- Your moving checklists
- Moving receipts
- Moving company or rental truck paperwork
- Utility contracts and phone numbers
- Inventory list
- Moving schedule (to include utility hookups and necessary house closing appointments)
- Important documents such as loan paperwork, medical records, and financials
- Donation receipts
Donation Lists and Receipts
When moving to a new home, there will be items you want to replace or don’t need anymore. Donating items you no longer need will lighten your load and save you time unpacking.
When going through the packing process, write down the items you are donating. Keep the lists in your binder and decide where you’re planning to donate the items. When the time comes to drop off the donations, the organization will provide you with a receipt to refer to when filing taxes.
Be sure to keep all the receipts with your lists safely stored away in your binder.
Utility Documents
Utility services will need to be cancelled or transferred when you move. Keep a list of contact information for each provider, and be sure to add a reminder to your checklist to transfer the service.
Develop Checklists
There are many details and obligations to stay on top of when it comes to planning a move. You’ll need to maintain organization while handling financial obligations, time management, and logistics. Developing a checklist for your to-dos will be a lifesaver.
Consider creating a checklist for your weekly tasks of what needs to be done before, during, and after your move.
Have a Packing Plan
As great as it sounds to simply toss your belongings in a box and tape them up, it’s best to pack room by room. Start with rooms containing non-essentials that aren’t used frequently or can be lived without for the upcoming weeks. The basement, attic, storage closets, and the guest bedroom are great places to start.
Colour-code and Number Your Boxes
Colour-code your boxes with mini stickers or markers by room and write a list confirming the colour designated to each room. This list is known as a moving legend and will save time organizing when it’s time to unpack.
Hang a copy of the moving legend on each doorway for the movers in your new home. When they deliver your items, they’ll know which room to put them in.
Once you have a solid understanding of how to organize a move, you can take your organization skills one step further with an itemized number system. Number your boxes and jot down the contents of each box corresponding to that box number. When it’s time to unpack, you’ll be able to prioritize which boxes should be emptied first.
Tips when packing your boxes:
- Use the appropriate size box, packing the heavier objects in smaller boxes for easier transportation.
- Avoid empty spaces in the boxes to minimize damage. Fill the empty areas with bubble wrap, packing paper, or towels.
- The heavier items should be at the bottom of the box.
- Label the boxes appropriately and tape them well.
Packing Tools Basket
When boxing items room by room, packing tools can be easily misplaced. Designate a basket for your packing tools to be kept in when you’re not using them. When it’s time to move to the next room, you’ll have the scissors, labels, and tape all in one place.
Use Twist-ties for Wires and Electronics
A full bag of untied wires is as bad as untangling Christmas lights. Wrap each loose wire with a twist-tie, place each one in a zip-lock bag, and label it according to its use or corresponding device. If the wire doesn’t disconnect from the device, the twist-tie will still come in handy for when it’s time to carry it.
Pack an Essentials Box or Bag
There are some items you shouldn’t pack in the moving truck! Packing medications, identification cards, credit cards, toiletries, and other essential items separately will aid in a stress-free moving experience.
Should I Hire a Professional Moving Company?
Planning and executing a move involve a lot of moving parts and can be a lot of work. Moving experts will help pack your belongings and have extensive experience in the proper way to do so. They secure your items to eliminate potential broken glass or damage throughout the relocation process.
Unpacking Tips
You’ve finally made the move, and you’re ready to settle down in your new home. It’s easy to postpone unpacking and jump back into your daily routine with just the necessities, but this can create a disorganized and chaotic space. Set yourself a deadline and carve out time each day for unpacking and home organization.
Get rid of boxes as you empty them to avoid extra clutter in your new home. Start with the kitchen and set up a meal plan if you haven’t had the opportunity to get to the grocery store.
A professional packing service saves the time and stress that comes with packing. Our Toronto professional packing service knows how to organize a move and has your needs covered. Call our experts at 416-923-3300 or email to learn more about our service and schedule an appointment with us today. We guarantee exceptional results.
If you’ve been in your home a long time, chances are you’ve accumulated a lot over the years. It’s overwhelming going through your things and deciding what to keep when moving. There are helpful tips to help you get started in the process.
