Moving house is an exciting but stressful time. When undertaking a small move yourself rather than hiring removalists, it’s easy to make some costly errors.
- Not decluttering beforehand
It’s tempting to just pack everything as-is when you’re on a tight timeline. But take the time to declutter first. Be ruthless. You likely have a lot you don’t need or won’t miss. Have a yard sale, donate to charity, or recycle. Not only will you raise funds, you’ll have less to pack and move. Aim to reduce belongings by 30%. Take an inventory and examine each item critically. Get others involved – they may see clutter you’ve become blind to. Decluttering will make packing easier and your new home seem bigger.
- Not measuring furniture properly
The small removals moving day to arrive only to find your furniture won’t fit in the new place. Measure everything – width, height, and depth – and draw up a floor plan for the new home. Compare furniture dimensions to doorways, stairs, halls, and rooms. Identify potential issues early so alternative arrangements be made if needed.
- Choosing impractical boxes
Good quality ones are essential for safe transport. Avoid flimsy boxes prone to collapsing. Opt for small, uniform-sized boxes without large gaps between items. Heavier items should go in smaller boxes. Make sure each is labeled clearly. Sturdy boxes with handles are easier to carry. If reusing boxes, ensure they are structurally sound. Get a range of sizes – dishpack boxes for fragile items, and wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. Having uniform sizes helps maximize space when packing the truck.
- Protecting fragile items
Treasured items are damaged because you packed them hastily. Wrap fragile objects individually in tissue or bubble wrap. Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. Place towels, sheets, or clothes between plates and glasses to prevent breakage. Electronics should be packed in their original boxes if possible. Wrap cords neatly using cable ties. Back up computers and disconnect hardware like printers. Pack heavy items at the bottom of boxes and lighter ones on top.
- Poor loading technique
Carefully plan the order for loading and unloading boxes and furniture. The heaviest items go in first, closest to the truck cab. Boxes should be evenly distributed so weight is balanced. Delicate or fragile boxes are unloaded first. Secure boxes with blankets or straps so they don’t shift during transit. Ensure heavy items are adequately supported. Use trolleys or furniture sliders to move large objects. Have helpers on hand, and take regular breaks to avoid injury. Plan your route avoiding steep hills where possible.
- Not using enough packing supplies
It’s frustrating to run short halfway through packing. Ensure you have enough boxes, tape, bubble wrap, tissue paper, permanent markers, and scissors to do the job properly. You’ll use more supplies than you expect. Buy extra packing tape – a common oversight.
Have a supply kit ready with essentials like a tape measure, utility knife, labels, and string. Keep snacks and water handy for energy. Check supplies are easily accessible, not buried in a closet somewhere. Place packing materials strategically throughout the house.
