Packing up for a family move can be an especially daunting and stressful task when balancing the needs of children, pets, and everyday life. It can, however, be much easier with a bit of the right strategies in place. The following tips describe how to efficiently pack so as to go through a family’s moving process as smoothly as possible.
Start Early to Avoid Last-Minute Stress
One of the keys to effective packing is making sure there is enough time. If one needs to organize a family, then this process should start weeks in advance. One should begin with a few hours of packing each day, room by room. Start packing things that you do not use on a daily basis, such as seasonal clothes or spare furniture, and gradually work your way toward more essential items. This gives a balanced approach so that you are not pressured on the move’s eve of the day. It will also prevent the mess associated with last-minute packing of everything.
Engage the Kids
If you have children, getting them to take part in some of the packing will help them get familiar with the upcoming changes and also make the work easier for you. Give them simple tasks, like sorting their toys, books, and clothes, according to their age. This gives them a sense of ownership and helps them prepare for the move. You may want to prepare a “special box” for the younger ones that contains favorite toys and comfort items that they can keep with them during the move. You can also let older children make packing a bit more of a game or even a challenge. Not only does this make things a little easier on you, but it helps to minimize anxiety and gives your children some sense of control over the situation.
Consider Hiring a Professional Moving Company
Though packing and moving are challenging and tiresome, the task gets easier with the help of a professional moving company. In such cases, lifting, loading, and transportation will be done by the moving company, freeing more time to settle your family in the new home. If you go this route, make sure you book early and shop around with several companies until you find the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Declutter Before You Pack
In fact, the time to get rid of all items that have outlived their usefulness is actually when you go moving. Take a critical look and traverse the rooms before packing, choosing which merchandise is worth bringing along with you and which ones can be sold, donated, or actually thrown into the trash. This is where you could involve your family most effectively, as the kids may have outgrown clothes, toys, or books they no longer use, and it might be an enjoyable process for them to help you decide which ones to give away. In fact, going through this process before packing actually reduces the number of items you will have to move, making the whole process less daunting, and you get to start fresh in your new home.
Label Boxes Clearly and Strategically
Labeling is the key to being organized during the process of packing. Though it may seem tedious at first, later on when you unpack, it will save you a lot of time and confusion. Make sure to label each box for what’s inside and to which room it goes, so that you will have an idea where to place it in your new home. For example, rather than simply labeling the box as “kitchen,” you could elaborate on what’s inside, such as “kitchen – pots and pans” or “kitchen – dishware.” For items that are fragile, make sure to label the box as “fragile” and indicate which side should face up. You could also color-code your labels or tape to specify which boxes go in which rooms for an easier move.
Pack an Essentials Box
On move-in day, an already-packed essentials box or bag is crucial in having what your family needs immediately. In this box, include toiletries, medications, snacks, necessary documents, and a few changes of clothes. It should also include some comfort and entertainment for your children items such as stuffed animals, books, or some sort of electronic device to keep them occupied while everything else is unpacked. With these packed items at the ready, you will be able to avoid digging through boxes for important items, and you will make that first day in your new home just a little bit easier.
Packing efficiently takes a lot of time and effort, but these tips can help you make it easier on your whole family. With some keen planning, organizing, and hired professionals where needed, your move can be hitch-free to let you get down to business in your new home and enjoy this next chapter in your family’s journey.
