5 Tips for a Seamless Packing & Unpacking Experience That You Don't Want to Miss

No one loves to move. Some surveys say it's the most stressful life event of all. But moving doesn't have to be a dreaded, horrible experience. What you need is a support system and team to help you through. We deal with moves every day, and love helping our clients have a less stressed and more pleasant experience. Read ahead for our five tips to a better move.

Tip #1: Embrace a Generous Purge for a Lighter Lifestyle

​Before moving is the best time to declutter and let go of what no longer serves you. It may seem like there's too much going on, but you'll be so happy you did it before packing up your whole home. You only realize how much stuff you have once you have to put it in a box. When you declutter first, you'll have less stuff to pack, less to pay to move, and less to find a place in your new home. 

You should start decluttering ideally a few months before the big move day. We recommend that professionals help you declutter to keep you motivated and efficient (read our 3 reasons to hire an organizer to help you declutter here). Think about how good it will feel to move into your new home with only items that you actually use and love. Your team of organizers can quickly unpack and organize your new home for success without having to spend hours decluttering things. You'll have enough to do in your new home without deciding how many pairs of shoes to keep.

Tip #2: Prep Thoughtfully to Expedite the Process

​There are a few things you can do to help us do our job of packing your home more smoothly and quickly. 

• Find any original packaging/boxes in which you'd like us to pack your items, like a printer box. 
• Take anything off the walls you want us to pack for you, such as artwork, framed photographs, curtains, and decor.
• Start to consolidate like-items that aren't going to a specific room, such as all throw pillows and blankets together, all household decor, all books, all kids' toys, etc. 

You don't have to do any of these tasks, but it will help reduce the time we spend prepping and packing.

Tip #3: Prevent Some Packing to Streamline Your Life

​Find a spot for a "no pack" zone. This can be a closet, room, bathroom, etc. Label it as such so the movers know, too. They are essentials you'll need until you're settled in your new space. Think of it like packing for a mini vacation that's less fun and has no sightseeing. You'll likely bring these “no pack” items in the car with you. You can also use sticky notes to label items or areas “no pack,” like your toiletries on the bathroom counter. We can also help with this during the packing process if you prefer! Here are some common items you might want in your "no pack zone":

• Items you need between homes and the first day or so in your new home (think that weekend trip bag).
• Valuable or important items such as fire safes with essential documents and jewelry.
• Non-replaceable items such as memory bins, heirlooms, and photo albums; things you would be very sad if they got lost or damaged.
• Furry friends and children essentials like a litter box, pack n' plays, formula, and dog food.
• Items going to the new owners of your current home such as home maintenance history paperwork, garage door openers, or the fireplace remote.
• Cleaning supplies for last-minute spills or counter-wiping (we recommend hiring a cleaning company to do a complete clean after you move out and for your new home before moving in! One less thing to worry about.)

Tip #4: Plan Strategically to Guide Our Unpacking

The more info we get about your new home, the better we can pack and plan the unpacking accordingly. We would like to know what will be changing in your new home so that we can fill boxes for the rooms they'll go in in your new home, not where they are currently. 
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For example, your kids' toys may be currently in their bedrooms (and scattered throughout the house), but there will be a playroom in the new home where you'd like the toys. We would want to label and pack toys as “playroom” so the movers can put them in your new playroom. You don't want boxes of toys in their new bedrooms that don't belong there, and then you're stuck hauling boxes around after the movers leave.
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Before unpacking, we plan with clients about what space to unpack first. We recommend unpacking the kitchen first so you can return to eating normally as soon as possible. This will make you feel more at home since you eat multiple times daily and need energy to get settled! After that, we usually do bedroom closets and then bathrooms. These are the areas that will make you feel most at home by being able to get dressed and ready in the morning. Then come other areas like playrooms, bedrooms, offices, living rooms, laundry rooms, and garages. We can make a game plan based on your priorities.

Tip #5: Pay for Pros to Give You Peace of Mind

At Hello Simplified, we make moving easier. We declutter with you before the move, we pack your items with the utmost care and in an organized and planned-out fashion, and we unpack and organize your new home with speed, beauty, and function. 
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Also, you'll still need a way to get your items from Point A to Point B. Please don't just hire the cheapest movers, as tempting as it can be. There can be a huge difference between companies because their staff may not be thoroughly trained, and they pack your items into huge semi-trucks with someone else's home. I've seen horror stories where things take weeks to arrive at the new home or the entire home's contents are lost. 

You want movers who can move your items the same day, take meticulous care wrapping and handling all furniture and boxes, and know how to set up your furniture accurately. I learned the hard way when I was young and hired cheap movers. I went to lie down on my bed the first night in my new home, and it collapsed under me. The movers had no idea how to put my bed together, and instead of telling me, they just screwed a few things together and placed the mattress on top. Learn from my mistake and give yourself the gift of great movers.

A little planning goes a long way in helping your move to be less stressful and happen smoothly and efficiently. Bringing in the pros will take a huge burden off of you. We'd love to help with all your decluttering, packing, and unpacking needs. You don't have to do this alone, and asking for help is ok. You'll feel so relieved once you know we've got your move covered.

If you're overwhelmed with the idea of moving, download our organizing guide to learn more about working with a professional organizer.

Warmly,
Sandi