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The key to making a stress-free move is to be organised.
Make a list, check it twice and get plenty of supplies. You will need a lot of boxes, tape, a tape gun, a master list and plenty of patience.
In this modern day and age, there is no need to buy all of your boxes, you can get preloved moving boxes on your local Facebook buy and sell pages or Gumtree. You can also scout out local shopping centres for extra boxes.
When it comes to heavy objects or fragile items you may want to invest in some uniform shape and size boxes with a bit more durability, however. Boxes that are the same size and shape stack easier and have less chance of falling over in the moving truck or trailer.
Ask your local stationery supplies store or removalists for deals. Start packing rarely used items a few weeks before you move, this will make the process seem longer, but you will be less stressed because you aren’t in a rush.
A good example of things to pack early include books, DVDs and out of season items like heavy blankets, winter clothes or Christmas ornaments. You can even store these items in the garage until the move, just remember to tape the edges of the boxes closed to keep out vermin and the weather.
When it comes to being organised on the other end, a master list is your friend. If you are moving into a new home with a floor plan you can print out a few copies of it and colour code the rooms using coloured markers or sticker dots.
Then use these different coloured markers or stickers while you are packing your boxes. You can allocate green for the master bedroom, blue for the bathroom, yellow for the living room or whichever system works for you.
You may also want to keep a colour for fragile items. Mark fragile items with a red dot (or similar), use fragile tape or use a thick marker pen to print it on all sides of the box.
You may also want to mark 'do not stack' boxes, 'do not cut with a knife' boxes and 'heavy' boxes. You can also pack an essentials or ‘open first’ box.
This can include everything from a toiletries bag and a change of clothes to your pillow and a phone charger to a kettle and snacks, depending on your wants and needs. Make sure everyone in the family has their open first box with them.
On moving day you can either choose to work with a moving company, ask friends for help or a bit of both. Moving companies come with insurance, helpers to do all the heavy lifting and some tips and tricks of the trade.
If you are moving yourself make sure to invest in plenty of straps, bubble wrap, tarps, blankets and a trolley to help with the heavy items. Bring a stack of water, toilet paper and cleaning supplies to the new house and keep a supply at the old place too.