When you move to a new home, it goes without saying that you will want to pack all your belongings as well as possible. The last thing you want is that you are confronted with damage to the household effects you wish to move during your move. Therefore, packing small items of household effects is preferable by using moving boxes. For example, using towels can provide extra protection for breakable pieces. The handy thing about this is that not only can your crockery be moved in this way, but you also immediately have your towels with you to your new home. Do you not yet know exactly how you will go about packing for your upcoming move? In that case, it is worth considering the step-by-step plan we have included especially for you on this page!
What preparations need to be made?
Before you can start packing your stuff, it goes without saying that some preparations need to be made first. We have selected the most important preparations for you and put them in a handy overview:
Step 1: Which boxes are you going to use?
In the first instance, you should, of course, provide moving boxes. About the boxes that you will use during your move, you should always ask yourself whether you are going to opt for regular boxes or whether you are going to use special moving boxes. In principle, there are certain advantages associated with both types of boxes. Ordinary boxes can often be picked up for free at the supermarkets in your area, so you do not have to consider certain costs. On the other hand, would you rather be able to count on really sturdy boxes where you don’t have to fear that your household effects will sink through the bottom? In that case, looking in the direction of real moving boxes might be more interesting. If you do not wish to buy these, you can also rent the boxes. The best option might be to buy them second-hand.
Step 2: How many moving boxes do you need?
When you have chosen the type of moving boxes, you will have to determine exactly how many boxes you need. In principle, you should consider that providing about 20 boxes per person who is going to move is recommended. Do you live with your partner? In that case, you can take into account that you will need approximately 40 and 60 moving boxes. In practice, a family with two children often needs between 70 and 90 boxes to store the entire contents (excluding the furniture, of course) in the boxes.
Step 3: Prepare a list per room
When you have gone through the above two points, it is time to draw up a list per room. On this list, you indicate which items you would like to keep and therefore want to take with you to your new home. Moreover, you can draw up a separate list of items that you want to throw away or that you want to sell. Before throwing certain things away, always consider whether you might not be able to please friends with them. Finally, take this opportunity to thoroughly review your stuff and get rid of what you no longer use. This way, you can not only save a lot of space in your new home, but it also saves you during the move.
Step 4: What other things do you need to provide?
You don’t just need moving boxes for moving. You also need strong tape for taping the boxes and other protective packaging materials. In addition, it is always recommended to provide sufficient pens, and we have not yet talked about bubble wrap and other protective materials like mattress moving covers. In addition, do not forget to provide labels on which the necessary information can be written. You can, of course, perfectly apply such labels to your moving boxes. This way, you know exactly what is in which boxes.
Packing your stuff
Many people still think that they have to wait quite some time to pack their belongings, almost until the last minute before moving day is actually about to happen. That is not the case, on the contrary. In principle, you can start packing your household effects very early. However, it is recommended that you first pack the household effects that you do not (often) use. Such things can usually be found in the attic, basement, and shed. You can pack items you do not need daily for quite some time before the actual move so that they are already out of the way and will not require any more time from you.
Step 1: Packing room by room
The best way to pack your furniture in a structured way is to do this room by room. Pack all your belongings in one or more moving boxes and label them. The label should initially indicate the room, but you can also state what can be found in the box. In any case, by working room by room and immediately placing the boxes in the right space in the new house, you will be able to determine that your move will go much smoother than you might have initially expected. The last things you use several times a day? These can wait until the last day before the actual move has arrived!
Step 2: What items do you pack last?
Various items are part of your household effects that you should preferably pack last. This includes cleaning products, toilet paper, and all kinds of toiletries you need. Also, always provide some towels, clothes, and food so you will not be faced with unpleasant surprises. Finally, you should preferably pack the crucial items you have to move to your new home in one concrete box that you provide with a clear label. This way, you never have to look far before taking out and using these important things. This also applies to any medication that you or one of the other family members must take.
Step 3: Moving heavy items of household effects
A very important tip you should absolutely not overlook relates to the weight the moving boxes will have. A moving box that weighs 20 kilos can already be quite heavy to carry. In addition, it is always recommended to put heavy items at the bottom of the box. Then fill the rest of the box with less heavy items such as towels or bed linen. This way, you can still move much of your stuff per moving box without the moving box in question becoming too heavy.
Step 4: Protecting Fragile Items
Are you moving breakables? In that case, it is important to ensure they can be protected appropriately. This means that you will protect fragile items with bubble wrap or, for example, another type of protective material. In addition, always make sure that you indicate on the moving box that the contents of the box in question are fragile. This way, you prevent someone from dropping them or, for example, having a few extra heavy boxes lying on top.
Step 5: Watch out for the refrigerator!
It is important to remember that the refrigerator you are moving must have 24 hours to defrost. In addition, it must always be transported upright (and therefore not lying down!). You can use chilled packaging boxes with an ice pack to store your frozen items. If you want to buy it, visit Britwrap.com.
You should, of course, empty your washing machine because there may still be residual water in it from the last wash you performed. In addition, it is recommended to take pictures of all cables you have connected, for example, your stereo, video, and computer equipment. In this way, you can easily connect the appliances in your new home yourself without having to take (extra) costs into account.
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