Enjoy a smoother move with these tips
Moving an entire household, whether it’s a one-bedroom apartment or a large two-story home, is no simple undertaking. I know very few people who actually enjoy the packing process (although there are a few who take joy in it), but there are ways to take the stress out of packing:
Start early
As soon as you know you plan to move, make a list of what needs to be done. Give yourself enough time to work through the list a little at a time so it doesn’t feel so overwhelming.
Sort through your belongings
Tackle the junk drawers, garage and storage closets first – all the places where you keep things that you may or may not need or want in your new home. Then move to more commonly used items in your bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen. Sort everything into four groups:
- Keep – Hold onto items you use regularly, even if you don’t use them every day. Think about your lifestyle in your new home and what you will need or want there. Think critically about which furniture items to keep, in addition to smaller things.
- Sell – Anything that is in good, usable shape, but that you no longer want or need, is a great candidate for the Sell pile. List things on garage sale sites or hold a garage sale at your home. Why not make a few dollars to help offset the cost of moving?
- Donate – Again, this pile should include items in good and usable shape: No tattered clothes or broken appliances, for example. If you can’t sell some things from the Sell pile, donate them.
- Toss – Use this pile as a last resort, but old papers and magazines can be shredded and/or recycled, for example. Toss or recycle whatever can’t be easily donated.
Pack strategically
Grouping like items together will help the unpacking process go faster in your new home. Label everything according to destination room and use (e.g. kids’ toys, kitchen cookware, basement games, etc.)
When choosing boxes, think small for heavy items, but big for lighter items. A big box of pillows is much easier to lift than a big box of books.
Work with movers
Hiring movers can make the whole process much faster, but talk to your moving company about the level of prep work they will do and how much it will cost. Will they pack, or will you? Also find out which items, such as plants, they won’t move.
Move anything valuable or especially sentimental yourself to save yourself the heartache of lost or broken items.
If you are planning a move to or from Steamboat Springs, contact us. We will put our nearly 30 years of experience to work for you in your home buying or selling adventure.