Moving is easier when items are packed and organized carefully. Good planning saves time and reduces stress on moving day.
Professional organizer Maria Laitinen from Tavararemontti has assisted with hundreds of moves. We have compiled her 12 practical tips to help make packing, moving, and settling into a new home easier.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
What to do before packing
How to sort and organize your belongings
How to label moving boxes correctly
What kind of moving boxes to choose
How to pack safely and efficiently
How to make unpacking easier
When storage space is helpful during a move
1. Do not pack unnecessary items
Go through your belongings before the move and decide what you want to keep, recycle, or throw away. This way, you avoid transporting unnecessary items to your new home.
2. Plan a move to a smaller home
If you are moving to a smaller apartment, go through your cupboards and storage spaces well in advance. Choose the most important items to take with you and consider storage space for those you do not need daily.
3. Sort items by category
Pack items of the same category together. For example, if you use towels to protect dishes, label the box with both contents.
4. Label boxes clearly
Write the contents of the moving boxes clearly with a permanent marker. This way, you will easily find the items you need even after the move.
5. Label boxes by room
Write on each box which room it belongs to in the new home. This way, the boxes end up in the right place immediately, and unpacking becomes easier.
6. Label boxes going into storage
If some of your items are moving to a storage unit, label the boxes carefully. Also, think about what you will need first and place these boxes where they are easily accessible.
7. Avoid vague markings
Do not just write “miscellaneous” on the box. Label the contents as accurately as possible, especially if the box will remain in storage for a longer period.
8. Choose durable moving boxes
Use sturdy and high-quality moving boxes. Banana boxes may not withstand the stresses of moving as well as boxes designed for the purpose.
9. Do not pack boxes too heavily
Pack heavy items, such as books, in smaller boxes. It is advisable to combine lighter items in larger boxes to make them easier to carry.
10. Pack boxes evenly
Fill moving boxes evenly so they can be stacked safely. Ensure that the boxes close properly and that items cannot move during transport.
11. Reserve enough time for packing
Start packing well in advance. Pack the items you do not need daily first, and leave the most important everyday items for last.
12. Unpack items directly into their places
When you arrive at your new home, aim to unpack items directly into their correct places. This way, you avoid temporary piles of stuff, and the new home feels ready sooner.
Make moving easier with Pelican storage space
During a move, everything does not always need to be moved directly to the new home. Pelican storage space offers a flexible solution for the temporary storage of furniture, moving boxes, and other items.
You can store your belongings safely and retrieve them when you need them. At Pelican, you will also find moving boxes and packing supplies to make your move easier.