Moving often involves many practical tasks at once. Belongings need to be packed, sorted, and transported, and you may also need to find a place for items that won’t move into your new home right away.
With a little planning, you can make your move easier and more organized. Here are our best tips for a smoother move.
5 great tips before you start moving
1. Start early
Begin with the items you use the least. These might include books, decorative items, seasonal clothing, and things stored in the basement or attic.
2. Sort as you pack
Moving is a great opportunity to go through your belongings. Divide them into what you want to keep, give away, sell, or put into storage.
3. Label your moving boxes
Write both the contents and the room they belong to on each box. This makes finding things much easier once you arrive.
4. Protect fragile items carefully
Pack glass, porcelain, and other delicate items with care, and avoid making moving boxes too heavy.
5. Consider temporary storage
If your new home doesn’t have room for everything right away, a storage unit can add extra flexibility to your move.
Get your moving boxes and packing supplies ready in advance
Good moving boxes make packing up your whole home much easier. Choose sturdy boxes and use suitable packing materials for different items.
It’s worth stocking up on, for example:
- Moving boxes in various sizes
- Bubble wrap or other protective material
- Tape and a tape dispenser
- Furniture covers
- Markers
Clearly label each box with where it belongs in your new home. You can also number the boxes if you want to keep things even more organized. Explore our moving and packing supplies
A storage unit can make moving easier
The timelines for your old and new home don’t always line up perfectly. You might be living somewhere temporarily, renovating your new home, or moving to a smaller place.
In situations like these, a storage unit can serve as a practical interim solution.
You can store things such as:
- Furniture
- Moving boxes
- Clothes and textiles
- Kitchen items
- Bicycles and sports equipment
- Basement and attic items
This way, you won’t have to decide on moving day where everything will go in your new home. Find a storage unit near you
Pack your storage unit smartly
If some of your belongings are going into storage for a while, a little planning now can save you a lot of hassle later.
Place the items you’re likely to need first near the entrance. Put heavy boxes at the bottom and label every box clearly. If furniture can be disassembled, this will also give you extra space.
If you like, make a short list of the items you’ve put into storage. That way, you won’t have to go through every box later on.
Remember the practical details related to moving
Packing takes a lot of time, but moving also involves several practical matters worth remembering.
Make a checklist that includes, for example:
- Change of address
- Electricity contract and other services
- Internet
- Insurance
- Subscriptions and memberships
- Name on the mailbox and door
- Reading any necessary meters
When all the practical matters are in one place, it’s much easier to keep everything under control.
Make moving day a little easier
Pack a separate bag or box with the items you’ll need on your first day in your new home. These might include toiletries, chargers, medication, a change of clothes, towels, and a few kitchen essentials.
This way, you won’t have to open ten moving boxes to find your toothbrush or charger after a long moving day.
Make the most of Pelican during your move
With Pelican, you can combine storage with the practical needs of moving. You get extra space and can handle your move at your own pace.
Whether you need storage for a short or longer period, you’ll find a solution based on how much you need to store.