7 PACKING AND DECLUTTERING TIPS TO MASTER WHEN MOVING HOUSE
It’s only when you move that you realise exactly how much stuff you have. You’ve packed four boxes already, and that’s only half the bookshelf down. When did you acquire three tambourines and why? Do you really need to keep those Birthday cards from 2013? A fresh start; moving is a great time to embrace your inner Marie Kondo and sort your belongings out. Here’s 7 tips that will help you declutter and pack efficiently.
1. PACK EARLY
It’s simple really, start packing your things AHEAD of your move-out date. Leaving packing to the night before never goes well; it’s chaotic and stressful. Don’t do it to yourself. If you can, start packing your least-used items around a week before you move. Dedicate an hour or so every couple of days to doing this. Sure, it feels like a drag in the moment, but it’ll save you a massive amount of stress in the long run.
2. BOOK THINGS IN ADVANCE
A lot of people forget to set up their utilities until the very last moment. Few things are as annoying as completing a stressful move only to find you forgot to set up power or internet at your new place. This advice also applies to organising the move itself; things like last minute truck hires are never cheap! If reading this has got alarm bells ringing, fear not, we’ve got you covered! We’re all about reducing stress and are making it easy for you to move. Keep your mind free of to-dos and check out our ultimate moving checklist, we’ve thought of it all so you don’t have to!
3. KEEP SOME ESSENTIALS IN A SAFE PLACE
There’s nothing worse than packing everything into the van, only to realise you’ve accidentally left your wallet in one of the boxes. Before you start packing, set aside a space or specific bag for key items; a phone charger, basic toiletries, any important medications, a change of clothes and so on – you’ll thank us later.
4. DONATE OR SELL YOUR CLUTTER
When you start packing you might find clothes or items that you haven’t seen, let alone thought about, in years. If you’ve gone this long without them, chances are you can wave goodbye to this extra clutter. Instead of chucking them into a rubbish bag, make a bang for your buck and sell them on TradeMe or Facebook Marketplace. Alternatively, head to your local op shop - they're happy to collect your items if they’re in good condition, making it even easier for you to say goodbye to them. This way, instead of adding to a landfill, you can make some extra cash or help your local community!
5. CHECK WHEN THINGS EXPIRE
Use this time to check the expiry dates on food items and cleaning products. You’d be surprised how fast some common household items expire! Some things, like herbs and spices, are only good for a few months, and we all know that condiments have a sneaky way of accumulating in fridge spaces. Now is the time to be ruthless; are you really going to use those old bananas for baking, or can they go in the organics bin?
6. LABEL YOUR BOXES
Organising your boxes ahead of the move can help make things much easier on the other side. Writing the name of the box’s destination will help ensure the movers put your stuff in the right place, so you don’t have to play musical chairs later. Those of you who enjoy a good spreadsheet may also find value in numbering each box, writing a small inventory/description for each on your phone. Unsure where to start, or what you’ll need to get the job done? Check out our ultimate moving checklist.
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The information provided in this article is of a general nature and not intended to be a substitute for personalised, professional advice. Mercury recommends that you always seek appropriate advice from a qualified professional to suit your individual circumstances. Links to external, non-Mercury websites are provided as a reference only, and do not imply a partnership or endorsement of their content.