Packing tips for moving

Packing tips for moving | Super Easy Storage

Moving can be a big job. Whether you’re packing up a whole house or putting some things in storage, it can be hard work and can be very time consuming.  So, we’re here to help, with our expert packing tips for moving. We’ll help you get the big move under control so you can rest easy that your stuff is safe and secure.

 

How to pack boxes

How to actually pack a box rates number one when it comes to best packing tips for moving. It might seem like something you can’t get wrong, but there’s actually a bit of a science to it. To pack your things safely, try following these steps.

  1. Begin by taping the bottom of the box and up the sides as high as the first level of items.
  2. Place layers of bubble wrap or butcher’s paper at the bottom, up the sides and in between each layer of items.
  3. Ensure heavier items are packed at the bottom of the box and then top the box with lighter items.
  4. Use bubble wrap and paper for fragile items.
  5. Pack everything tightly so there is no movement.
  6. Close and tape the box securely.
  7. Mark the contents clearly (e.g. kitchen utensils or bedroom linen) so you know exactly what’s in it and where they need to go, helping you minimise handling.

And remember, although it’s tempting to try and get as much as you can in each box, don’t overfill them. They will take longer to move and might have to be re-packed on moving day.

Think big and be prepared

Most of us have more stuff than we realise. Don’t fall into the trap of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ by underestimating what is hidden away and needs packing. Think linen cupboards, kitchen appliances, anything stored away in your spare room or garage. They all add up quickly. So, be realistic about how much you have. Decide ahead of time what you can cull. And make sure you source moving boxes fit for the job with enough packing materials on hand to fit what you’ve got.

Allow plenty of time

It’s also easy to underestimate the amount of time it will take you to pack up your goods. Packing always takes longer than you expect, so plan for that. It can easily take up to a week of constant work to pack up a three or four bedroom house, so give yourself plenty of lead-time.

Break it down into smaller jobs

Most people know at least a couple of weeks or maybe even a month ahead of time that they’re moving. Make the most of that time by breaking the job up into smaller tasks and make a plan. Aim to have the bedrooms done one week, the living areas the next, leaving out just the essentials to get you through the next couple of weeks. By tackling your packing in chunks and mapping out your timeframe, it makes the job less daunting and gives you a clear path forward.

Easy does it

There’s absolutely no reason you can’t make this job easier for yourself. So go ahead and pack the easiest, non-essential things first. It will get you started and give you a sense of achievement that will help keep you motivated to see the job through to the end.

Pack a go box last

Every coin has two sides. So when we’re talking about tips on packing up a house to move, it’s important to think about unpacking on the other end. So if you’re moving to a new house, make a small list of must-haves for last minute packing. Like a household go bag of sorts, or a go box. Keep out some PJs and a change of clothes for everyone. In the kitchen, keep only as many plates, cups and cutlery as you have people in the house. Pack all but one saucepan or fry pan. Keep out a single tea towel, dish cloth, cleaning products and any other necessities you’ll need straight away in your new home. These will be the very last things you pack just before you move out and the first thing you unpack when you move in. You might even want to take this box with you in the car when you move. That way, when you get to your new home, you’ll know exactly where you go box is, so you can dive straight in.

Turn fridges off early

Refrigerators need to be turned off 24-48 hours prior to moving to give them time to settle before being transported. You’ll probably also want to give your fridge a good clean. It could get warm inside while the doors are shut and you don’t want a science experiment growing in there when you get to your new place. Also, it’s a good idea to take out the shelves to avoid them shifting and breaking during transit.

Have a dry washing machine

Make sure your washing machine is drained well prior to moving. Double check no water is left in the hoses. The last thing you want is trapped water leaking out and ruining your other things.

With our top packing tips for moving, your next big move should be easier than the last. And if you’ve got anything you need to put in storage along the way, let us know and one of our friendly team will be happy to help.

How to downsize to a smaller home

How to downsize your home quickly | Super Easy Storage
Moving into a new place can be a great opportunity to clear out all those things you no longer use or really need. And if you’re downsizing, it’s a necessity to make sure what you have fits your new space. So if you’re wondering how to downsize your home quickly, we’ve got you covered with these top tips to get you packing.

Plan and measure

If you’re trying to figure out how to downsize when moving, the important first step is to get a clear idea of how your new home compares to where you live now. Think about both the number and size of the rooms in your new home compared to your current one. And it’s a good idea to get out the tape measure so you can see exactly how much smaller any new rooms might be. Also measure the big items of your furniture to give you an idea of how they might fit in your new home and how much space will be left over – especially if you’ll be combining two rooms into one.  Certain items like lounges may not fit into your new space, so it’s always good to check. It will help give you a really good sense of exactly how much you need to cut down on to fit into your new space.

Rethink where things go

To make the best use of the space in your new home, don’t be afraid to get creative with your furniture – especially if you’ll have less rooms to fill. That sideboard next to your dining table might work better in the hallway in your new home. That big bookshelf in the spare bedroom you’ll no longer have might work in the living room. Or place your large kitchen table and other bulky items in storage if this move isn’t a permanent on.

Storage, storage, storage

Finding a home for everything is the key to moving seamlessly into a new space. Plan out what goes where ahead of moving in, and invest in some new storage if necessary. Think vertically. Use as much wall space as possible. And don’t forget all those empty spaces, such as under beds and on top of wardrobes, are hidden storage gold. Make the most out of every available space.

And if you know that you simply aren’t going to fit it all, consider putting some of your lesser-used items into storage. You never know when your circumstance will change, and you need to access your precious goods. We can bring our storage modules to you and even pack the module for you. It’s a good way to downsize while holding onto the things you love.

Declutter every room

Of course, the less you have, the easier it is to move. So, don’t forget to declutter before you move. Think more than just piles of paper work and old clothes. Now’s a great time to tackle those forgotten kitchen cupboards and bathroom cabinets. And do you really need to take that box in the back of the wardrobe marked ‘miscellaneous’ that’s never been unpacked since the last time you moved?

Donate from the heart

Decluttering doesn’t just mean filling up garbage bags. Donate and recycle as much as you can. It’s a better feeling to re-home an object than it is to add to a rubbish pile. So it makes it easier to be more ruthless about deciding what to keep and what can go, because you know it’s going to have a second life. And if something’s particularly sentimental but you know it’s really not worth keeping in your life, find a special home for it. Give away what you can to friends and family who might appreciate it.

Go digital

If you’ve got boxes of photos, videos or music lying around, make the most of space-saving technology and digitise them. An entire wall of photo albums can fit on a thumb drive. Upload them to the cloud so you’ll never lose them and enjoy being able to access them anywhere at anytime.

Work with your smaller space

Now you’ve got an idea of how to downsize your home quickly, the last (and most important) thing you need to do after you downsize is adjust to your smaller space. Embrace using your home smartly and efficiently. Keep everything in its place and enjoy a clutter-free home.

And if things are piling up again, or there are just some things you can’t find a home for but want to keep, consider self storage as an option. And with mobile storage, it’s easier than ever because we bring the storage to you. Talk to us today to find the right mobile storage solution for you.