Every year, around 12.6% or 28.2 million Americans move house. Now, we all know that moving is like getting a tooth pulled or enduring a long, dull road trip. Nobody really enjoys it, but it’s a necessary evil that most of us will face at some point. While the process might not be fun, the outcome is usually a new place to call home. So, to get to that joy, you want to make your move as painless as possible.
Luckily, since moving is such a universal experience, there are plenty of tried-and-true tips out there to help you navigate the chaos. Following a comprehensive moving checklist can ensure you’ve got all your bases covered before, during, and after your move. It also helps to maintain a positive attitude—embracing the change rather than dreading it can make a big difference.
Moving is inherently unpredictable. With so many moving parts (pun intended), no universal guide covers every possible scenario. Different situations require different strategies, but moving can also be an excellent opportunity for some necessary downsizing, and these tips will help.
Tip #1: Know exactly how much stuff you’re dealing with
Estimating the number of boxes or pieces of furniture you have to move isn’t that helpful. Instead, aim for a clear picture of your belongings’ total volume and footprint. Understanding this can make a huge difference in how you plan your move, from choosing the right size moving truck to figuring out the best way to pack your things.
A great way to gauge the amount of space you’ll need is by using the size of your garage as a reference point. For instance, a standard one-car garage, typically 20 feet long and 12 feet wide, is designed to fit most modern sedans comfortably. This gives you a tangible frame of reference when visualizing your belongings. If your items can fit into a space roughly the size of your garage, you can start to get a handle on how much moving space you’ll need.
To put it into perspective, consider the dimensions of some of the top sedans on the market. A Toyota Camry, for example, measures about 16 feet long and 6 feet wide. A Honda Accord is similar, while a Tesla Model 3 is slightly more compact. If you know the size of your car and see how it fits in your garage, you can use this comparison to estimate the space your packed boxes and furniture will take up.
Tip #2: Use space-saving packing materials
Space saving yields many benefits. By Sourcing lighter and smaller packing materials, you create a more eco-friendly move, and by packing less, you are reducing the workload! One of the best ways to save space is by using vacuum-sealed bags. These bags compress bulky items like linens, blankets, and pillows. By vacuum-sealing these items, you can significantly reduce their volume, making them much easier to pack and transport. We recommend using a car vacuum instead of the hand pump with the bags, which can speed up the process and ensure a tighter seal.
Press and seal wrap is another great option for keeping smaller items organized and in place. Use it to seal cutlery organizers, kitchen utensils, and vanity makeup drawers. This method allows you to pack these items as they are without having to reorganize them at your new place. Everything stays secure and ready to be unpacked directly into its new spot.
Tip #3: Nest smaller items inside larger appliances
Maximizing space often means thinking creatively about packing. One effective strategy is to nest smaller kitchen items inside larger appliances. For instance, place all your spices and condiments inside your crockpot. Once packed, cover the whole lot in packing paper to keep everything snug and secure. This saves space and reduces the number of boxes you need! You can apply this theory to other items around the home as well.
When using this method, be sure to pad out any potential “wiggle-room” with towels or clothing. This secures the items to prevent breakage while also packing things that will need to be moved anyway. Now that is efficiency!
Need a little help with that move?
All Around Moving handles every moving service you may need, and we do it all under one umbrella! We do this for local and long-distance moving, whether from your residential home, apartment, or commercial office. Ask about our packaging, discounted moving boxes, unpacking services, and more today.
We hope you found this blog post on 3 Moving Hacks for the Space-Conscious Homeowner, useful. Be sure to check out our post on Moving into a New House? Checklist for a Hassle-Free Move for more great tips!
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