Moving often means many practical tasks at once. You need to pack, sort, transport—and perhaps also find space for the things that will not be moving into your new home right away.
With a little planning, you can make moving both easier and more manageable. Here are our best tips for a smoother move.
5 tips before you start moving
1. Start early
Begin with the things you use least. This could be books, decorations, seasonal clothing, and items from 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 store.
3. Label your moving boxes
Write both the contents and the room on the boxes. This makes it much easier to find your way around them when you arrive.
4. Take good care of fragile items
Wrap glass, porcelain and other delicate items securely, and avoid making the moving boxes too heavy.
5. Consider temporary storage
If there is not room for everything in your new home from day one, a storage unit can give you a little more breathing space during the move.
Get organised with moving boxes and packing materials
Good moving boxes make a big difference when your entire home needs to be packed up. Choose sturdy boxes and use the right packing materials for different items.
It can be useful to have, for example:
- Moving boxes in different sizes
- Bubble wrap or other protective material
- Tape and a tape dispenser
- Furniture covers
- Marker pens
Write clearly on all boxes where they should go in the new home. You can also number them if you want an even better overview. See our moving supplies
Storage can make moving easier
The timing of your old and new home does not always line up perfectly. You may need to live somewhere else temporarily, renovate your new home, or move to fewer square metres.
In that case, a storage unit can be a practical stopgap.
For example, you can store:
- Furniture
- Moving boxes
- Clothes and textiles
- Kitchen equipment
- Bicycles and sports equipment
- Items from the basement and attic
That way, you do not have to decide where everything should go in your new home on moving day itself. Find a storage unit near you
Pack your storage unit smartly
If some of your belongings need to be stored for a period, a little planning can save you a lot of hassle later.
Place the items you are most likely to need first close to the entrance. Put heavy boxes at the bottom and label all boxes clearly. If furniture can be taken apart, that can also give you more space.
You may also want to make a short list of what you have put into storage. That way, you will not have to search through all the boxes later.
Remember the practical tasks related to your move
Even though packing takes up a lot of your time, there are also a number of practical tasks you need to remember when moving.
Consider making a checklist that includes:
- Change of address
Electricity and other utilities - Internet
- Insurance
- Subscriptions and memberships
- Name on the mailbox and door
- Reading relevant meters
When the practical tasks are gathered in one place, it is easier to keep an overview.
Make moving day a little easier
Pack a separate bag or box with the things you will need on the first day in your new home. This could include toiletries, chargers, medication, a change of clothes, towels and some basic kitchen items.
That way, you will not have to open ten moving boxes to find your toothbrush or charger after a long moving day.
Make moving easier with Pelican
At Pelican, you can combine storage with the practical aspects of moving. This allows you to create more space and move at a pace that suits you.
Whether you need storage for a short or long period, you can find a solution that matches the amount of items you need to store.