Tips from Professional Movers for Procrastinators: Start Packing!
Moving feels like an overwhelming task. Even if you’re not a procrastinator, it’s easy to feel intimidated by how much needs to be done for a move, from packing, to getting all the materials, to figuring out and sticking to your timeline. If you’re a chronic procrastinator, then it’s even more important to recognize that waiting until the last minute is a recipe for moving disaster. So if you find yourself stuck, too unmotivated, or overwhelmed by the moving process to get started, here are some tips to start you off.
When to Start Packing for a Move
We know you’ve asked yourself a million times already: when should I start packing to move? Ideally, it’s best to start planning out your move six to eight weeks ahead and to start packing three weeks ahead of your move date. You are always going to end up having more stuff than you expect, so it’s definitely better to start packing earlier than later. Yet, even if you know when to start packing for a move, it can be hard to stick to your desired pace without proper planning.
To help keep yourself on track and give yourself a better idea of the tasks to be completed, it’s a good idea to make yourself a timeline. For example, you might want to have determined everything you want to sell one month ahead of the move. Having these benchmarks can help serve as smaller goalposts for you to meet as you work towards the bigger task of moving and help keep you on schedule.
It’s also a good idea to put your move date and related goalposts on your calendars to keep them in your mind and insight. While moving last minute is doable, it comes with more stress and perhaps even some.
How to Start Packing to Move
It can be hard to figure out how to start packing to move, even if you’ve done it before! Here are some tricks and tips to help you feel less overwhelmed and more productive as that move-out date approaches.
Purge first!
If you get rid of things you don’t want or need, then you’ll have less to pack! Go through each of your rooms and separate the things you don’t want, from old toys to clothes. If it’s bigger furniture, know which you don’t want to keep.
Now, you can sell these items either in a yard/garage sale or on the internet (with websites such as Craigslist or Facebook marketplace), gift them to others, or donate them. If you have less to pack, your move can feel a little less overwhelming.
Get materials
Now you know how much stuff you’re going to be taking with you. So, you’re ready to get a hold of packing supplies, such as boxes, tapes, and wraps. While there are plenty of stores and sometimes even moving services that provide these materials, you can start by asking around friends and family if they have any they can give you. After all, boxes can be expensive.
Get enough rest
If you’re utterly exhausted and sleep-deprived, you’re going to feel less capable of taking on a move. It’s important to get enough sleep and eat well to make sure you feel your best to help make sure you have the energy to prepare for your move.
Get motivated
Get yourself in the right mindset to pack! Maybe it’s thinking about all the exciting things on the other side of the move, such as friends you can hang out with, foods you can try, sites to explore. It can be getting into some clothes that you feel comfortable but ready to do physical activity in. And don’t forget to put on that motivational playlist to get you pumped up and help moving to feel less like a chore and more of a prelude to something exciting.
Where to Start When Moving
One room at a time
Packing your entire living space sounds like a lot, so start by packing one room at a time! Some people even like to order the rooms they pack, such as starting with the most difficult rooms and working their way down to something easier like a room that has fewer items and nothing breakable or fragile.
Break down your tasks
Sometimes, even breaking your packing process up into rooms feels too big. Don’t be afraid to break it down even further. Maybe today you’ll pack this set of plates, clear out that drawer, go through those old DVDs and Blu-rays.
You can even break down other moving-related tasks. Maybe today you will look at moving companies, and then tomorrow you’ll check to see where you can recycle your old electronics. The key is to break things down small enough for them to feel achievable.
Last-Minute Moves
Ultimately, life happens. If things really come down to the wire, here are some tips that can help you pull off a last-minute move.
Make a plan and stick to it
At this point, the plan is all you’ve got. Figure out your logistics and get the job done.
Keep people in the loop
Let your leasing office, landlord, or real estate agent know that you might need more time. They might not be happy to hear the news, but it’s information they need to know.
Avoid needlessly rushing
Try to be quick, but don’t rush! Rushing will cause you to be sloppier in your packing, which will increase your risk of injury and damage to your items. Organization is no longer a priority here, so don’t worry too much about labeling and focus on getting the packing done.
Take time off from other commitments
You may end up having to take some time off of your job or other commitments to get ready for your move and it needs to be done. Don’t be afraid to take that time away from other tasks and focus on the moving tasks you need to complete as soon as possible.
Get help!
While reaching out to your friends and family to help you pack and prepare for your move is a good idea, they might not be available to help you on such short notice. Even if you haven’t waited until the last minute, they still might not always be able to make it.
If you’re especially in a time crunch, hiring a junk removal service or professional movers is an excellent way to make sure your move happens on time and with as little stress as possible.
Pack-Men movers is a full-service moving company, which means we can help you handle anything from packing to unloading. Get a free quote today and let us help you with your move.
