Congratulations on the purchase of your new home! Once the initial excitement calms down, it’s time to start packing. From furniture to flatware, it’s all gotta go. Along with the usual things involved in moving like notifying utilities, purging, hiring a mover and making lists, we’ve found a few great ideas from the professionals to help you with a smooth move!

Take pictures
Before you move or pack anything, take pictures of your current home as snapshots to look back on. Especially if this was your first home, it’s a place that you’ll always hold dear to your heart. It may also help with planning your décor in your new home! It serves as a good reminder where things go in your new home. It’s also a smart idea to take photos of the box contents. It’s also a smart idea to take photos of the box contents to remind you of what goes where. While you won’t capture every item in one shot, it should help you get a general idea of what you’ll find in each box.

Be sure to take photos of your home before moving

Packing Clothes
While it’s important to empty all your drawers of breakable, small and valuable items, it’s ok to leave some of your clothes in the drawer if your dresser is sturdy. Use some plastic wrap to keep the drawer contents protected. Here are some tips on what you can leave in drawers and what needs to be removed. If you have garment bags or large garbage bags you can leave your clothes on the hanger, then you can simply hang them up in your new closet.

Keep your clothes on hangers when packing

Create a Number System
Take your box labeling to the next step with a number system. Take note of every item in the box and save an electronic copy you can access easily on your phone. Not only does this allow you to go straight to box #12 for your baking dish (instead of looking through all the boxes labelled “Kitchen”), but it will give you the total number of boxes you’re taking to ensure nothing goes missing.

Number your boxes

Designate a No-Pack Zone
There are some things you’ll want to keep close at hand, in the weeks and days before moving. Often those things end up getting packed away by your helpers, or picked up by movers. By designating a small space in your home as a no-pack zone, it will give you peace of mind as you work through the packing days ahead.

Designate a no-pack zone when you need a break

Put Moving Tasks on a Calendar
Get an oversized whiteboard calendar and fill in each day with an important daily task. Not only will this Moving Calendar keep you organized, but it will make things more manageable by breaking up your tasks by day.

Think Inside The Box
Avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box; it will make the unpacking much easier. Always put the heaviest items on the bottom, just like filling your grocery bag. Use smaller boxes for heavier items, like books. It’s also a good idea to check to see if you have original boxes for your electronics.

It’s important to pack with purpose

Pack A Cooler
Stock up with water bottles and quick snacks to keep your strength up. Put this in your car for easy access, you’ll be glad you did.

Get Creative
Reuse toilet paper tubes to keep your wires and cables organized. Egg cartons for jewellery to keep them tangle free. And plastic wrap for cutlery trays to keep everything in place.

Making Lemonade Blog has some great moving hacks

Keeping Your Pets Safe
This is a good time to take your pets to the veterinarian and ensure their shots are up to date. Moving can be extremely stressful for pets, and your vet could offer some good advice for a smooth move. Secure your pets when the movers arrive, or better yet, take them to a friend or family members’ house for the day. And be extra careful in your new home until your pet is comfortable and familiar with their surroundings. We found some great tips to help your pet with the move.

Moving is a stressful time for pets

Unpacking
You’ve got a lot to do once you’ve moved in, don’t stress yourself by trying to get everything unpacked right away. Thanks to your organized packing system, you can take your time and savour those first few days in your new home.

You don’t have to unpack everything at once