We’ve all done it, most of us hate it! Let’s just be real – there are few things worse than packing up a house. Sure, moving can be exciting – the promise of a fresh start, a blank canvas, etcetera etcetera… but doing the dirty work? Not so much. Luckily we have some suggestions to help you stay (semi-)sane during the packing process. We’ve rounded up some of the most common packing mistakes that people make so that you don’t have to learn the hard way. Avoid them, and your packing journey will be a whole lot better.
Don’t procrastinate
The worst thing you can do is leave your packing to the last minute. Start early and tackle a little bit each day, you know – how you eat an elephant, and all that. Make a plan, set a schedule and, for the love of all things good, stick to it. You’ll thank yourself on moving day when you’re sitting around enjoying a cuppa while you wait for the moving van to arrive.
Don’t be too sentimental
There’s no point in lugging items you hardly ever use from one house to the next. Choose the easy road and cull items you have no need for in the day-to-day. We’re not suggesting you have to chuck everything away. Instead, make three piles: one for the dump, one for the charity shop and one for keeps. For the truly sentimental – but seldom used – belongings, consider renting an affordable storage unit with Pink Hippo.
Do use appropriately sized boxes
It’s tempting to pack everything into a couple big boxes and call it a day, but this can lead to problems, not least of all back problems. Opt for a variety of box sizes to ensure that everything is packed securely and can be easily transported. For the heavier items, like books, opt for smaller boxes.
Do enlist help
Repeat after us: this is not the time to be a martyr. Trying to do it all yourself is a recipe for burnout and exhaustion. Ask for the help of friends and family, or book professional movers to make the process easier and less stressful.
Don’t pack haphazardly
Avoid overpacking by being mindful of the weight and size of each box, as well as the items inside. Pack fragile items separately and use padding or packing materials to protect them during transit. Save essential items like toiletries for last while packing items you hardly use first.
If you find yourself in need of some extra space while you’re knees-deep in packing chaos, let Pink Hippo help you out. You can store your belongings with Pink Hippo while you search for your forever home or as you pack to avoid tripping over boxes. Give our Reading Storage Facility a call on 0118 957 1573 or visit our Moving Storage Options to learn more!