With a population of over 900,000 and growing, moving to Charlotte, NC, is a great idea. However, moving to a new city does not come without challenges, and it begins before you even leave your current residence: how to pack for a move.
Packing for a move may send shudders down your spine, but it is important not to avoid preparing for this step. Before you plan on exploring Charlotte, you need to focus on packing. After all, many people rate moving as more stressful than other life events, such as divorce, so you want to do all you can to make your move as smooth as possible.
Read on for eight essential packing tips for a stress-free move to your new home.
1. Start Planning Early
There are times when you might find a home quickly. But start planning and packing at the earliest opportunity.
Once you begin to pack, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with a task list. Save yourself the stress and enjoy the moving process by getting organized. With an estimated 300,000 items in an average American home, packing usually takes longer than people predict!
Start by making a moving checklist or folder, which can help you remember all the steps you need to take before moving day. Keep all documents together to avoid any getting lost during the move. The checklist can include setting up mail forwarding services, your packing plan, and contacting utility services.
You can start packing off-season items, such as winter coats in summer, and items you do not use daily. You do not have to worry about constantly unpacking items this way. This packing approach allows you to take your time and pack with care.
2. Have the Correct Packing Supplies
Before you pack, make sure you have the necessary moving supplies. Otherwise, you will have to make last-minute trips to ensure you can get everything out in time.
Packing supplies should include the following:
- Different size boxes
- Permanent markers
- Packing tape
- Garbage bags
- Bubble wrap
- Scissors or box cutter
- Boxes with dividers
- Heavy moving equipment such as a handcart
Permanent markers can help you stay organized and label boxes as you go, so you can organize once you arrive in your new home in Charlotte, NC. Scissors or box cutters make opening your boxes easy.
Packing tape and bubble wrap will keep items secure, reducing the risk of breakages. It is common for household items such as glasses and dishes to break during the moving process if you are not careful. Boxes with dividers can also help reduce breakages.
If you have heavy items, then consider renting heavy moving equipment. Moving many boxes or attempting to transport larger items can lead to injuries, such as back pain, knee injuries, and even broken hands, toes, or fingers!
3. Organize Your Packing
There are different techniques for efficient packing, including labeling boxes, color codes, and packing similar items together. You should also label any breakable items in boxes as fragile.
It is best to pack room-by-room, which means you can put items in their new space once you arrive. For example, you can pack all your home office supplies together and color code the boxes. Then you can move onto the kitchen and have a different color code.
You can even detail the contents of each box to make it more efficient to unpack. Other steps can help you organize your packing, such as:
- Defrosting your refrigerator at least 48 hours before moving out
- Removing blades and other loose parts from appliances
- Taping cables and cords
- Unscrewing the base on televisions
- Taking apart furniture to make it easy to move
These steps can help you avoid any issues on moving day, such as having difficulties taking out furniture or appliances breaking. Your moving checklist can be organized room-by-room, so you know what to do in advance in each area. Defrosting the refrigerator ahead of time will also make for a quicker packing process.
4. Declutter
Owning many items can impact your physical and mental health. For example, it can be harder to focus, cause stress, and even increase the risk of physical issues such as digestive problems, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Moving to a new city is the perfect time to declutter. Do not wait until you are in your new home in Charlotte, NC. Before and during the packing process, take the time to get rid of any items you no longer need.
You can sell items in advance or donate them to a local cause. Getting rid of unused or unnecessary items means there will be less to move and unpack. You can begin your life in Charlotte with a fresh slate and space.
5. Keep the Essentials With You
When moving to Charlotte, NC, do not pack everything away. You might find you need an item that is packed away, which can cause delays and more stress. Instead, keep essential items with you, including:
- Paperwork
- Medications
- Wallet
- Essential tolietaries
- A change of clothes
- Irreplaceable photos
- Other valuables
These valuables can be kept in a container with you at all times. This way, you do not have to worry if anything goes wrong on moving day, such as items getting lost or needing access to an item before it arrives.
Essential items may differ for you, but keeping valuables such as laptops, passports, and money on you is advisable. If you have children, they might also want to keep their favorite soft toy with them to help reduce stress during the change. Irreplaceable photos can also be damaged during a move, especially if you live in a hot climate, so keep them with you in a folder.
Having a change of clothes and essential toiletries, such as your toothbrush, is also nice. This way you can freshen up as soon as you arrive in your new home. If you have some items you cannot keep with you but are of value, keep them in a discreet, locked box.
6. Utilize Packing Items
While proper packing supplies are essential for a stress-free move, you can also pack smart by utilizing items you already have. For example, suitcases are a great way to save space and fill it with clothes. They offer time-savings, and you can leave loose items, such as your favorite outfits, out until the last minute without worrying about packing them in boxes.
You can use old sheets to protect your furniture and mattresses from gathering dirt during moving. You can use items such as drinking straws or paper toilet rolls to thread necklaces, so they do not get tangled. Do not worry about removing hangers from clothes either; you can keep them on so they are easy to unpack in your new home.
Blankets and towels are a great way to protect mirrors; however, if you have more expensive items, you should invest in equipment to guarantee safe moving. Kitchen towels, newspaper, linen, and rugs are other items that you can use to pad out boxes and protect specific items.
7. Pack Safely
Safety should be your top priority when moving to Charlotte, NC, starting with packing. Organizing your packing and having the right moving supplies will reduce packing risks during your move. Common packing hazards include breakages, items going missing, and injuries.
The last thing you want is extra stress or pain from rushing your packing or not caring for yourself. Take steps to be safe during your move, including:
- Lift boxes correctly
- Pack heavier items first and in smaller boxes
- Take your time
- Remove hazards from your packing area
- Do not pack chemicals such as fertilizers
- Wrap tools like saws and hammers before putting them in boxes
Lifting and packing boxes correctly will reduce the chance of injury. Overloading boxes or putting heavy items in large boxes can cause strain. Take your time during the move and check there are no hazards that could obstruct your path when moving items.
8. Invest in Reputable Moving Services
Moving to Charlotte, NC, is an exciting step in your life. But you do not have to do it alone. Invest in a reputable moving service to make your move as smooth as possible. They have the resources, tools, and expertise to transport all your items to your new home safely.
Some moving services include packing and other tools to move fragile or heavy items, such as expensive artwork, pianos, or large pieces of furniture. Take the time to check reviews for the service and pick a service familiar with the Charlotte area, so you can get to your new home without delay.
Help Moving to Charlotte, NC
Follow these tips for a stress-free move. There is also other help out there to make moving to Charlotte, NC, as smooth as possible. Bottom Line Property Management can help you find homes for rent in Charlotte, NC, or help you manage property in the area, so you can pack knowing what awaits you in your new city.
Contact us today to begin your journey to Charlotte, NC.
