15 things you might forget when you move house
Written by Les Rivières | June 6, 2022
Ah, the moving season! Are you one of the many people who have bought a new house or are renting a brand new apartment this year? Although this new situation is exciting, it can be stressful! Here are a few tips you may not have thought of to help you prepare for your day.
1- Identify your boxes according to the rooms
This step may seem really trivial, but it is VERY important, especially if your new home has several rooms. Want our best tip? Use color coding on your boxes. First make a list of your rooms: living room, kitchen, master bedroom, bathroom, etc. Assign a color to each room. Each box will then have its own color code with the room. This technique is super simple and effective, especially if there are several of you moving boxes.
2- Seal all liquids
Soap, shampoo, cough syrup, mouthwash; your personal pharmacy is overflowing with liquids! Don’t forget to check the caps on each product by placing them in a box. If in doubt, use plastic wrap under the cap to make sure they are tightly closed.
3- Cut handles out of your boxes
Yes, you read that right, make handles! Because it is difficult to handle heavy boxes, cut out rectangles on 2 parallel sides. You will then be able to insert your hands into them and it will be much easier to carry them.
4- Provide a first aid kit
Because you never know what to expect on the day of a move, plan ahead! Fill a bag or box with a first aid kit, bottles of water, a few screwdrivers, pliers, hand sanitizer, an all-purpose cleaner, a rag and some snacks. That way you’ll be ready for anything!
5- Hand in your belongings BEFORE you move out
Clothes, toys, decorations; out of the way! If you know you are about to move, don’t hesitate to give away or sell the things you no longer use. This will help you avoid cluttering up your new space, as well as moving superfluous items.
6- Back up your computer/hard disk
Admit that you hadn’t thought of it! It is quite possible that your computer could be tampered with on this day. What would happen if it were damaged during the move? Have you backed up the photos from your last family vacation? Backing up your hard drives (on an online cloud system or other) and your computer will allow you to keep all your wonderful memories!
7- Remove the bulbs from your lamps
You already know this, light bulbs are very fragile and can break easily. When they break, they make glass which can be sharp for the removal men, but also for you. Removing the light bulbs from the lamps keeps them intact!
8- Protect your mattress and armchair
There will undoubtedly be dust, and your mattress or armchairs may be kicked or even dragged along the floor, so they deserve to be protected. We sometimes forget how expensive they are, but above all how central they are to our lives! To protect them from tears or dirt, use fitted sheets: one for the top, one for the bottom. You can also use plastic wrap to protect your cushions.
9- Unplug your refrigerator in advance
Depending on the type of refrigerator you have (check the manufacturer’s website), it may need to be unplugged for up to 2-3 days before transportation. Think about this when organizing your food and cooler before the big day.
10- Prepare your mirrors, frames and plants well
Did you know that there are boxes specially designed for mirrors, posters or frames? Otherwise, a good trick is to use a flattened cardboard box. You can then slip your frame or mirror into it to protect it. Don’t forget to mark it FRAGILE.
For your plants, we advise you to give them VIP treatment and put them in your car, if possible. If this is not the case, consider using supports to help them hold firmly in the moving truck if they are tall. If they are short but fragile, use an upside-down box or a container to protect them.
11- Recharge your cell phone
This may be a trivial matter, but what could be more frustrating than not having enough battery power to be able to coordinate everything by phone. Make sure you fully charge your cell phone the day before and have your charger to hand throughout the day!
12- Organize the kitchen first once on site
This is the most used room, so it is essential to organize it first. You’ll see, it will be much easier to manage the other rooms once your stomach is full!
13 - Take out the boxes as they are unpacked
And off you go recycling every time a box is unpacked. You will avoid cluttering up your new space, but you will find it encouraging to see the boxes disappearing as they are emptied.
14- Provide a music playlist
Whether you’re painting, cleaning, unpacking boxes or simply moving furniture, put on some music! The move will go faster and you’ll be more dynamic!
15- Take breaks!
Breaks are essential for your mental health! The best trick is to stop before you even feel tired… or before you start arguing! Set yourself a schedule, whether it’s to go to the shops or do the shopping once you’re there. With a precise schedule and small objectives, you will be able to enjoy your new space without being overwhelmed! Remember that it is essential to take care of yourself in order to start again better 🙂
Happy moving season, everyone!
