The mover’s manual: How to declutter, pack and move house like a pro
Moving is widely considered one of life’s most stressful experiences. The sorting. The packing. The struggle to declutter, only to be sidetracked by old baby clothes and forgotten keepsakes. It can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to. According to Lea-Anne Mills, Director of moving company Delicate Days, a few simple strategies can revolutionise the process. Below, we outline her top tips to make each stage of the move feel efficient, seamless and (almost) stress-free.
1. Declutter before you depart
‘The number one reason people stay in a home longer than planned is that they’re overwhelmed by the thought of sorting through all their accumulated possessions,’ says Lea-Anne.
Decluttering may be emotional and time-consuming, but it will also feel cathartic – and it’s key to making your move quicker and more efficient. Don’t be tempted to skip this step, and definitely don’t wait until you’re unpacking at the other end to decide what to toss!
Lea-Anne’s top tips:
Set specific goals
Break down the decluttering process into small, manageable chunks: one room or category (clothes, books, kitchen appliances, etc.) per week. This will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
Use the ‘4-box method’
Sort everything into 4 piles: keep, donate, sell, recycle/throw out. Better still, use physical boxes or bins for each category. A visual aid can really streamline the sorting process.
Digitise documents
Scan important documents and get rid of the hard copies to reduce physical clutter (and create secure digital backups in the process).
Take photos of sentimental items
If the nostalgic keepsakes are starting to pile up, try taking photos of items you’re reluctant to part with. That way, you can keep the memory without holding on to bulky objects that’ll take up space in your new cupboards.
Remember the ‘one-year rule’
If you haven’t used something in the past year, ask yourself whether you really need to keep it.
This goes for seasonal items like holiday decorations and winter clothes, too. If you didn’t use them last season, consider giving them a new home – somewhere they’ll definitely be used, or the bin!
Check expiry dates
Always check the ‘use-by’ dates of medication, cosmetics and pantry items.
Get rid of anything out of date and combine things you have more than one of (there’s no need to keep 4 bottles of balsamic vinegar – even if they were lovely gifts at the time!)
2. Box it up
‘It’s never too early to start packing,’ says Lea-Anne. ‘Experience has taught me that it always takes longer than you think.’
So get your packing materials ready, and start making your way through the house methodically.
Lea-Anne’s top tips:
Pack room by room
Focus on one room at a time.
This will help you keep track of where you’re at, and if you keep boxes together during the move, it will be easier to unpack them directly into the corresponding room at your new place.
Use the right kind of boxes
Tea chest boxes are large and sturdy, ideal for kitchenware, linens and clothes. Wine boxes, on the other hand, are perfect for protecting fragile items.
Remember: small or odd-shaped boxes won’t stack easily – and we’d all rather spend hours playing Tetris on the computer than in the moving van.
Use clothes and linens to protect breakables
Wrap mirrors, framed pictures and other fragile items in towels and sheets, and use socks to cushion the corners.
Not only is it less wasteful, but it’ll also save you a few bucks on bubble wrap.
Opt for packing paper to wrap crockery and glassware. It’s thicker and cleaner than newspaper, which can leave an inky residue.
Label boxes using colour codes
Don’t forget to mark each box with its contents and the room it’s destined for (especially if you’re hiring movers).
But, to help movers identify where each box should go even quicker, different coloured labels or stickers for different rooms go a long way.
3. Ready, set, move
Proper planning and preparation are key to orchestrating a seamless move.
With comprehensive checklists and well-thought-out timelines in place, you can ensure that everything goes off without a hitch on moving day.
Lea-Anne’s top tips:
Make a moving checklist
List tasks that need to be completed before, during and after the move (spreadsheets can be useful here).
Writing everything out will help you think through the process and ensure nothing is forgotten.
Separate your daily essentials
Make a list of the things you use daily – and will therefore need on moving day. Think car keys, phone charger, iPad, glasses, medication, inventory checklists and keys to your new home.
Store these in a bag or container in a specific place for easy access on the big day.
Take inventory
Create an inventory list and check items off as they are loaded onto the moving van to ensure nothing is left behind.
Protect floors and walls
During the move, use moving blankets or plastic sheeting to prevent damage to your floors and walls – in your new and old homes!
Ensure a relaxing first night in your new home
Even with the best-laid plans, moving day is going to be tiring.
So put clean sheets, towels and a set of pyjamas in a separate bag so they are easily located when you get to your new place.
And consider treating yourself to some takeaway – no one wants to cook in a chaotic kitchen when the removal van finally leaves!
4. Unpack and unwind
Congrats, you’ve made it! Now it’s time to unpack.
Take a moment to breathe and celebrate the fact that you’re on the homestretch. With one final push, you can turn your new house into a home in no time.
Lea-Anne’s top tips:
Prioritise key rooms
Start by unpacking essential rooms like the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. Having these areas functional will make settling in much easier.
Plan your layout before you unpack
Before you unpack anything, plan the layout of each room. Consider the placement of furniture and storage solutions to optimise space and functionality.
Set up one room at a time
Focus on completely unpacking one room before you tackle the next. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and help keep the stress in check.
Establish smart storage spaces
Before fully unpacking, set up storage solutions like shelving, cupboards, drawers and closet organisers. Having neat spaces to pack things away will prevent clutter from accumulating.
Think of your new home as a blank slate. This is your chance to ensure all your belongings have a designated space – so start as you mean to go on!
