Sunshine Coast's Best Value Self Storage

Self Storage Of Caloundra Moving & Packing Tips

So you’ve decided to make the move in or out of your Sunshine Coast home, and you're not exactly sure where to start. On top of the stress of having to pack all your belongings, you also have to decide what goes into storage, what to get rid of, and how you will be getting all your things to your new home. These can be daunting and overwhelming tasks. But they don’t have to be! Moving can be stressful, but if you have a plan and stick to it, the process can be a smooth one. Here are some household packing and moving tips to help you get through your big move.
 
Make A List
Before you start packing and getting all your things together, make a list. What are you keeping? What are you getting rid of?  What will go to storage? Write down what you’re going to be packing and place a number or label on each box you have that corresponds with the list. This way, if you misplace anything or are trying to figure out which boxes have certain things in them, you can refer to your list.  This will also help you keep your things together. Refer to the list and the labels on the boxes if you’re looking for something specific or figuring out which boxes go to certain rooms.
 
Supplies, Supplies, Supplies
You can never be too prepared to move, and you can never have too many boxes. It’s very likely that if you’re not prepared, you will run out of boxes. So make sure that you have more boxes than you think you might actually need, and don’t forget to keep other supplies on hand - like tape and marking pens.
Other supplies you might need include:

• Storage pads - if moving yourself (Removalists have their own.)
• Bubble wrap
• Tape gun - investing in a good one will save you lots of time
• Packing paper
• Floor runner

 
Pack The Right Way

• When you’re packing your boxes, label everything.
• Also remember that generally, the heavier the item you’re packing, the smaller the box should be. Carrying heavy items is much easier when they are packed in small boxes.
• Never over-pack any of your boxes. You will regret it later.
• Your boxes should all be packed by moving day. Moving day is just that: moving day. Everything should be packed and ready to move by the day of. This includes pictures on walls, photos, ornaments and anything you have stored in desks or cupboards.  All loose items should be boxed.
• Pack your fragile items together and be sure to label the box as fragile so the movers know which boxes to handle with extra care.
• Pack an overnight bag that has all of your essentials.
• Pack your plates vertically so that they are less likely to break.

• Vacuum seal your out-of-season clothes. This will make them much easier to pack, and they will also take up less space.
• Before you move, make sure you cancel all service and delivery providers and have power, gas and water metered usage read.

 

Tips For Working With Movers
If you’ve hired professional movers to help with the move, make sure you’re on the same page with them. Give them any necessary information that will make the move easier. This will make the process flow as smoothly as possible. Here are some other tips when working with professional movers:
 

• Tell the movers which boxes you need moved into your home first. This way the movers will pack those boxes last so that they are the first to be removed when the unpacking begins.
• As mentioned above, absolutely no packing on moving day. Make life easier for yourself and your movers and have everything ready and prepared to go when the moving team arrives.
• Keep your important things with you. This includes jewelry, medications, cash, keys and any important documents.
• Keep your movers informed ahead of time. Let them know where to park and how to access your home or apartment.

 
The Checklist
Two Months Before The Move
Go through all the rooms in your house and decide what you want to keep and what you will be getting rid of. Will any items require any special packing?
 
Do your research on moving companies at least two months before the move. If you have kids, organise their school, dental and medical records and be sure to arrange to transfer their records to their new school and medical practitioners.
Six Weeks Before The Move

• Order your supplies

• Order boxes, tape, bubble wrap, permanent markers, and anything else you might need.
• If you need speciality containers like dish barrels, be sure to order those too.
• Take measurements of your furniture to make sure the larger pieces will fit through the doors of your home.

One Month Before The Move

• Decide on the moving company you will be using and confirm the move date, costs and any other relevant information the movers might need to know.
• Start packing things you don’t use often.
• Label all your boxes and which room each box is for.
• Separate all your important and valuable things.
• Go to your post office and complete a change of address form.
• Inform your bank and any other important contacts of the change of address.

One Week Before The Move

• Contact the moving company to confirm arrangements.
• Finish your packing during the last week, and aim to have everything packed a few days before the actual move.

 Pack For Storage Like A Pro

1. Make sure you choose the right boxes - boxes made for moving.
2. Don’t over-pack your boxes.
3. Use quality tape to seal and close all your boxes.
4. Label your boxes.
5. If you’re storing power tools like lawnmowers, prep them before you pack them. Be sure to drain any fuel tanks, remove batteries from anything being stored and ensure fridges, freezers, washing machines and hoses are completely drained to protect anything from being damage if there’s a leak.
6. Wrap your furniture.
7. Make your things as small as you possibly can.
8. Find out what size your storage unit will need to be.

 
Now that you’ve learned the basics of the do’s and don’ts of moving, you’re ready for your big move. Be sure to be well prepared, and don’t leave anything to the last minute. Minimise your stress by preparing, packing and doing your research with moving companies. Prepare what you will be keeping, getting rid of, and moving to storage. Leave your old home on good terms and enter your new one happy and stress free!