Sunday, June 9, 2013

Moving Stress - Packing Tips

As cliché as it sounds, sorry for not blogging! I forget about my blog sometimes .... horrible I know.

Some changes are happening to my blog though - and YouTube channel - very soon. I want to incorporate more people's interest, not everyone is a beauty product fan and it's also expensive, so I will be trying out new things on my channel/blog.

Although, this blog will be about how to pack a one bedroom apartment in two weeks
Why? I am doing it because we can move boxes over in 2 weeks. We don't want to move much when the furniture goes, so this is kinda easier. A lot of these may be common sense, but moving is stressful and some things may not come to mind right away.
{note: these are suggestions, not something set in stone. If you have a better way to pack in a short amount of time tell me! I would love to know!}

1. Know Your Time Frame!
            It sounds stupid, I'm aware, but knowing exactly how much time you have helps. We only have evenings and weekends because of work, some people may have more time.

2. Pack Easy Things First
            This will actually make it feel like you are doing a lot more than you think.
            Also, I don't mean wrapping dishes, I mean taking clothes that you aren't wearing {for me that's fall clothes} and bag it. Go through your kitchen, anything you don't use on a regular basis should get put in a box that is left open for convenience {and future packing.} Shelves that have books, those can be put away unless you plan on reading some. Dressers and tables can be cleared.

3. Know What You Aren't Packing
            Typically I don't do this, but for this move I am not packing fragile items in boxes {dishes, frames, etc} because I have the opportunity/option to move things before hand. So all fragile things I am putting in a grocery tote/bag and carefully bringing it in. We don't have a dishwasher and I hate doing dishes, so instead of ruining everything with newspaper .... make sense?
Appliances are also being taken separately.
4. Have A Suitcase
            It will feel like you are traveling, but putting at least a weeks worth of clothing in a suitcase before you move is actually a great idea. I got this idea from my mother. You may not entirely have so much time to unpack things and your place is in a vast disarray. It's good to know that the things you need are right there.
In the suitcase be sure you pack anything you could need within the first week. {toothbrush, towels, soap, etc} If everything is packed in various boxes, you know where certain basic needs are.

5. Plan Easy Meals Before/After Move
            Typical meal of moving day is pizza, but the next day or even a few days before? Make sure you have some quick items that don't require a lot of effort or dishes, best idea is either pasta or something you can toss in a microwave. You also may be very busy thinking about packing/unpacking and last minute things forgotten.

6. Pet Plans
            We have 2 cats and had to make a plan on how to move with them. Luckily for me, my mom offered to take the older one - Angel {male} - for the weekend. Unfortunately we don't trust the little one - Penny {female} - enough for my parents. They already have a female cat and we know that the two female cats would get into too many fights. Our plan? Taking Penny to the new place the night before, setting her up in the bathroom with all her basic needs, and placing a giant sign on the door so people are aware of the ball of angry fur that is in there. {also so people know they can't use the bathroom until all items are in the apartment}
Some people may have a better idea of leaving a pet in a car until things are moved or even taking them to an overnight spot. This also varies on pets and what you can do.

7. Address Changes
            This is the biggest hassle. Trying to reach all places you receive a bill or letter and tell them "heyyy I'm moving!" It's also greatly awkward. At least it also gives you a chance to speak with the company and maybe find a discount or something.
{Fun Fact: You can ask your credit card company to drop interest rate down.}



8. Be Critical On Your Things
            I'm really lucky to have a CDA {Canadian Diabetes Association} box right by my building. Anything unwanted goes in a bag and is taken there. Many times the items will get shipped to Value Village as well. It's like giving to charity.



            Packing is a headache, so I hope some of these tips work for you. Two weeks before we can move things is insane also, I advise everyone not to do this. {note: we wouldn't typically do it this way, but opportunity arose}

Once all is set up, changes on my channel/blog will begin. If you have any suggestions on things you want to see, feel free to let me know! If I can do it, I will.