People move to another house for various reasons, from a job transfer to getting married and wishing to explore new frontiers. It can be emotionally and physically exhausting to relocate to a new home. At the same time, the shift may give you much-needed rejuvenation.
The United States Census Bureau reports that wanting a bigger and better house has been a common reason for moving. Many people hope for a better neighborhood to live a more fulfilling life. Whatever your motivation, we have some ideas to assist with low-stress relocation.
These tips can help you safeguard precious home decor items during transit so you can deck up your new home and start life afresh.
1. Use Separate Packaging for Delicate Items
Packaging technology has advanced in many ways, from durability to strength. You can access specific packing options for fragile items that will keep them from damage during transport.
Padding is an operative word for fragile items. Ensure glass or ceramic plates or coffee mugs have sufficient padding and cannot move around during travel. You can use bubble wrap or even double padding for fragile items, ensuring that edges and corners have more protection.
Packing peanuts and air pillows work well to fill up the extra space. Do be wary of the trend of eating packing peanuts. Some companies have started offering biodegradable versions made with vegetable starch, but most still use styrofoam. If you are worried about their carbon footprint, consider reusing them for crafts or donating them to nearby packaging centers.
Strong cardboard boxes remain a classic choice for transporting household items. Some people use wooden crates as a more sustainable option. You can consider metallic crates for additional security for expensive items. Some neighborhoods may have rental options for crates to let you save money. Reusable storage boxes are another possibility – you can always use them around the house later.
Stretch wrap can help you pack oddly shaped items that don’t quite fit anywhere. For example, you can bundle decorative wall plates with tape. It reduces the chance of breaking as the plastic surfaces stick together.
2. Partner With an Experienced Mover
Professional support is worth considering at all stages of relocation. A professional moving company has local expertise and can ensure your items get packed accordingly.
For example, suppose you are moving to Gaithersburg, a culturally rich and community-focused city in Maryland. You may have decided to enjoy the city’s many charter school programs or soak in the neighborly vibe.
The items you bring will reflect this, from cultural artifacts to children’s art and DIY projects. Experienced Gaithersburg movers can offer you a dedicated relocation coordinator and a personalized plan for your unique needs. It can give you peace of mind about your precious decor items, many of them with irreplaceable sentimental value.
Another advantage is that trusted service providers can give you a transparent breakdown of all the associated tasks, like labor and transport. According to 495 Movers, this approach avoids hidden charges that can upset your budget during a likely financially sensitive time.
3. Be Generous With Labeling
You cannot afford to skip clear labeling if you have expensive home decor items that must travel safely to their new address. It is the time to get that label maker out and go bold.
We recommend labeling the top face of the boxes and one side for easy visibility. You can state the destination of the particular box, like “Kitchen,” and briefly list the contents, such as “Utensils.” It keeps kitchen art or lights away from cookware.
A good idea is to add an “Unload First” label to sensitive home items, like memorabilia from your parents or your children’s babyhood products. It will help the packers get these items safely out of the way of damage from heavier goods like electronic appliances.
4. Allow Yourself to Feel and Purge
Finally, we strongly advise purging anything that does not improve your life or hold immense emotional value. It may sound like a Marie Kondo cliche, but many of us are guilty of holding on to way too much stuff. The problem worsens when we must tackle our parents’ or grandparents’ items when they are no longer with us.
The Conversation notes that while some treat these objects as “shrines,” others discard them to disassociate from grief. The important thing is to mind your mental health when packing or relocating. Consider retaining items with which you have a close, constructive relationship. But you don’t need to hoard everything because discarding it evokes guilt.
Moving to another home is undeniably daunting. We build so many memories and associations with a house that leaving them all behind is bittersweet. It helps to bring your favorite items safely and soundly to begin a new chapter of life in a new location.
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