Moving can be a breeze with the right preparation. Follow these 21 tips to stay organized and efficient throughout your move to or from the Indianapolis area.
Use Quality Materials
Professional supplies offer better protection for your items. Invest in good-quality boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape.
Prepare Boxes
Reinforce the bottom of every box with tape. The most common reason for damaged items is not using enough padding. Fill empty spaces with crumpled paper, pillows, towels, or blankets. If you’re using newspaper, be aware the ink can smudge your belongings.
Stay Organized
1 - Before taking things apart be sure to take pictures for reference of how to reconnect. You may think you won’t forget in a short time however, you have a lot going on so make it easy and take some pictures.
2 - have 1 dedicated box for cables, fasteners, and other miscellaneous items that you will need. It also helps to place loose items in a Ziploc bag and label the bag.
3 - use colored duct tape to label boxes for specific rooms - red - kitchen, purple, living room, etc. This creates a great visual so helpers don’t need to stop and read.
Prevent Spills
Line boxes containing liquids like cleaning supplies or bath products with a trash bag. Seal each bottle with plastic wrap under the cap before packing.
Create a Packing Basket
Put tape, box labels, markers, scissors, and other supplies in a basket for easy transport from room to room. Make multiple baskets if several people are helping.
Designate a Packing Area
Set aside a non-essential room for stacking packed boxes. This keeps your home clutter-free during the packing process.
Know What Can’t Be Moved
Most moving companies won’t transport flammables, combustibles, explosives, compressed gases, or perishables, including plants. Dispose of these items or make other arrangements.
Decide What to Move
Sort through your belongings and get rid of items you no longer need. Why pay to move something unnecessary?
Keep Valuables Separate
Take important documents, expensive electronics, and other valuable items with you rather than putting them on the moving truck.
Make an "Open First" Box
Pack one or two boxes with essentials for your first night/day in the new house: toiletries, towels, a few kitchen items, and blankets. Label these boxes clearly and keep them in a “do not pack” zone.
Use Small Boxes for Heavy Items
Prevent boxes from becoming too heavy by using smaller boxes for heavy items. This makes them easier to move.
Maximize Space
Fill drawers with unbreakable items like towels and sheets. Pack boxes fully to avoid moving empty space.
Keep Similar Items Together
Sort items by where they’ll be stored in your new home to stay organized.
Consider a Number System
Number each box and keep an inventory of what’s inside. This is especially useful for the kitchen.
Hire Professionals for Specialty Items
For pianos, safes, and valuable art, consider hiring professionals who specialize in moving these items. For flat-screen TVs call Best Buy or other electronic stores to see if they have any extra TV boxes.
Ask for Help
More hands make light work. Invite friends and family to help you pack quickly.
Plan for Refrigerator Packing
Have coolers ready for items that need to stay cold and plan to transport these yourself.
Set Aside Cleaning Supplies
Keep a vacuum and basic cleaning supplies handy for a final move-out clean. Your purchase agreement likely requires all debris to be removed from the home. Alternatively, hire a cleaning service.
Make Plans for Kids and Pets
Arrange for your kids and pets to be elsewhere during the move. Open doors and movers can pose a safety risk.
For more tips and expert real estate advice, trust René Hauck, the best realtor on the west side of Indy. Whether you’re buying or selling, I’m here to make your move as smooth as possible.
