What you can learn from someone who has moved a lot
I currently have number fifteen on the counter. I think I can say that I am quite a pro when it comes to packing and moving. As an expat family, we moved to a new country anyway every few years, and sometimes we also changed houses within the country itself. I find fifteen quite a lot for my twenty-seven years, but it hardly means anything when I compare it to my parents and middle sister; they have been somewhere in their twenties for a long time. Yes, okay, they may be a bit older, but still: the Wijnands family are expert packers.
Simoon also knows quite a bit about this and she will soon again temporarily transport her belongings in boxes to a new place in Amsterdam (yehess, she managed to find something). So if you are looking for some tips from the pros; Simoon and Elkie at your service.
1. Don't assume that everyone wants to help you
Especially not if it is a regular occurrence. It costs a bit, but just hire a team for this, the real pros. They are fast and effective and you will be at your new place in no time.
2. Make sure everything is packed on the transport day
Don't last-minute gather things and stuff them in a box. What you want is organization. That you know exactly what is where as soon as you start unpacking.
3. Take it or leave it
It's also the perfect moment to thoroughly declutter your wardrobe. Make three piles: what you want to keep, what you never wear anymore but is still in good condition and can go to a good cause, and what really looks terrible and can go straight to the trash. Otherwise, you will take unnecessary stuff with you that you no longer need. This can also be done with everything in your kitchen AND with furniture.
4. This is how you transport your clothes
After decluttering your wardrobe, it is easiest to leave everything that is on hangers hanging and drape a garbage bag over it, because then you can hang it up again as soon as your new closet is set up. And as for drawer cabinets: you don't have to take all your clothes out of there. Use plastic wrap on the outside so the doors don't open during the move and voilà: saves you a number of boxes.
5. Make a plan
Because you must not forget to defrost the fridge and do the last loads of laundry before the moving team arrives at your door.
6. Make a to-do list for your new home
Have gas, water, and electricity costs already arranged? Do it before moving day. Internet and TV can be done later, but it is nice if you can jump on the couch for a bit after a long moving day. Netflix & chill.
7. Take photos of all your electronic devices
This is for types like me who are completely non-technical. Take photos of how everything is plugged in, then you know how to set everything up again in your new home.
8. Start unpacking right away
Believe me, otherwise there will still be boxes a month later and you don't want that. Just go ahead, put everything away. You can always switch things around later, but at least you will have a sense of home and your belongings in order.
Survived the move? Great. Time to shop for new toys.
