Moving Tips Learn How to Organise an Interstate Move | Page 10

"When you pack for a move, you handle every single item in your home," says
Amy Revell, professional organiser and decluttering coach at The Art of
Decluttering. "Don't waste the opportunity to have a thorough clear-out. Ask
yourself: will this item add value to the next stage of my life? Go through room
by room, including the garage. Put items into three categories – keep, store and
bin. Make sure kids are onboard and sort their things too."
3. SEEK THE BEST BOXES
"Moving boxes should always have a sturdy base so nothing tears or falls out
the bottom," says renovation and design expert Naomi Findlay, a seasoned
relocator who has moved house nine times. "I prefer cardboard to plastic tubs,
which can be brittle and break, leaving sharp edges." Etty Matalon, psychologist
and chief organiser at professional organising firm Dotorg, recommends
ordering about 150 boxes in two sizes for a four-bedroom home with two to
three children. "Boxes can be included in your removalist fee, but if they're not
it's easy to hire them separately," says Carter. Companies such as Boomerang
Box or Eco Move, will drop off plastic packing boxes and pick them up once
you're done.
4. PACK BY WEIGHT
"Pack light items such as clothes, linen and toys in the largest boxes, and heavy
items like dinnerware and books in smaller boxes, with the heaviest items at
the bottom," says Revell. Mark 'fragile' items clearly. When it comes to your
packing strategy, Carter recommends starting with least-used items first and
working your way down to ones you use regularly. "Label boxes by room and
category – this makes unpacking at the other end so much easier and faster,"
says Findlay. "Label boxes on the side, not the top, so you can read what's inside
when they're stacked. Tape everything up with a roller gun – it's much quicker
than using scissors." Pack precious items, such as jewellery and important
documents, separately and transport them yourself, suggests Carter.
5. OUTSOURCE YOUR PACKING