Spring is the season for many people to move. So, I’d like to introduce you a few things for you to make your move smoother and easier. I’ll skip the basic moving procedure here.
Preparation before Packing
Just because you have decided to move doesn’t mean you can start packing right away. The last week before your move is the most important. It is best to prepare for the first half of the week and start packing at once in the second half. If you have enough time, you can start packing in a week, but if you are moving by yourself or have only a few belongings, you can fit the whole process into one to four days.
Take pictures
First, take pictures to remain the placement. This is a point that must not be missed! If you take pictures, you’ll be able to put things back together smoothly after the move!
For instance…
Cupboard
In the Drawer
Backside of TV
This is even more important if you are taking your own furniture such as bookshelves, clothes chests and shoe boxes. You will be able to quickly store your stuff in the same condition as it is now after you move out.
You may think you know how to wire your TV or audio system, but if you blindly remove the cables, you may end up with a big mess later! Or even if you think you know the display of your hobby items, it’s much faster to put them back if you have just one picture.
Collect smaller boxes of the same size
My recommendation is a box of six 2L bottles of soft drinks as shown below. They are stacked in supermarkets free. The point is to choose the same type so that they can be stacked.
What to put in it?
- Items that do not interfere with your life if you pack them early, such as CDs and books
- Detergents – those that cannot be laid flat
- Condiments – items that can’t be laid flat, etc.
You can of course wait for the cardboard boxes that the movers bring, but you don’t have to wait for those small boxes and start packing anytime you are ready. They are small and less obtrusive when you are in the middle of packing. Or, you can put the whole box in the movers’ cardboard box to prevent bottles from falling over.
Prepare essentials
These goods are indispensable for moving.
I always keep them within my reach, carrying some of them in my apron. For those big ones that I cannot carry myself, I keep one in each room so I don’ have to go back and forth between rooms.
- Masking tape ->Mainly used to mark cables writing down wiring locations before unplugging so you can connect the equipment quickly after moving.
- Curing tape -> All-rounder tape! Easy to write on, easy to remove and easy to cut off, so I use curing tape almost everywhere except for closing the boxes.
- Packing film->Available at 100 yen stores. Useful for packing long items. It’s easy to cut by hand, and it doesn’t get tangled like string!
- Collapsible Stepladder -> See the photo below. My top recommendation!
- Newspaper → Can be used for potted plants on the balcony or wrapping shoes.
- Rags (used towels) -> Can be used as buffer material.
- Oil-based pens -> You might want to have at least two pens in case you might leave them here and there.
- Measuring tape -> A necessity
- Scissors and cutters -> Must-haves
- Garbage bags -> An absolute necessity
Packing film is the best way to bind all those long things together!
Umbrellas, hangers, gardening poles, etc.
Collapsible stepladder. Can be easily folded with one hand.
Buy things that are useful to have.
Aluminum mat
Something you find in camping equipment. Available in DIY shop or on-line shop.
Aluminum mats can be placed under the kitchen sink or under the washroom basin where heavy items are stored. The shelves won’t get scratched when you put pots and pans in and out. Ideally, it should be about 8 mm thick. If it is too thin, it will shift.
Cupboard Sheet
I recommend a silicone type that won’t slip or shift. Available at Nitori or IKEA and surly at on-line shops.
Thanks to the small dots, the shelf will not get scratched when you put cups and glasses in and out for daily use.
Antibacterial sheet for shoe boxes
Something like this. You can find it at DIY centers or at on-line shops.
If you rent, you can use the shoe-box comfortably without worrying about the traces of the previous occupants.
You may think that you can just buy these later, but after you move in and put your stuff in, you will never take all out and put them back in again later. So, why not to prepare now?
Potted plants
Potted plants are usually handled by the movers, but you should do what you can do to protect your plants from damages.
- Cut off as many branches as possible.
- Tie or otherwise compact any branches that are spreading.
Things to check before moving
Check with the moving company.
How far to empty the drawers
The basic rule is to empty everything, but plastic wardrobe cases can often be carried as is, so be sure to check.
How to keep the movable shelves
If you have movable shelves, such as in cupboards, book shelves, it is better to leave them to the movers. They have their professional skills.
How to prepare audio equipment
In some cases, you have to pack the items one by one, while in other cases, the movers will wrap them in blankets and carry them all at once. So again, check!
What about the fridge and washing machine?
Some models require to be unplugged the night before, so be sure to check this as well.
Check points at moving destination
Are the light fixture equipped?
You move in daytime and you think you’ve done all your unpacking and ready to go out for an adventure in the new town, but when you come home at night, you’ll find out that you don’t have a light fixture. It often happens.
The entrance, washroom, and bathrooms are usually equipped, but the living room and the bedrooms are often not, so be sure to check. In the case of renting, even if it is stated in the contract that the light fixture is not included, there are cases where the previous owner may have left it behind, so check!
When you install a light fixture by yourself, you need a step stool. Remember my recommendation! Yes, a step ladder! It can be easily folded with one hand, is solid, and is reasonably priced. I use it not only as a step stool, but also as a chair when I have to work on low places.
Measure your curtains ahead of time!
If you have enough time, prepare the curtains beforehand, so you can start a comfortable and safe life from the first day of your move.
But be sure to check the correct way of measuring.
With all these preparation, there’s nothing to be afraid of! Good luck with your move and enjoy your new life!
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