When moving a large family with children, it is important to allow plenty of time for packing. It’s not enough to determine which room to pack first and in which boxes, you also need to decide what to do with everyone’s closet.
When moving, it’s important to keep not only fragile items like grandma’s favorite vase or mirror intact, but also clothing. Fortunately, the help of professional movers https://paramountmoving.ca/service/residential-calgary-movers/ can even help you with the safe transportation of your clothes. To utilize your time efficiently, follow the tips:
Tasks to do before packing:
1. Go through each wardrobe to decide what to keep, donate, or discard. For children’s wardrobes, check for outgrown clothes or toys that can be donated. Adults can eliminate rarely worn or outdated items.
2. Create an inventory of your wardrobe to keep track of all items – this is especially helpful for adults with extensive wardrobes or for children who may have multiple accessories, uniforms, or outfits for specific activities. You can use a simple checklist or take photos for reference.
3. Divide clothes into categories: daily essentials, seasonal items, and occasional wear. Set aside a small suitcase for each family member with essentials needed during the transition, such as pajamas, undergarments, and outfits for a few days. This minimizes the need to unpack immediately.
Organizing clothes by categories:
4. Professional movers often provide wardrobe boxes with a built-in hanging bar, ideal for transporting clothes directly from the closet. Group clothing by category or owner, and transfer them directly to these boxes while keeping them on their hangers. This saves time during unpacking and keeps garments wrinkle-free.
5. For folded clothes, use medium-sized moving boxes or suitcases to avoid overloading. Line the boxes with packing paper or clean fabric for added protection. Roll clothes instead of folding them to save space and reduce creasing, especially for children’s outfits. Label each box clearly with its contents and owner’s name.
6. For bulky clothing items like winter coats, comforters, or sweaters, vacuum-sealed bags can save significant space and provide additional protection. They’re especially useful for children’s seasonal clothing, which tends to be softer and more compressible.
7. Pack formal wear, delicate fabrics, or sentimental clothing like wedding dresses and costumes separately. Use garment bags or protective covers to shield them from dust and damage. For accessories such as belts, ties, or jewelry, use small boxes or pouches and label them accordingly.
8. Wrap shoes individually in packing paper to prevent scuffs and place them in sturdy boxes or shoe bags. Stuff them with socks or tissue paper to maintain their shape. For handbags, backpacks, and accessories, use dust bags or protective covers and ensure they are securely packed.
Utilize professional movers’ expertise
- Professional movers can often provide packing materials and assist with handling fragile or bulky items, like mirrors or dressers. Discuss specific needs in advance, such as disassembling and reassembling wardrobes or ensuring extra care for high-value items.
- Clearly label all boxes with their contents and their intended room in the new house. If professional movers are helping with unpacking, communicate how you’d like the wardrobe organized in the new location to streamline the setup.