Smart package: relocation done right
You have prepared yourself for money problems, health problems and every other problem in life you can imagine, but now you are sitting in the middle of your new living room surrounded by boxes and you don’t know where to start. Relocation can be stressful, and when all is said and done, you don’t want to have to worry about finding an outfit to wear the next day because you don’t know where anything is. Here are some great tips and advice to give you a boost!
First, it is important to decide what you need to bring. Moving is an opportunity to tidy up some of the clutter you have accumulated. I recommend a three-point approach: Give, Throw, Pack. Sort your items based on what you can / should give away, throw away and pack for your new life. You don’t need to save everything, and you can often capture the memories of the item without saving it by taking a photo. Photos, especially digital ones, take up a lot less space than your favorite college sweater you’ll never wear again; There may be someone out there who can actually wear that sweater and by gifting it, you are giving it a new life. If you have children, try working with them through this same process. They may not need all the toys they have and not all the adorable outfits they have worn to keep up.
Now that everything is in order, manage your time well so you don’t end up packing half of your stuff in random boxes just to do it; a box labeled miscellaneous never helped anyone. Give yourself a time limit to pack a box and then double it up. Set aside a certain amount of time each day for packing and make it your priority. Don’t check your email, phone, and delegate to make sure no other distractions arise. Find out how many boxes you can pack in that allotted amount of time, then plan how many days it will take to pack all your belongings. Also, make a list of the things you can’t live without during this process, and be sure to pack those items last; do the same for any other family member who may be part of the move.
If your relocation is not permanent and you will not take all your belongings or if you know that you will not have access to all your belongings until a few days or weeks after the move, it is important to know what you pack so you do not have to buy everything you need, losing time and money. I recently spoke with an attendant on a private jet about what he brings with him for each short-term relocation. This information is valuable to anyone traveling by air and can be applied to numerous relocation scenarios. Bring only three suitcases, your carry-on, your personal luggage, and your checked item.
Carry-on luggage should contain everything you need for your daily life: medicines for three to seven days, valuables, important documents, a clean fit (or at least clean socks and underwear), two to four meals in food non-perishable, any electronic devices, and universal chargers and adapters required for your electronic devices. If you’re carrying a purse, try packing it in your carry-on or rearrange your purse so it can be your carry-on.
Your personal luggage should include the important but non-critical items that will last you a couple of weeks, such as your clothes, toiletries, shoes, personal hygiene appliances, concentrated laundry detergent, a traveler’s laundry line, and ten pegs (it is you may not have access to a washer and dryer), and any other items that fit within the size limit you deem necessary.
The final bag isn’t required (especially if you don’t want to pay to bill something), but it can make the difference between the type of experience you have in those first few days at the new location. Your checked bag should include items that will help you feel more at home in your new place. You can pack a set of bedding, your favorite cereal bowl, or some books and games – anything that helps you feel like you’re not too far from home.
If you pack wisely, you can enjoy settling in your new place and not have to deal with the unwanted stress of putting together your home. Pack smart and enjoy the rewards!