There is something about moving that we all fear. In our minds, we already know that it is going to be time, energy and money consuming. However, when you add packing your garage with all the stuff that was placed there to be ‘out of sight, out of mind’, things get a lot more complicated and stressful. But, do not be afraid.
The sooner you start decluttering, cleaning and organizing all the stuff from your garage, the better you will feel. Once you have packed your garage for moving, everything else will seem like a child’s play. So, how does one pack the garage? That is, where does one start? Well, you are in the right place, we have some essential tips for moving. Keep on reading to find out how packing and moving a garage is done right!
Sort Out and Declutter
First things first, you must organize everything. This will be the most tiresome and tedious part of packing, but it is something that has to be done. It would be a good idea if you could designate different areas for items that you plan on keeping, as well as for those you plan on donating, selling and throwing away. Then, start from one point in your garage, and go through everything. Each item must go to one of the previously mentioned areas.
Do not be afraid to get rid of some of your stuff too! It is in your garage for a reason. The more items you get rid of, the more money, time and energy you will save on packing and transporting. Moreover, if you have some items in your garage that are on the forbidden list, get rid of them properly. Some of those are:
- Plants
- Corrosives
- Flammable Substances
- Explosives
- Power equipment with fuel in the tank.
Organize a Garage Sale
After you have finished sorting and decluttering, you should consider organizing a yard sale for the items you do not plan on taking with you. Of course, you can also donate or give them away, but selling them is a great way to earn some extra cash that will help you pay for your move. So, tell your neighbors that you are having a yard sale. Advertise it in your local newspaper or on your social media.
Then, on the garage-sale day, get some help, and place everything you plan on selling in the front of your garage or your house. Make everything look neat, put price tags on the items you intend on selling, and prepare for an entire day of price-negotiating.
If, however, you do not have time and nerves for this kind of organization, you can also sell your items on Craigslist, for example. Just remember, it is of key importance for you to do this step before movers like Purple Heart Moving Group come to help you relocate. Do as much as you can by yourself, and the moving process will be cheaper and quicker.
Organizing a yard sale will be a great opportunity to get rid of unwanted items and earn some money. Alt.tag: Garage Sale.
Gather Packing Supplies
Whether you plan on moving across the state or moving just around the corner, it is of key importance that you gather all the packing materials for your move. However, people usually tend to avoid this step because they think they will lose a lot of money. But, once they realize that that was a bad decision, it is usually too late – things end up broken, damaged or even lost.
Thus, be smart! Do not try to cut corners on packing supplies and materials. You can get them at your local hardware store, stationery shop or even from a moving agency that offers different moving options in Florida, or wherever you are. When it comes to the garage, you will need the following items:
- Cardboard Boxes
- Plastic Bins
- Zip Bags
- Plastic Wrap
- Packing Paper
- Dolly
- Moving Blankets
- Duct Tape and Scissors.
Know How to Pack Your Garage
And, now, we reached the most important part – packing your garage for the move. If you followed our advice and decluttered previously, your work is halfway done. Everything is sorted out and organized, and you probably have fewer items to worry about thanks to that garage sale. So, what is next? Well, the next step is to first prepare all the items for the relocation. That means cleaning them. If you place dirty items in your boxes, your new home will start looking like a dumping ground. Avoid that by all means! If you do not have time for cleaning, you can consider hiring a cleaning service for your home. Then, it is time for packing. Here are some tips and tricks:
- Hand tools – Place them in a toolbox and secure it.
- Anything with sharp edges – Wrap it in multiple plastic wrap layers and then place it in a box.
- Garden tools – Bundle them together and wrap them in a moving blanket.
- Power tools – If you have their original packaging, place them there. If you do not, try to find a box of similar size. Disassemble what you can, wrap everything with a plastic wrap and place it in a sturdy box.
- Gas operated machinery – If they have fuel, remove it. Then, wrap each machine in a moving blanket.
- Outdoor furniture – Disassemble what you can and wrap each piece first in packing paper then in plastic wrap. Secure it with a lot of duct tape.
- Refrigerators and freezers – Defrost, clean and dry them completely. Then, wrap them in a moving blanket separately.
- Seasonal items – place everything in a sturdy box. Seal it with duct tape and label each box.
Interesting related article: “What to expect when moving to a small town.”