Moving into a new home is a bittersweet milestone that you need to celebrate. As you look forward to starting anew, we’re sure you’re equally pressured to finish your long to-do list to make the big move as smooth sailing as possible. Knowing what to do, how to do it efficiently, and keeping in mind a few basics can save you from stress and headaches. Prep your game plan and make sure you don’t forget the things below:
#1. Let go
Boxing up your things can be daunting – especially if you have a ton of belongings to go through. Before the move, make a list of what you need to accomplish and schedule a weekend for decluttering. Throw out the things you haven’t used in the last three months as chances are, these items are just gathering dust in your cabinets and will take up precious space in your new home.
Why not use this as an opportunity to practice the KonMari method? Let go of items that don’t spark joy and broken items that you still might have. For items you no longer need, consider selling them online via Carousell or OLX so you can earn extra cash that you can use to cover your move-in expenses. Fond of keeping items with sentimental value? Pick only the important ones you want to keep and don’t be guilty to discard the rest.
#2. Sort your things
Time to confess – are you the type who stuffs everything in one box or luggage when packing? While this can save you time, it will give you a headache when you start unpacking. Since you’ve already discarded some of your belongings, it will be easier for you to sort them into piles. Go through your belongings again and group them into two – keep and donate. Doing a second-level of inspection can help you make sure that what you’ll bring with you are items you really need and use.
The items in your keep pile can be further classified per room or area to making packing easier. Don’t forget to review your donate pile as well! See if there are items you can give to your friends before bringing it to your chosen charity.
#3. Prepare labels
You have the boxes, storage containers, and masking tape ready – but do you have labeling essentials? You don’t want to go through all your boxes and checking what’s inside before you start putting your new place in order, right? Pack smart by labeling each box carefully – write the contents in front, mark if it’s fragile, and specify where it goes – the living area, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom.
#4. Schedule your move and mover
Before you book a mover, don’t forget to check the weather forecast for your moving date as heavy rains are guaranteed to make moving difficult. Once you have the weather checked, review the rates of different movers like Gawin, Transportify, Mober, and Lalamove, to name a few. While many do the transfer in one go, it will be more manageable if you do it gradually. Scheduling which goes first and what goes with you on the day of the move can save from the stress of hauling more than 10 boxes in one day.
Identify which boxes can go first and the items you won’t need on a daily basis – have these transported earlier and leave your essentials behind.
#5. Measure, measure, measure
Yes, you know the exact floor space of your new home – but can your existing appliances and furniture fit in the space? To avoid setbacks, measure the big pieces you have like the refrigerator, the sofa, chairs, and tables. Write these down in one notebook. On your next free day before the big move, visit your new home and get ready to make more measurements.
If you’re moving into a condo, don’t forget to measure the hallways, entryways, and elevators to make sure your large items can fit easily. Once inside your unit, envision how you would layout each area of your home. With your notebook as a reference, cut some masking tape into strips that represent the length and width of your furniture or appliance. Check if the area can accommodate the items you plan to place in each. This way, you can make adjustments beforehand and see how you can fit what you have in your home. Depending on the results, you might have to shop for multipurpose furniture and compact appliances to save on space.
#6. Ask for help
You might want to show off your independence by doing everything on your own, but moving would feel so much lighter if you have friends (and pizza!) around. Take it from the teens of Stranger Things – it was a sad moment when Will and Eleven had to leave town, but having the whole gang around to help pack and seal the boxes made everything more manageable. Want to make it more fun? Aside from having snacks to share, maybe your group can also recall some of your fondest memories that happened in your old home. It will be a laugh and cry fest for sure!
#7. Keep extra cash on hand
Even if you’re confident with your Plan A, it helps to have a Plan B and even a Plan C ready just in case something unexpected happens. Make sure you keep cash on hand for extra supplies you might need to purchase, food you might need to buy for those who are helping you, and tips for the movers.
#8. Be ready with your moving-in essentials
Prepare a backpack or small luggage where you can keep your moving day essentials – a clean shirt, shorts or jeans, your slippers, a fresh pair of undergarments, a hand sanitizer, and other toiletries you may need. Keeping this bag handy saves you from opening boxes if you need to freshen up once everything is inside your new home.
#9. Don’t forget your furry friend
Sharing your new space with a furry friend? Don’t forget that he needs to get familiarized with the new home, too. Let him roam around and mark the areas if needed. Once he’s done exploring the space, he can be leashed to a corner while you get the boxes out of the way. Make sure he has enough water and treats to keep him calm.
#10. Coordinate with the building administration and concierge
A month before your move, make sure you inform the building administration about the date of your move. This way, they can assist you in making sure that everything is in order when you arrive. Century Properties takes pride in their hands-on concierge staff who is always ready to lend a helping hand. They can help you secure a gate pass for your mover and other permits you might need. Got a few heavy bags with you? The concierge is ready with luggage carts so you don’t have to carry everything by yourself. Let them know if you have questions or concerns and they will be more than willing to help.
Keep these tips in mind when you move in to new your condo. If you’re still undecided about which property to invest in, take a look at The Residences at Commonwealth by Century up north or Azure Urban Resort Residences down south.
An eight-tower mid-rise residential development in Quezon City, The Residences at Commonwealth by Century offers spacious units with balconies and uncommon amenities. Not only does it stand in such an accessible location, it is also equipped with top-of-the-line security features.
The Azure Urban Resort Residences has the distinction of having a man-made beach in a residential development. It also features the Azure Beach Club. Located in Paranaque, it’s a tropical paradise in the heart of the city.
If you’d like to experience the Century Properties lifestyle, then take a staycation at Siglo Suites. These are available at The Gramercy Residences, The Knightsbridge Residences, The Milano Residences, Azure Urban Resort Residences, and Acqua Private Residences. You’ll know exactly how it feels to have a #condogoals home.
