Minimalist moving tips

I started the year with a move. M and I found a new apartment which can work as a more permanent home as we were previously living in a student apartment, meaning that we could only live there as long as we were studying. Now that we are slightly more settled I wanted to share my best tips for a more easy move.  

Declutter first

Start decluttering some time before you start packing up things in boxes. This is a good way to make sure that you only bring things you need and love to your new home. Less stuff also means less lifting and possibly less money spent on the move itself. We started about two months before and decluttered areas slowly and steadily. In my opinion a good way to decide whether an item should be brought to your new place is to imagine yourself packing it up. Where does it go? Does it fit anywhere?

Plan ahead

It is a good idea to have some kind of plan for the move. Do you need to hire a van? Which friends or family can help you move? Does your shelf fit in the elevator at your new place? There will probably be some things that you couldn’t predict but it is a good idea to have some sense of the logistics. It might also be a good idea to have a first day box or bag to get you going in your new home. I also have a quite large handbag for the moving day where I pack all the essentials such as a first aid kit, all the keys, sanitiser, a water bottle and some snacks. 

Packing

When packing, I’ve found it useful to have a good mix of light and heavy things in boxes to make the boxes manageable. Also, pack in themed boxes for example keep your kitchen gear separate from your bedroom items. This makes it easier to get settled and decreases the risk of your underwear getting mixed up with the toaster. 

Also, remember labelling your boxes by a number or a colour for example and keep the system details on a paper or your phone. This means that when you see box number 1 getting unloaded you know where it will go. 

Unpacking and settling in

When M and I were moving in together three years ago we urgently needed to get some new things for our apartment as the kitchen was so small. However, this time we can move in and let settle in in peace since we really have all the things we need. 

But start packing up the essentials, for example putting up your favourite artwork and plugging in the kettle. I also think it is very important to prioritise making the place feel like home to settle in more quickly. Normally I would also urge you to invite some friends to a housewarming party but as times still are a bit unsure you might host a digital quiz night with a digital tour around your new home.