Pack For Moving

Once you’ve thrown away all the junk, returned the things of others, donated all the stuff you don’t and won’t need, and returned the rooms to their core functions, the house will feel a whole lot lighter and spacious. We’re now ready to proceed with the next decluttering step: packing.

You may be thinking, Is it not premature? I haven’t even sold my house! But you’re going to, right? So pack now.

• Excess: pack overstocked and off-season items. If you’re selling your house in the summer then put away winter wear and sporting gear. Try to return excess to the store you bought it from; they might take it back.
• Box infrequently used items: clothes, shoes, books, CDs and DVDs, cookware, small appliances, etc. Clear out all the stuff from your linen closet, kitchen cupboards and cabinets but for the essentials for day-to-day survival. You need to learn to live on bare necessities while selling your house.

Pack now and you’ll have that much less to do later when you move. Make sure you label the boxes so you know where they should go in your new house.

Off-site storage is best. This is especially true if you live in a condo where space is at a premium. So rent a commercial storage unit or ask a favor of close friends. They’ll help you out if they know the arrangement is temporary.

Onsite works, it’s just not optimal. Choose a corner in the basement or crawlspace and stack packed items away neatly. Do not use the garage or the spare bedroom as a storage area. They provide more value when you exhibit them as living space.

More tips from 'Prepare Your House For Sale'