Moving as a minimalist: When less is more in terms of relocating

Packing: One of the easiest tasks for the minimalist

Packing is the next aspect to consider when moving minimalist. Here are our tips:

Decide exactly what and how much you need

Again, it's a good idea to opt for the optimum amount of packing materials, i.e. don't overstock yourself with boxes, tape and wrapping paper that may end up unused, or worse, that you would have to throw away. In fact, you can ask people close to you who have recently moved out if they have any leftover packing materials you can use. You can also think about how to adapt packing supplies for other purposes: making storage boxes out of cardboard boxes, for example, or creating a shelter for stray animals.

Start early

Start packing early so you don't get stressed by looming deadlines. This will give you plenty of time to think about which boxes you should unpack first after the relocation, and what is the most logical way to distribute the items into boxes. You can also achieve minimalism in your move by making it easier for the movers—by using medium-weight boxes that are the right size for one to two people to carry.

Minimalism in terms of additional equipment

With the already mentioned medium-sized boxes, you will ensure that you do not need additional equipment such as a trolley for heavier loads. When it comes to furniture (the transportation of which traditionally requires extra equipment, special machinery, and most attention), think in the direction of replacing bulky and impractical furnishings with multifunctional furniture that can be delivered by the dealer directly to your new home. This will not only free up space, but also save you the time and money associated with removing, bringing in and arranging bulky furniture.

Decorating after moving as a minimalist

A time-consuming and detail-intensive process, decorating a new home can be exhausting. However, if we connect it to moving like a minimalist, there are tips to make it streamlined and easier:

One piece is enough

You don't need to duplicate furnishings like mirrors, bedside lamps, tables, appliances, TVs, cleaning supplies, etc. Instead, opt for one piece of furniture that is lightweight or easily movable, so that you can have it handy in any room by moving it. Don't have any furniture? Think in the direction of buying second-hand furniture.

Don't clutter your home with decorations

Don't rush to buy a bunch of beautiful items. Impulse shopping is not in your favor especially when we are talking about a minimalist move. In fact, most of the decorations bring delight to the eyes only but are often non-functional and even create extra efforts related to cleaning and maintenance. We're not saying to do away with decorative items entirely, but limit the number of them, targeting features such as the object's cause (charitable items), volume (large decorations will require extra effort when re-locating) and purpose (multi-functional items).

Functionality instead of beauty

Think in terms of the practicality of the new home. Instead of hanging pictures, photos, and wall decorations, consider installing wall sections. This will ensure more free floor space, recommended for smaller homes, and will make cleaning easier. You can replace classic photos with digital ones, and fancy furniture and lamps, with interesting and unusual shapes, can successfully replace purely decorative items.

Decorations made of sustainable materials

Minimalism, including in relocation, is linked to care for the environment and the over-wasting of natural resources. In this regard, look for decorations made from eco-friendly materials that support sustainable causes and are produced in an environmentally friendly way.

Minimalist colours

Opt for simple shades that do not irritate the eye, create peace, and are unpretentious in terms of matching with other colours (those of furniture and complementary furnishings).

Relocating as a minimalist: Extra tips

Call for support

Although moving like a minimalist involves considerably less effort, don't rule out the possibility of calling in helpers. These can be both professionals and close ones. Although minimalist relocation may require carrying heavy items, for which you will certainly need extra help. Professional moving companies, on the other hand, can make the planning process easier by helping to preserve the integrity of your belongings.

Minimalism in terms of selected services

You don't have to allocate a dizzyingly high budget for relocation. You can put a limit on the services you will choose. For example, if you have a suitable vehicle, you could transport some of the furniture yourself. Packing and unpacking are also among the relocation stages you don't necessarily need expertise for—with access to the right information and helpful tips, you can do just fine on your own.

No to grand plans

Don't plan a move in short periods of time. This will increase stress, and you could make serious mistakes in a hurry. Stick to realistic plans. This applies to milestones such as:

• Planning the relocation
• Preparations
• The actual move
• Moving into a new home, involving preparatory activities such as arranging and decorating

Always double check

When clearing out to part with unwanted items, you may throw away an important item or document by mistake. Always double check that you have everything you need. On that note, make a list of essentials to keep track of.

Be efficient by working in stages

When planning individual relocation tasks, you can determine an approximate total amount of time to devote to each activity. This way, you won't be scattered over time and procrastinate, and you'll be focused and efficient at the same time.

Rely on uniform techniques and multifunctional materials

Determine in advance the most practical ways to prepare individual types of items. For example, you might fold clothes using typical methods (using similar repetitive motions), use multi-purpose cleaning materials (suitable for different surface types), or use wheeled movers to carry most of your bulky furniture.

Donate your boxes

If your packing materials have retained their integrity but you don't plan to use them in the future, you can donate them to various causes or give them to other movers. This way, you will reduce the negative impact on nature. Another alternative is to pass them on for recycling.

Trust in a safe removal company

In some cases, minimalist relocation involves frequent home changes. You want to grab the essentials, making the process easier and reducing the time needed for relocation, and just get settled into your new home. In these cases, we advise you to trust a moving company you've already worked with and trust, if possible.

Moving like a minimalist is far from impossible. On the contrary, it is achievable by applying various tricks related to different aspects of the overall relocation. With the right partner, it becomes even easier. Get in touch right now with the specialists at Movega Removals and benefit from their wealth of experience by asking your specific questions via our chatbot feature or online contact form.