Packing the attic for a household move can be easier than in some rooms because often, the items in the attic are already in boxes. However, the attic can be where many homeowners stash things they no longer need and fragile items that need extra TLC during a move. Getting rid of clutter and taking special care of the family heirlooms can help you relocate successfully. Here’s what to know.

1. Declutter

Decluttering and downsizing before a move is cost-effective since you pay for everything you move, and there’s no reason to relocate something you no longer need or want.

Decluttering can take a while, especially if you’ve been living in your house for a long time and have built up years’ worth of stuff. So give yourself sufficient time to do this  —  up to several weeks, depending on your attic size and how much stuff you have.

2. Take Care With Family Heirlooms

Family heirlooms tend to be old and fragile, so taking special care while packing your heirlooms for transportation is essential.

• Use plenty of packing paper, bubble wrap, or packing peanuts to keep items secure in their boxes.
• Use enough packing tape to keep the boxes closed while in transit.
• Mark boxes “this end up” whenever appropriate.
• Avoid making big large stacks of boxes containing heirlooms, as the lowest boxes in the stack could be crushed.

You may encounter family heirlooms you no longer wish to have during this process. Getting rid of heirlooms can be emotionally challenging. Consider giving these items to family members who would like to have them rather than discarding them.

3. Wrap Furniture

Wrapping furniture in furniture blankets is a way to prevent the furniture from being scratched while in transit. Furniture blankets are made for this exact purpose and are more capable of protecting your furniture than thin blankets or sheets. Use packing tape to keep the furniture pads on the furniture.

You may also need to disassemble your furniture before wrapping it and bringing it out of the attic. If you do, make a video of yourself disassembling the items so you’ll know how to put them back together when you’re done. Alternatively, you can also write notes about putting your furniture back together. Finally, don’t forget to attach the screws and other small parts to the furniture so you won’t lose them in transit.

4. Protect Seasonal Items and Holiday Stuff

Seasonal and holiday items can be just as fragile as heirlooms. So often, holiday items are put away in boxes you need to rewrap sufficiently for relocation. Instead, take fragile seasonal items out of their boxes and wrap them in bubble wrap if needed.

This is an excellent time to cull seasonal items you no longer need. Test holiday lights and discard strands that no longer work. Give away ornaments that you no longer use. Try on old seasonal clothes and eliminate items that have gone out of style.

Relocating? Hire the Professional Movers

Organizing a move can be overwhelming. Working with reputable professional movers makes it more manageable. Contact us to get a free quote.