I was thrilled to chat with Brandy Kawulka, a ticketed journey-woman, on their All Things Renovation Podcast. Brandy’s company, Wood be Art focuses on home renovations, and we discussed how to stay organized before, during and after your renovation. We covered the types of materials you need to pack and how best to pack different kinds of items. Also, we talked about where to store your things during a renovation. Here is a quick summary of our conversation.

Declutter Before Packing

When you’re clearing a space to prepare for renovations, take advantage of the opportunity and declutter. Let go of possessions that no longer serve their purpose or things that you never use. Ask yourself if you really want the same amount of stuff coming back into your newly renovated space.

Packing

First, pack anything you want to keep safe and secure, including artwork, sentimental, and valuable items. Remember that workers will be coming through the house to the area you are renovating, so you may have to pack things in that thoroughfare like pictures on the walls, side tables, etc.

Essential packing supplies include:

• Sealable, stackable containers (i.e., boxes with lids or ones that you can close)
• Packing tape (not painter’s tape or masking tape)
• Labels (colour-code them for each room)
• Markers (not highlighters)
• Specialty boxes (wardrobes for clothing, telescope boxes to fit around large, uniquely shaped items)
• Packing paper (very inexpensive compared to breaking your favourite items)

Storing Your Items During Renovations

You can store boxes in another area of the home like a garage, basement, or spare bedroom during your renovation. If you don’t have extra space in your own home, then you could rent a storage locker, storage pod, or use a friend’s garage. Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure you have coverage for off-site storage. Some families move out of the house to a short-term rental during the renovation and take their boxes with them.

Tips on Moving Back In

Set up your essentials first so you can sleep in your own bed and use the bathroom. Place the boxes in the appropriate rooms for unpacking. Unpack over a surface or the box so items won’t have far to fall if you accidentally drop them. You may find more things to declutter as you unpack, so set them aside in a different room.

Recycle the Packing Materials

If you have used a moving company, they may have a box buy-back program. You can take the materials to the recycling depot. Or, if you have more than you can manage, you may have to hire a removal company to take them. However, you may be able to sell them or give them away using online classified ads on Craigslist, Kijiji, or Facebook Marketplace.

For more tips and tricks, listen to the All Things Renovation Podcast, or contact Out of Chaos directly through our website.

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