When you move to a new home, all the old stuff in your attic suddenly becomes suspicious. Where did that dress come from? What is in that box, anyway?
Having a few items ready to load may seem like a huge plus. But if you aren’t sure what they contain, it is time to find out.
Here are a few tips to help you avoid bringing along any visiting pests as you pack for your relocation.
Clean and Declutter While Packing
Even if you maintain a clean home, you could still have a problem with insects or rodents. They prefer to stay in places you don’t visit often, like the bottom of the closet or the basement.
You can start your packing journey in these places, as a way to uncover them. As a bonus, you might find a bunch of stuff you forgot you had. Decluttering your belongings now saves you time and space later.
Look for Signs of Pests
Of course, your home might be pest-free. But if you live in an older house, you’re more likely to have a hidden problem.
This means you need to look for clues. The good news is, they’re not hard to find. Start with the most common signs of an infestation, like droppings or peeling paint on the walls.
If all seems clear, keep going ahead with decluttering and packing. Sometimes you find more indicators as you clean and load up.
Treat for Pests Early
If you do notice a pest problem, you should act quickly. No one enjoys hiring an exterminator a month before moving. But it’s better to do it now than have to deal with it after you move.
Dealing with an infestation may take a few days. It depends on the kind of pest and the extent of the problem. Most of the time, you can just clear out for the day and come back later.
Treating early allows you to see if it works. If it doesn’t, you can try another course in a few weeks. For significant infestations like termites, you’ll probably need more than one treatment.
Consider Repacking Old Boxes
Even if everything appears good, you should still take a peek inside those old boxes in the attic or basement. Rodents and insects love quiet, dark places. They are much more likely to hide in a box you never open.
Repacking old boxes makes it easy to confirm that everything inside is good to go. Set the items on a towel or old newspaper that you can wash or throw out later. If you don’t find any problems, you can pack it in a fresh, new box.
Stage Packed Items Before Moving Day
If you have to pack while dealing with pests, you may need a staging system. Once you finish packing a box, you can seal it and take it to a different location.
Ask us about your options for temporary storage. That way, you don’t have to worry that your boxes will get infested again before you move.
Moving is stressful enough. Bringing along a bunch of unwanted pests is even worse. If you follow these tips, you can move to your new home without them.