Whether you’re moving across town or to the other side of the country, packing up your belongings can be a daunting task. To make things easier on yourself, start with a merciless purge of your clutter.
Also, try to move during the week instead of on a weekend if possible. This will help keep costs down.
1. Plan Ahead
Moving is a stressful time and it’s easy to overlook the smaller tasks that need to be done. Planning ahead is a great way to stay on top of all the work and get everything done. It’s also a great way to ensure that your move is smooth and hassle-free.
Make a list of all the things you need to do for your move, and prioritize those tasks based on when they need to be done. It is also a good idea to start packing non-essential items early. This will save you time on moving day and will help prevent the stress of rushing to pack everything.
If you have the space, start by going through each room and boxing up things that you no longer need. This will give you the opportunity to clean out closets and cabinets, sell or donate items, and reduce your overall moving costs. You should also start shopping around for the best deals on moving boxes, tape, and other supplies. Purchasing these items early will help to avoid last-minute rushes and high prices.
Another important thing to do is to make sure that you have all the information you need for your move. This includes contacting your utility companies and getting services set up at your new address. Not updating your address in time can lead to lost mail and even shut-off of your utilities.
Finally, don’t forget to update your contact information with your doctor, dentist, and veterinarian. This will help to keep these important people in the loop and ensure that your family has the care they need in the event of an emergency. It is also a good idea to take a tour of your new neighborhood and learn the best routes for commuting to work, school, and grocery shopping.
2. Pack Well
It is important to pack well when you’re moving. This will help protect your items from damage and make it easier to unpack at your new home.
Start by taking inventory of your belongings and sorting them. If something isn’t being used, donate it or sell it. This will not only help declutter your space but also save you time packing and money on hiring movers.
When you’re ready to begin packing, start with off-season items like winter coats and summer clothes. Likewise, don’t pack your kids’ outgrown toys or extra linens until the last minute. Make sure you have enough boxes and other supplies, like tape and bubble wrap. You can buy supplies at your local office supply store or department store, but you can also find them online on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
A great tip for packing is to pack room-by-room. This will allow you to organize your boxes more efficiently and make it easy to move them from one room to the next. You should also try to keep heavier items toward the bottom of each box and lighter items at the top, so you don’t have a lot of heavy boxes to lift.
On the day of your move, be sure to pack a suitcase or duffle bag with essentials such as a change of clothes, toiletries, chargers, medications and important documents. This way, you’ll have a few things to get you through the first night or two at your new place and can avoid running out of food or other necessities. You can also use your suitcase or duffle bag to protect your valuables from the elements while you’re in transit.
3. Label Your Boxes
If you want to make your move as easy and organized as possible, a big part of that is clearly labeling all of your boxes. This will ensure that each box gets placed in the correct room of your new house (and, if you’re moving long distance, it can help the movers know where to put things). It also makes it much easier for you to find items when unpacking!
Color coding is one of the easiest ways to label your boxes, but you can also use numbers or even just write the room in which each box belongs on the top. If you choose to go with color coding, make sure that all of your boxes are labeled the same way. That will make it super simple for whoever is helping you move and unpack!
It’s also important to label your boxes if they contain delicate items. If your box is containing dishes, glasses or other breakables, make sure to write “FRAGILE” very clearly on at least two sides of the box. It will catch the attention of any movers and give them an idea of how to handle the box.
You can also take it a step further and place a piece of colored tape on the door of each room in your house to let anyone who is helping you know which rooms to put the boxes into. This will be particularly helpful if you’re hiring movers for your move! If you’re going with this method, it’s a good idea to buy some different colors of tape so that you have enough for each room. Also, make sure to purchase water-proof markers so that they won’t get smudged in the event of rain on your moving day.
4. Don’t Forget About Delicate Items
Having the right packing materials and being organized can help your fragile items make it to your new home safely. Whether it’s a beautiful set of china or a valuable piece of art, making sure delicate items are packed properly is essential to ensuring they don’t get damaged during the move.
One of the most important things to remember when packing delicate items is to use proper padding. This can include everything from bubble wrap to old newspapers to blankets. You should also consider using crates or specialty boxes that are designed to hold glass, ceramics, and other breakable items. In addition to these items, you should also make sure that all items are packed tightly and securely. This can help ensure that they don’t shift during the move and that there are no breaks.
Another important tip is to label all boxes that contain delicate items clearly. This can include writing “FRAGILE” or “HANDLE WITH CARE” on all sides of the box. It’s also a good idea to add arrows to the boxes to indicate which way they should be stacked and carried. This can help ensure that the movers know that these boxes are delicate and should be handled with extra care.
Finally, you should also consider making a list of all of the delicate items in your house. This will help you keep track of them during the move and can be useful if anything gets lost or broken during the process. You can also use this list to determine which boxes to pack first when it comes time to unpack. This can save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run.
5. Hire a Moving Company
While it is certainly possible to move on your own, most people will find that hiring a moving company is much more cost-effective than trying to do it themselves. Be sure to compare prices and services before you hire, and make sure the movers you’re considering have experience with your kind of move. For example, if you’re moving long distance, it’s important to choose a company that is familiar with this type of move and has experience dealing with the extra challenges that can arise.
Another important factor to consider is whether the movers you’re considering offer insurance protection for your belongings. This is a great way to provide some peace of mind that your items will be safe in case something goes wrong during the move. Make sure to ask about this before you sign any contracts, and be sure to get all the details in writing.
If you can, it’s a good idea to rent a storage unit for the month before your move. This will give you a place to store outdoor furniture, yard toys, and other non-essential items that you don’t want in the way during your move. You can also use storage units to hold essential items like first aid supplies, light bulbs, cords, and furniture screws that you might need after the move.
With a little preparation and planning, your move can be smooth and stress-free. Start packing and organizing your belongings early, and be sure to hire a quality moving company. This will help ensure a hassle-free move and save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Click here to receive a free quote from a professional moving company that can meet your needs and budget!