When you are looking to relocate and move it takes time and a lot of effort, on top of that it can get stressful. Luckily, we are here with these moving and packing tips that can make the process of moving easier and less stressful.
Preparing for Your Move
Create a Checklist and Budget
One of the first steps you are going to want to take is creating a moving checklist that includes a rough draft of your timeline. Depending on the timeframe of your move it may not look the same as your friends or family that have moved recently, it all depends on the how much notice you were given about the move. Some people may have a couple of months, while others may have a couple of weeks. After you have created your checklist you will want to figure out a realistic budget.
By visualizing and organizing your move, you can keep control of events and have room and time if any unknown issues come into play.
Hiring Professional Movers
If you are moving out of state or you do not have access to friends and family, it might make hiring a professional moving company a better move. The amount of work and stress they will take off your plate during the move might be well worth the cost.
Hiring professional movers can be a great experience, if you hire the right one. After you have estimated your budget and checklist, this should be one to the first actual steps in the moving process. Make sure to get different quotes from several moving companies. Do not be afraid to ask them questions before you sign any contract.
Send out Notices
Before the stress of moving kicks in, make sure to notify anyone or any company that needs this information. This should already be a step in your moving checklist. You may have some loose ends to tie up before you move to the new area. Most of the companies such as gas, electric, and water you will be able to call to move or discontinue the service.
Packing Tips and Tricks
Declutter… Pack Less
Before you put anything into a moving box or on the moving truck, you will want to put aside anything you are not planning on bringing with you. Lighten your stress and workload by figuring out what you will want to toss, donate, or sell. Visit your new home if you can and take measurements. By taking these measurements you will be able to decide if the current furniture you have will fit, or will you sell your current furniture and replace it when you arrive at your new location.
Moving Boxes
It is tempting to visit your local grocery store and liquor stores to get free boxes. However, using free boxes comes with some possible unwanted outcomes and they are not as structurally sound as new boxes. Moving boxes are relatively inexpensive, and that added structural integrity will be worth the extra cost in the end.
Boxes from your local grocery stores can be compromised due to moisture, wear, and tear, or even worse, a nasty bug infestation. You will not want to worry about your boxes having mold, bugs, or possible fall apart while you are carrying it.
Pack an Hour a Day
When you are starting to pack, make sure that you have plenty of time. Do not rush yourself unless you really must. Break down your packing into steps. If you procrastinate and try to pack a couple days or the night before, you will likely become overwhelmed with stress and make mistakes.
Try to pack one room at a time and spend at least one hour putting your items in moving boxes. Pack your items in pairs or sets and make sure that you have the appropriate boxes for set belongings.
Moving Essentials Bag
When you get into your new home, most likely you are not going to want to start unpacking right away. You will want to relax a little and calm down. Therefore, it is important to pack an essentials bag. This bag will contain a change of clothes, toiletries, and any other basics your will need to make it through the night.
Different Color Labels
The best way to stay organized when packing boxes is to label them. You can use different color markers or labels for each room. Also, label the contents that are in the moving box. When you get to your new place, place color swatches on each room that correspond to the moving box labels. This will not only make it easier on you when bring in the boxes, but if you hired movers, they would not have to ask you constantly where you want this or that.
Do not Overpack Moving Boxes
Everyone does it, but do not cram all your belongings into just a few boxes. Moving boxes are rated by weight. Most boxes have a tolerance of 60 lbs. Just because you can put that much weight into them, does not mean you should.
Use Right Size Boxes
When packing you will want to place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter items on top. Also, you will want to use smaller boxes for items like books, and the lighter items in the larger boxes. This will make it easier for the movers or yourself to pack them into the moving truck.
Fill Empty Spaces in Boxes
You do not want to show up to your new place, open a box and find that the contents are damaged or broken. Make sure to fill all the empty space or voids with packing paper. Spend the extra time to pack your moving boxes correctly.
Take Photos of Furniture and Electronics
When packing your electronics, make sure to take a picture of wiring setup before you unplug anything. This will make it easier and quicker when you get to your new home.
Take the extra time to protect your larger furniture, remove any drawers and doors beforehand. You are also able to use plastic wrap to keep drawers and doors shut. If you have disassembled any furniture make sure to place all the pieces into a plastic bag and label it with the item it came from.
Use Wool String to Open Boxes
Using string can help create a pull tab that will let you open the box without scissors or a box cutter. Place a piece of string on the center of the moving box flaps, leaving some excess string on the sides. Tape over the string and seal the box with moving tape, but make sure to keep a little of the string left untapped. Once you get to your new place, pull on the excess string… the tape comes off without a struggle.
Items Not to Pack with Household Belongings
Some items may be hazardous and need to be moved separately or disposed of before your move.
Painting equipment, tools, and cleaning chemicals should be packed together in marked boxes. You may want to wrap some of them in plastic to prevent them from leaking. Pack bottles of medication together and keep them separate form all your other belongs.
Other Items:
- Fire Extinguishers
- Ammonia
- Chlorine Granules
- Heating Agents
- Paints and Varnishes
- Batteries
Stock Up on Kitchen Packing Materials
When you are packing dishes and bowls use packing paper or bubble wrap to help prevent them from breaking. You are going to be using these types of moving supplies for any breakables in your home. If you have a limited amount of these supplies, you can also use dish towels and clean socks to create a buffer between each item.
Advice for Moving Day
Create a Game Plan
To avoid any stress, make sure you or you have someone that can direct the movers or others you must help with unloading and unpacking. This person is going to determine which items need to be moved first, and which items can be unloading into your new home. Having a general direction and someone who can take charge will save you time on moving day, and in the long run will save you money.
Do not Rush
Take your time, it might seem counter-intuitive, but it will take less time. Do not just start throwing things onto the moving truck without thought behind it. If you rush it, you may open your truck at your destination and find that items are broken and damaged. Be diligent but do not try to fly through your move.