Are you nervous about your upcoming move?
If so, you’re not alone. About 45% of Americans say that moving is one of their least favorite activities. Whether this is your first time moving or you’re an experienced mover, one thing is certain: moving is a major life event.
The good news is that with the right planning and a bit of elbow grease, you can make the process run smoothly and minimize stress.
Are you curious about must-have moving tips that can help you learn how to pack, how to move, and how to make things go smoother? Keep reading to learn all about these moving tips, so you can be ready to hit the road on your big day.
Find a New Location
The first step in finding a new location is to do your research. You should start by looking online and reading reviews about different neighborhoods. You can also ask your friends or family members if they have any recommendations.
Once you have a few areas in mind, start visiting them in person to get a feel for the area. You should also pay attention to the commute, schools, and other amenities that are important to you. Once you’ve found the perfect location, you can start looking for a new house or apartment.
Set a Packing and Moving Schedule
If you’re like most people, packing and moving is a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be! With a little planning and organization, you can make packing and moving a breeze.
One of the most important things you can do is set a packing and moving schedule.
This will help you stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed. Start by making a list of everything that needs to be packed. Then, create a timeline for when each item needs to be packed.
Be sure to factor in time for breaks and allow yourself some wiggle room in case you get behind. Once you have a schedule, stick to it as best you can. Here are a few strategies we’ve developed for packing:
The Traditional Method of Packing
Set up a few days and figure it will take you between three and five hours to pack each room if you prefer the tearing off the bandage approach. But that’s a pretty broad time range.
The number of cabinets, drawers, and crevices you have stored clutter in will determine how long it actually takes. In case you run out of energy and end up with a half-packed house, do this a weekend or two before you have to move.
The Short Spurt High-Intensity Packing Strategy
The most effective way to do this is to set aside one or two hours every day, starting a few days before your move, to pack. Packing in a brief but regular interval is most advantageous for those with short attention spans.
People with busy schedules who can’t afford to spend the whole day packing can also benefit a lot from it. Depending on the volume of your relocation, you may need to begin several weeks or even months in advance, especially if you want to plan for resting days.
Collect Your Packing Supplies
This includes boxes of various sizes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and good-quality packing tape. The bad news is that you might have to do a little digging to find them. Check out your local grocery store, local hardware store, or home improvement store.
Moving Boxes
The right boxes will make your move a lot easier and will help to protect your belongings. The standard box sizes you could need are:
- Small box
- Medium box
- Large box
- Wardrobe box
Packing Paper and Bubble Wrap
Packing paper is great for protecting delicate items and for filling in empty spaces in boxes. When using packing paper, be sure to crumple it up into balls before placing it around your items. This will help to keep them from shifting during the move.
Bubble wrap is ideal for protecting fragile items, such as dishes and glassware. When using bubble wrap, be sure to wrap each item and then place it in a box. This will help to keep the items from bouncing around and breaking during the move.
Good Quality Packing Tape
It is important to use good quality packing tape so that your boxes do not come apart during the move. You will need to tape up the bottom and sides of each box. Label each box with the contents and the room it is going in. This will make unpacking much easier.
Packing tape can also secure furniture and other items so they do not move around during the move. Packing tape is an essential tool for a successful move. Be sure to have plenty on hand so you can tape up all of your boxes.
Partner up When Packing
If you’re the type of person who gets stressed out, then consider finding a packing partner. Not only will this help to make the process more bearable, but you’ll also be able to get things done a lot smoother and faster. Plus, it’s nice to have someone to talk to during the process.
Just be sure to choose someone who is organized and efficient; otherwise, you’ll end up with even more of a mess than you started with. Also, make sure you return the favor when it’s their turn to move.
Remove Unwanted Items Before Moving
Moving is the perfect opportunity to get rid of these items. The first step is to go through all of your belongings and determine what you want to keep and what you can get rid of. And when it comes time to move, you may wonder what to do with all of it.
Should you try to sell it? Donate it? Or throw it away?
There’s no right or wrong answer, but there are some things to consider when making your decision. If you’re moving to a smaller place, you may not have room for all your stuff. In that case, it may be best to sell or donate items you don’t use regularly.
If you have items that are in poor condition, you can either throw them away or recycle them.
Contract With a Reliable Moving Company
Doing your research and reading reviews from past customers is a great way to find a reputable and professional moving company. When you have found a few good options, be sure to get quotes from each company to compare prices. Be sure to ask about any additional fees that may not be included in the quote.
Once you have found a moving company that you’re comfortable with, be sure to sign a contract. This will protect you and your belongings during the move. Be sure to read the whole contract before signing it.
Rent a Self-Propelled Vehicle
The self-propel feature will help you move faster and with less effort. Be sure to practice beforehand so you know how to operate it properly.
When packing the vehicle, distribute the weight evenly. This will help with fuel economy and keep the vehicle stable on the road.
If you have large items that won’t fit in the vehicle, consider renting a trailer. This will add to the cost of the move, but it’s worth it if it means everything arrives safely.
Carefully Arrange the Furniture in the Truck
Whether you are hiring professional movers or renting a moving truck, you’ll need to carefully arrange the furniture in the truck to prevent damage during transport. Place heavy items on the bottom of the truck and lighter items on top.
Use furniture pads or blankets to protect your furniture from scratches or dents. Tie down all the furniture so it doesn’t shift during transit. Make sure all drawers and doors are secure before moving the furniture.
Have Access to Necessities on Moving Day
Packing up your entire life and moving to a new house is no small feat. There are a million little details to remember and take care of in the weeks and days leading up to the move.
But even if you think you’ve got everything under control, there’s always the potential for something to go wrong on moving day. That’s why it’s important to have access to the necessities, like food and water, on moving day.
If you’re moving in the summer, have plenty of water on hand to stay hydrated. And if you’re moving during the winter, have some non-perishable snacks on hand in case you get hungry. You should also have a first-aid kit handy in case anyone gets injured.
And finally, don’t forget your phone charger! You’ll want to stay in touch with your family and friends, and your moving company, throughout the day.
Follow These Top Moving Tips Right Away
After reading this guide, you should be more prepared for your move. Take some time to review the different moving tips and make a plan for your move. The more organized you are, the less stressful the move will be.
Don’t forget to reach out to friends and family for help, they will be happy to lend a moving day hand. So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your move today!
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