Moving can be a stressful time for anyone. There are boxes to pack, things to label, items to purge, and furniture to get into the right position. Despite these challenges, moving is also an adventure. It’s an opportunity to experience something that could turn your life around. Be careful, though! Failing to prepare for a move can result in a complete disaster! But you don’t have to worry. This guide will teach you how to make your move as painless as possible.
1. Make a Plan
You might be tired of seeing this tip from every other article, but that’s okay. Coming up with a plan is definitely a must-do when relocating. Whether you’re moving out-of-state, within town, or even just rearranging a few rooms in your home, having a plan makes your life easier.
But what things should you plan for exactly? Well, you can start by creating a moving checklist to identify your goals. Next, create a timeline for your move, noting tasks in detail, like when you’ll start packing a particular room. After that, sort out your inventory on what stuff you’ll bring, sell, or throw away.
2. Enlist the Help of a Moving Company
Many people shy away from hiring a moving company because of the price. They’d rather keep their money and do things their way. While this is certainly doable, employing professional movers will always be the safer and guaranteed alternative. These guys have trained and dedicated a chunk of their life to help relocate people. They know what to do and how to do it properly.
That being said, you don’t want to hire just any company out there. Make sure you do your research and look for one that offers a full-service move that includes:
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Furniture assembly
- White-glove services
- Move-out cleaning
- Staging
- Storage services
- Junk removal
Full-service movers are the ultimate key to a streamlined move. You won’t have to lift a finger or worry about a single thing. All you need to do is supervise the movers on where to put your belongings.
Moving companies know what to do and how to do it properly.
3. Gather Materials Ahead of Time
This is somewhat similar to the first step but more on physical preparation. Avoid buying packing materials days before the move. You’ll end up compromising quality or running out of supplies. It’s best if you can purchase boxes a week or two before moving day. Try to hunt for cheap ones from local stores within your area. You can also skip on getting moving blankets and packing paper. Utilize existing materials in your home instead, like old sheets and newspapers. Additionally, don’t forget to obtain other packing necessities like furniture pads, foam peanuts, bubble wrap, tape, and permanent markers. If you’re hiring a full service mover, you can skip this step!
Make sure you have enough packing supplies.
4. Declutter Your House
If you’ve relocated before, you’re probably familiar with the satisfaction of getting rid of clutter and junk. If not, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate purging your home before the move. Most people try to hold on to things they don’t need. You don’t need that old bicycle or that broken mini-fridge you’ve been hauling around since college. They’ll only consume valuable space in the moving truck, ramping up the costs of your move. Plus, settling into your new home will simpler if you get rid of everything you don’t need. Consider giving away used items or selling them at a reasonable price for extra cash. You can also donate them to charity or simply throw them away if you’re in a rush.
5. Color Code Your Boxes
Whichever corner of the country you’re moving to, expect to work on a mountain of boxes. And while simply numbering each one in order might seem like the easiest solution, it can be a real headache to remember what they contain. For a faster yet reliable system, try color-coding your boxes. How does it work? Assign a color to a particular room, such as blue for the master bedroom. Now, use a blue marker to label all boxes filled with items from the bedroom. Continue color-coding until you’ve packed everything. You’ll be grateful for how much easier this makes unpacking later on.
6. Pack an Essentials Box
This is a helpful tip that most people tend to overlook. Perhaps because they’re too tired to pack anymore or too busy to remember. However, filling an essentials box goes a long way to help you survive the first few nights in your new home. Make sure you include a fresh set of clothes for everyone, hygiene products, medications, and dining room utensils. Also, don’t forget to mark the box well so you can quickly locate it after your transition.
Don’t forget to pack essentials separately.
And that’s it! Equipped with these six practical tips, no move can stop you now! Be sure to discuss with your moving company if you’ve got additional requests or concerns.