For most of us, moving is a huge hassle. It involves hours and hours of work and a significant amount of stress. Whether you are a homeowner or renter, you will usually go through at least a few moves in your lifetime. We’ve compiled 15 tips to help make your moving process as efficient and smooth as possible. If you can afford to hire a moving company, they will take a lot of the work off your shoulders. However, if that is not in your budget or is not something you want, don’t worry! We have tons of helpful tips for you. You’ll be a pro mover in no time.
Before the Move
- Purge! Before you even begin packing, get rid of all the junk you’ve accumulated over the years. You can sell some of these items ahead of time, donate them, or trash the items that are in bad condition. Why make extra work for yourself when you’re packing? Take advantage of the opportunity to declutter.
- Change your mailing address about 2 weeks before the move. Make sure to make this change directly through the USPS website, as some third-party websites will charge a large fee to process your mailing address change.
- Get similar & sturdy moving boxes. Some internet sources will tell you never to buy your boxes. There are always grocery stores, family and friends, or other places where you can get your boxes for free. Just remember, these second-hand boxes may have been exposed to moisture or are worn out from wear. The last thing you would want on moving day is your boxes giving out! If you choose to get boxes from a second-hand source, make sure they are still in great condition. If you can invest in high-quality moving boxes, they will likely be much more sturdy. Also, getting boxes that are all similar in shape will make stacking and fitting them in tight spaces easier and less like a game of Jenga. This is especially important if you put your items in storage or have limited space in your moving truck. Stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s have boxes available for purchase that are similar in shape and come in sizes small to extra large.
- Pack boxes within boxes. If you still have the packaging boxes of small to medium-sized items, such as kitchen appliances or home decorations, you’re one step ahead. They will be extra protected with their original packaging. You can pack a few of these items together in one larger box. This will save you several trips back and forth to the moving truck since you won’t be carrying down all the small items individually.
- Label, label, label. Write down what you are packing in each of your boxes—the more detailed, the better. You can write an inventory on your phone or a piece of paper for reference and then write a large, corresponding number on the moving box. Or you can write the items straight on the box, or have a color-coded system… choose what works for you. Make sure you label the boxes on the top and side(s), so you can see the labels even if the boxes are stacked. It is also helpful to label the boxes with the room they belong to. That way, you’ll know right where things need to go when you get moved into your new place. If you are using movers, avoid writing the names of valuable items on the outside of boxes.
- Pack fragile items with dish rags & bath towels. You will have to pack your rags and towels anyway, so why not save some money and use them to pad your more fragile items, such as kitchen plates.
- Set aside a bag with necessities. Pack the things you need to live with right away, such as chargers, toothbrushes, toilet paper, soap, kitchen surface spray, etc., in a designated container. Keep this container with you, so your essential items are easily accessible as soon as you step foot in your new place.
- Pack frames and dishes vertically. If you pack them horizontally, they are more likely to break when boxes get shuffled around due to the increased impact they have on each other.
- Use suitcases to pack books. Books may be some of your heaviest items (besides furniture, of course) when added up altogether. Suitcases are great for packing books because most of them can roll! That’ll save you from some heavy lifting.
- Arrange beforehand for friends and family to help on moving day. If you are not using a moving company, make sure you have enough friends and family to help you on your moving day. Have some snacks and water bottles out for your helpers, too. Make sure everything is packed and ready to go before your helper crew gets there.
- Pace your packing. You don’t always have a lot of notice when you move, but if you do, get the ball rolling on your packing as soon as you can. If you can break up the work into bite-size pieces, you will save yourself a lot of stress as the move gets closer. Set a daily time commitment for yourself to pack and stick to it.
- Don’t pack boxes too heavy. Put your heavier items in smaller boxes. Larger boxes are great for lighter items, like blankets or bedsheets. If a box isn’t full but is starting to get heavy, load it up the rest of the way with lighter items. You don’t want any strained backs during your move! Try to have minimal empty space when packing boxes, if any.
- Use vacuum seal bags. You can find vacuum seal bags on Amazon or at most grocery stores. You can also make your own by using trash bags. Fill the bag with throws, duvets, blankets, sweaters, etc., and make your own vacuum seal by using your vacuum attachment to suck out the air in the bag, then tie it off. Vacuum seals will save you space and protect the contents of the bag. This is great for items in dresser drawers, too.
- Protect your furniture. It’s easy for furniture to get scuffed and damaged in the moving process. Make sure you have the proper protection for your furniture, such as saran wrap.
- Insure your assets. Review your insurance policy to see what kind of personal property coverage you have, if any, during the move. Damage and theft could occur during the moving process. Our licensed insurance agents would be happy to review this coverage with you before your move. Give us a call at (702)932-3105.
We wish you the best of luck with your next move!
