Moving is a stressful and time-consuming process. However, following these helpful tips can minimize stress and expense.
Make a list of the tasks you need to complete before your move. You can use this list to prioritize and track your progress. It’s also good to purchase or rent equipment, such as dollies and ramps. Contact Liberty Moving now!
- Plan Ahead
Whether you’re moving across town or the country, you need to prepare in advance. This will help you avoid mistakes and ensure a smooth transition. The first step is to create a detailed moving plan. Start planning your move at least two months ahead and break down the process into weekly or daily tasks. This will give you enough time to complete each task without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Identify non-essential items you can sell, donate or throw away before the move. This will not only reduce the amount of items you have to pack but also make your move more economical and efficient.
Address any minor home repairs you’ve been meaning to do before the move. This will make your home more appealing to potential buyers and save you a lot of work on your moving day. Notify your employer about the move and request a day off if necessary. Also, change your address with the post office and other relevant companies and institutions, like magazines, newspapers, insurance and banks.
- Pack Early
A common mistake people make is waiting until the last minute to start packing. The best way to avoid this is by starting early. Start by gathering packing materials, such as boxes of different sizes and strengths, packing tape, packing paper, and bubble wrap. This will help you save time and stress in the long run.
Next, start packing items you use daily. You’ll want to get these out of the way first so you can focus on packing other items that need more attention.
Consider packing things like out-of-season clothing, decorative items, and books you’re not reading into a donation box or selling them. This will clear out space in your home and reduce the amount of clutter you have to deal with during the move.
Also, be sure to set aside a suitcase or bag for essentials that you’ll need on moving day, including toilet paper and cleaning supplies, a change of clothes, medicine, and important documents. This will allow you to access these items if needed without having to search through boxes.
- Hire a Moving Company
Whether you’re moving within the same city or across the country, hiring a professional moving company can help make your move less stressful. But it’s important to research moving companies before you hire them. Check online reviews and compare prices to find a company that meets your needs.
Make sure to choose a reputable company with experience and good customer service. Also, check the company’s credentials, such as licensing and insurance. Some moving companies also offer assembly and disassembly services, which can be helpful for larger furniture items.
When it comes to long-distance moves, you should understand the different pricing options available. Typically, long-distance moves cost more than local moves because of the extra logistics involved. It’s a good idea to request multiple quotes from moving companies and compare prices to find the best deal. Additionally, you should request either a binding or non-binding estimate to avoid any surprise charges on moving day. Lastly, be sure to schedule your move during the low season (September through May) to get the best price and ensure availability for moving crews.
- Pack Your Belongings Carefully
When packing your belongings for moving, it is important to take care not to damage them. It can help to disassemble toys that have multiple parts, such as rocking horses and indoor playsets before you pack them. You can also use their original packaging to protect them from damage during transport. For delicate items, such as glass and ceramics, consider padding the bottom of the boxes with bubble wrap or newspaper. To speed up the unpacking process, try to pack similar items together, such as bed linens and sheets in one box and duvet covers and pillowcases in another. It will make it much easier to find what you need at your new home.
- Hire a Truck
When you hire a truck, make sure you understand the terms of your rental agreement. Many rental companies charge by the mile, and if you’re moving long distance, this can add up quickly. Some companies also require that you return the truck with a full tank of gas, so be sure to budget for this.
Choose a truck that’s the right size for your move. If you rent a truck that’s too small, you may have to do two rounds of moves, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Also, consider renting additional moving equipment like dollies, hand trucks, and furniture blankets, which can help you save money by preventing damage to your belongings.
When driving the truck, remember that it’s bigger than your typical car and that you’ll need to make wider turns. Be mindful of overhead clearance as well, especially when crossing bridges and drive-thrus. Finally, be aware that most moving trucks are only insured for up to $100,000, so consider purchasing additional insurance. This will typically cost about $10 per day, but it can save you a lot of money in the long run.
- Pack Your Personal Items
Whether it’s in your garage, the back of your closet, or a storage unit, items stored away should be among the first things packed when moving. This includes things like out-of-season clothing, linens, and seasonal decor. It also includes items that could be better suited for permanent storage, like your tools, hobby supplies, and craft materials.
If you’ve got fragile items, start wrapping them up three to four weeks out from your move date. This gives you time to carefully wrap up your fine china, crystal, and silver without stressing them out too much. You should also be careful packing your books, aiming to keep them in smaller boxes so they aren’t too heavy.
If you have any valuable items, make an inventory and write down serial numbers. This will help if anything is lost or damaged during your move. It’s a good idea to get an appraisal for your jewelry, as well, so you know the approximate value of each piece. This will also come in handy if you ever need to file an insurance claim.
- Pack Your Car
When moving long distances, it’s important to prepare properly for the move. This includes packing your car with essential items. This will help ensure a smooth, stress-free moving experience. In addition to packing your car, you’ll also need to make travel arrangements and book accommodation. It’s important to do this in advance, so you can avoid any last-minute surprises.
The best way to pack your car when moving is to use plastic bags instead of cardboard boxes. These are much easier to handle and will save you space. In addition, they’re flexible, making it easy to fit objects into the tight spaces in your vehicle. You should also bring a few trash bags for any spills or garbage you may create during the move.
It’s also a good idea to pack an overnight bag with all the things you’ll need for the first night in your new home. This will give you easy access to items that are most important, such as your phone charger and toiletries. You’ll probably be too tired to unpack everything when you arrive at your new house, so having these essentials will save you time.
- Pack Your Kitchen
The kitchen is a tricky room to pack when you are moving. There are lots of different items to consider, including large appliances and fragile dishware. However, there are some things you can do to make the process easier and help ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new home.
Start by going through your kitchen drawers, cabinets, and shelves to organize and declutter. Get rid of any items you no longer use or need. This will not only help make the packing process more manageable, but it will also prevent you from taking unnecessary items to your new home.
Once you’ve gone through everything in your kitchen, it’s time to begin packing. Make sure you have plenty of strong boxes in different sizes, as well as bubble wrap and packing paper to protect your belongings. Also, invest in a few sets of dish dividers and small plastic bags to keep your dishes and silverware organized.
Before you finish packing, set aside a box or two for essentials like plates, cups, and flatware for each member of your family, as well as a few cooking utensils and tools. This way, you’ll have something to eat and cook with on moving day and in the weeks following your move.
