For many, the thought of moving probably drums up the same level of excitement that comes with visiting the dentist or standing in line at the DMV. You’re excited to settle into your new place but the thought of moving all of your belongings probably has you feeling less than enthused and chances are - a bit stressed as well. After all, there’s a lot to think about whenever you’re packing up your entire life and transporting it to a new place.
Whether you’re moving across the country or just down the road, we’ve compiled some tips to help make your move as easy as possible.
Start by going through your belongings.
The more you can get rid of the better - seriously! Packing up every single item in your house or apartment becomes a lot less daunting once you cut back on the amount of “stuff” there is to pack. Go through your closets (clothes can be surprisingly heavy to move!), kitchen cabinets, under the bed, etc. If you haven’t used something in the past year then don’t hesitate to donate it. The less you have, the less you have to pack and the less you have to unpack. Start doing this as soon as you start considering a move. Even if you don’t end up moving, it’s always nice to declutter your space!
Keep documents together
When you’re moving, it’s easy for things to get lost in the shuffle. Put all important documents together in a folder. Items may include moving contacts, rental agreements, mortgage paperwork, etc.
Start early
The sooner you can start packing, the better! The last thing you want to do before moving day is scramble to find a place for everything in your moving boxes. While you may not have the leisure of knowing you're moving a month in advance, get packing as soon as you know for certain you're on your way out. This isn’t the kind of chore you want to save for the last minute.
Pack smart
When packing, be sure to keep items from individual rooms together and label your moving boxes accordingly, indicating which room the box belongs to and what contents can be found inside. Keeping rooms together in the moving boxes will make unpacking so much easier. Be sure to pack the boxes with heavier items on the bottom and don’t allow any space to go unused. Pack small spaces with things like towels, clothing and other linens to make the most of the space you have in the moving boxes and also keep boxed items secure for the movers. Bundle breakables in bubble wrap or packing paper to keep them safe during the move.
Explore your moving options
Will you be moving everything yourself? If so, you may want to ask family or friends to lend you a helping hand. Moving is a big job but it’s much more manageable when you don’t have to undertake it alone. If you’re moving yourself or with the help of friends, you’ll definitely want to use a truck and a ramp to move your bigger items. Make sure to thank your volunteer movers with a gesture of gratitude such as a pizza lunch or the promise to help them move should the situation arise. If you don’t feel like burdening your family with the task, you can also hire professional movers, which can greatly alleviate stress during the move. Just keep in mind that it will cost you more than if you were to move yourself. Before committing to a professional moving service, do your research and quote at least three different moving companies to make sure you’re getting a fair price.
Make plans for your pets
Where will your pets be during the move and where will their supplies be located? Make sure you’re asking these questions as you pack everything up and get ready to set up in a new space. As you’re packing up your old place and moving everything out the door, make sure you have your dogs and cats safely secured so they can’t sneak out the front door while you’re walking back and forth to the moving truck. Wherever you are, ensure that you have adequate supplies on hand such as food, a water bowl and toys. If you have a dog then you may want to pay extra attention upon arriving at your new place - dogs have a tendency to want to mark their territory and they may also be overwhelmed or anxious with the big change and all the new smells. Take them out frequently to prevent any unwanted accidents.
Bring a door stopper
This one is simple but can make a big difference on moving day. You’ll be making a lot of trips in and out of your new place. Propping the door open can make you and your movers’ lives a lot easier! Just make sure that you never leave your door propped when you’re out of eyeshot - you wouldn’t want pests or unwanted neighbors dropping by while you’re busy and out of sight.
Take photos
If you’re using a moving service, then it doesn’t hurt to take photos of your belongings prior to the move. If you’re moving into a rental, then it’s also good to have photos of the space before you move in. These could come in handy should there be any discrepancies down the road or you’re looking to get your security deposit back. Additionally, taking photos of your electronic set-ups before you unplug and pack them can help jog your memory as to which cord is supposed to get plugged in where once you’re in your new home.
Change the locks
If you’re purchasing a house, be sure to change up the locks as soon as possible. From neighbors to friends, it’s hard to say who the previous owner handed keys out to. Changing the locks on your house is the best way to feel safe and secure in your new home.
Pack a bag for moving day
With your life packed up in various boxes, you won’t have easy access to the things you might need on an everyday basis, such as a toothbrush or deodorant. Make sure you pack a bag full of items you may need on moving day including toiletries and a change of clothes.
While moving will probably never be your
favorite activity, planning ahead and following some simple steps can help
alleviate stress during your move. One final thing you’ll want to consider is
protecting your new home and everything in it. Click on the button below to
find an agent near you and get a quote for homeowners or renters insurance.
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