Make Moving Easier
Moving can be a source of significant stress. In addition to the tasks of packing belongings and arranging for movers, there's the added anxiety of ensuring your possessions arrive intact. While moving to a new home is undoubtedly challenging, there are strategies to streamline the process.
Taking time to prepare for your move can set the stage for success. Allocating an afternoon to devise an action plan can keep your move organized, alleviate stress, and minimize frustration. Here's how to get ready:
Create a Checklist
Though it may seem tedious, a moving checklist is remarkably effective. Documenting your tasks helps commit them to memory, saving you from wasting time trying to recall what needs to be done, especially if you're relocating internationally. Your checklist should include:
- Contacting utility companies to arrange service shut-offs
- Organizing mail forwarding services
- Procuring packing materials
- Any tasks or items you mustn't overlook
As you complete each item, mark it off to stay on track.
Establish Your Budget
Moving expenses can add up quickly, but setting a budget can help you manage costs. Your budget will dictate whether you can afford professional movers or if a DIY approach is more feasible. A realistic budget ensures your move remains within your financial means.
Choose Between Hiring Movers or Going DIY
Once your budget is set, you'll know whether to enlist professional movers or tackle the move yourself. If you are planning to hire movers, research top companies by seeking recommendations from friends and family and comparing quotes. For long-distance moves, consider specialized services such as cross-country movers.
For a DIY move, obtain pricing for truck rentals and equipment. Enlist the help of friends and family to assist with packing and loading, and don't forget to show your appreciation with a meal.
Declutter
Moving presents an opportunity to declutter. Sort through your belongings, donating or discarding items you no longer need. This step saves packing time and creates more space in the moving truck.
Gather Packing Supplies
With a clearer idea of your belongings, it's time to acquire moving boxes and packing materials. Err on the side of more boxes than you think you'll need to avoid last-minute runs for supplies, which only add stress and waste time. Unused packing materials can be donated or sold.
Packing
Packing is often the most time-consuming aspect of moving, but employing these packing hacks can streamline the process.
Prepare an Essentials Bag
Pack essentials you'll need during and immediately after the move in a separate bag. Include important documents, medications, chargers, toiletries, changes of clothes, and anything else you'll require in your new home's first few days.
Keep Clothing in Dresser Drawers
Leave clothes and non-breakable items in dresser drawers, wrapping the entire dresser in shrink wrap to secure the contents during transit.
Transport Clothes on Hangers
Keep clothes on hangers to facilitate moving and organizing in your new home. Group garments on hangers, wrapping them in large garbage bags or using wardrobe boxes for added protection.
Utilize Luggage
Maximize luggage space by packing items that don't fit well in boxes or that require extra protection.
Use Linens as Packing Material
Save on packing costs by using towels and linens to cushion fragile items instead of bubble wrap.
Take Photos
Document complex wirings and disassembled items with photographs to aid in reassembly. Photographing fragile or valuable items provides valuable documentation for insurance claims if needed.
Color Code Boxes
Streamline the unpacking process by color-coding boxes according to the room and labeling them accordingly. This makes it easier to identify where each box belongs in your new home.
Moving should be an exciting time. Don't let your first memory of your new home be a bad one.
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