Moving Tips

PREPARING FOR A MOVE

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1. Create a moving checklist and budget.

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     First, draft a moving checklist that includes a timeline. Everyone’s timeline will look different depending on how much notice is given before the move. Some people will have two months and others might have two weeks. Next, include a realistic moving budget.

 

By visually organizing your move, you can keep a handle on events as they unfold. Not sure where to start? Print out our comprehensive moving checklist and put it inside a designated moving binder.

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2. Weigh the pros and cons of hiring professional movers.

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     If you don’t have access to willing family and friends or you are moving to another state, it might make sense to hire professional movers. The amount of work they take off your plate during this stressful time might be well worth the added cost.

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Hiring professional movers can be a great experience—if you hire the right company. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before signing a contract. This due diligence will give you peace of mind as moving day approaches.

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3. Declutter so you can pack less.

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     A crucial packing tip is making sure you don’t move anything that you no longer need. Lighten your stress and workload by decluttering before you enter the packing stage, which means figuring out what to toss, keep, sell, or donate. Take measurements of your new home and get rid of any furniture that won’t fit or you know you won’t use.

 

4. Invest in quality moving boxes.

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     It’s tempting to go to your local grocery store and try to score some boxes for free. However, moving boxes are relatively inexpensive, and the added durability can be worth the cost in the end.

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Grocery boxes and reused moving boxes can be compromised due to wear and exposure to moisture or worse, a bug infestation. The last thing you want is a box falling apart in your hand while you’re trying to move it into the house.

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5. Give each room a different color packing label.

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     To stay organized, print off multi-colored packing labels or use different colored masking tape and give each room its own color. Label the contents of each box and include the room it belongs in. Then in your new place, use colored tape to mark entrances to rooms. This moving tip will save movers a ton of time. Instead of needing to read the label explicitly or play the room guessing game, they can just match color to color.

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6. Don’t overpack a moving box.

 

     One mistake a lot of people make when moving is trying to cram all of their belongings into a few cardboard boxes they have around the house. Use as many boxes as you need to create easy-to-lift loads. Keep your largest boxes

to no more than 50 pounds.

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7. Use the right size boxes.

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     Place heavy items like books, in small boxes, and lighter items in larger boxers. This makes it easy for movers to organize and pack boxes into the moving truck. Be sure to pack heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on the top to avoid damaging breakables.

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8. Bundle the breakables.

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     For any fragile items you pack, use plenty of bunched-up paper and padding. Never place these items in boxes freely without some extra cushion. Spend the time packing these items correctly to save you stress in the long run

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9. Label and take photos of furniture parts and accessories.

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     Take the extra time to protect larger pieces of furniture before you move. Remove and secure all drawers and doors beforehand. Also, label cables, drawers, doors, and anything you need to remove so you know where it goes when you put it back together. Put screws and bolts into plastic bags and tape these to the back of the furniture.

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When packing up electronics, take a photo of the back configuration so you remember which cord goes where. Take photos of any furniture you take apart

to serve as a guide for putting it back together. Also, make sure you label

doors, screws, and anything else you take apart.

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10. Don’t pack these items with other household belongings.

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     Consider what should not be packed in the moving truck. Some things can be hazardous during the moving process, so it is best to move them separately or dispose of them before moving.

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Tools, painting equipment and cleaning chemicals should be packed together in clearly marked boxes. You may want to use plastic totes to prevent messy or dangerous leaks. Pack bottles and medications together and keep them separate from other belongings.

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Other items to pack separately:

• Fire Extinguishers

• Ammonia

• Chlorine granules

• Heating agents like sterno

• Paints and varnishes

• Auto batteries

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11. Use straws to keep jewelry from knotting.

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     Avoid knotted, tangled and broken jewelry by taking extra care of these

items. Place your necklaces through straws to keep the chain from tangling,

or lay them flat on a small towel and roll it up. Use a plastic pill case to

organize and transport your extra small jewelry like rings and earrings.

Consider keeping these valuables with you and not on a moving truck.

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12. Create a game plan.

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     To avoid a hassle, make sure you have someone who can direct the movers

on moving day. This person needs to determine which items need to be moved first, and which items can be loaded into your new home last. Having a general direction and someone who can take charge can save you time on moving day, which will, in turn, save you money if you’re using professional movers.

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         We hope these moving tips help steer your move in the right direction.

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