Make your next move to a new home or office a little easier with these moving tips and download a free moving checklist!
Moving can be an exciting and daunting experience at the same time. From packing up your belongings to settling into a new home, there are many moving parts to consider. However, with the right moving tips, you can make the process smoother and less stressful. In this blog post, we will share some essential moving tips that will help you have a stress-free relocation.
Planning Ahead: Why Early Preparation is Key
Moving can be a hectic and overwhelming experience if not properly planned and prepared for. That’s why early preparation before moving day is key to ensuring a smooth and stress-free relocation. By taking the time to plan ahead, you can save yourself from last-minute panic and unnecessary headaches.
Packing Supplies
One of the first steps in early preparation is gathering all the necessary packing supplies. Stock up on moving boxes, paper, packing tape, bubble wrap, and other packing materials. Don’t forget to label your boxes as you pack them, as this will make the unpacking process much easier.
Learn More About Moving Supplies
Moving Company, Truck Rental, and Temporary Storage
Another important aspect of early preparation is finding a reputable moving company, especially if you are planning a cross-country move. Research different moving companies, read reviews, and compare prices to find the best fit for your needs. Be sure to book the moving truck well in advance to secure your preferred moving date.
Plan ahead for any temporary storage needs and make arrangements for a moving truck if necessary. If you need to store items before moving into your new home, consider mobile storage so you only need to load and unload once!
Moving Checklist
Additionally, consider creating a timeline and checklist to help you stay organized throughout the moving process. The checklist may include tasks like decluttering, packing, notifying utility providers, and updating addresses. This simple tool aids in reducing the overwhelming feeling that can accompany moving, making the whole process more manageable and efficient.
Effective Packing Strategies to Keep Your Belongings Safe
Packing up your belongings can be one of the most stressful aspects of moving. After all, you want to make sure that everything arrives at your new home safe and sound. To ensure the safety of your belongings during the move, here are some effective packing strategies to keep in mind
First, invest in high-quality packing supplies. Sturdy cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper will be your best friends during the packing process. Use different-sized boxes to accommodate various items, and reinforce the bottoms with extra tape for added security.
When packing fragile items, such as glassware or china, make sure to wrap them individually in bubble wrap or packing paper. Place them snugly in the boxes and fill any empty spaces with crumpled paper. This will prevent them from shifting and potentially breaking during transport.
For clothing, consider using wardrobe boxes. These tall boxes have built-in hanging rods, allowing you to keep your clothes neatly hung up and wrinkle-free. Simply transfer your hanging clothes directly from your closet to the wardrobe boxes, saving you time and effort.
As for heavy items, distribute the weight evenly among the boxes to avoid overloading any one box. Use smaller boxes for heavier items, as this will make them easier to carry and reduce the risk of the box breaking. Wrap irregular-shaped items with shrink wrap.
Don’t forget to label your boxes clearly, indicating the contents and which room they belong in. You may wish to use fragile packing tape to indicate contents are fragile. This will help you and the professional movers know how to handle each box correctly. If you have any extremely fragile or valuable items, it may be worth considering purchasing additional insurance.
In addition to the packing supplies, it’s essential to have some other items on hand. Keep a roll of packing tape, scissors, and a marker within reach. You may also want to have garbage bags and paper towels on hand for any unexpected spills or clean-ups.
Remember to Pack Essentials Separately.
Set up your essentials box as you pack. This should contain all the items you’ll need for the first day and night in your new home. It could include toiletries, bedding, a change of clothes, cleaning supplies and snacks. You don’t want to be digging through boxes looking for toilet paper when you need it!
Possible Items to Include in your “Open Me First” Boxes:
- Energy-boosting snacks and bottled water
- Toilet paper and hand towels
- Paper towels, garbage bags, and cleaning supplies
- Scissors
- Flashlights and light bulbs
- Phone charger
- Toiletries like hairbrushes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, towels
- Sleeping essentials like nightclothes, sheets, pillows and blankets
- At least one of each per person in the family: glass, plate, bowl, spoon, fork and knife
- Tea kettle or coffee maker and enough mugs for your household, plus tea/coffee, sugar, milk… whatever you need to wake up in the morning!
- Any special stuffed animal friends your little ones can’t do without
- Some games or activities to keep the kids busy when they tire of helping unpack
- Basic first aid supplies like bandaids, Tylenol and prescription medicine
Finally, a saftey tip when moving your boxes. To lift boxes safely without strain on your back, bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your leg muscles, not your back. When putting boxes down again, bend at the knees to lower to a crouch before you lean, and keep your back straight even when leaning.
Packing Tips for Storing Between Moves
If you’re packing items for long or even short-term storage, be sure to place any items you may need to retrieve during that time in separate ‘quick access’ boxes that you can place within easy reach in the storage unit. Label your boxes clearly to indicate their contents and quick access priority.
Keep items you may wish to bring out of storage temporarily close to the front of your unit for easy access. These include items such as Christmas or holiday decorations, seasonal sports equipment, and business files.
When moving your boxes, furniture or other items into an indoor space or portable container, make sure to leave enough space for a walkway that extends to the back of your unit. This will assist with retrieving even the non-priority contents stowed away for the long term.
The Right Moving Company: Tips and Considerations
Finding the right moving company is an important step in ensuring a smooth and stress-free move. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice.
Do Your Research
First and foremost, do your research. Look for reputable moving companies in your area and read reviews from previous customers. This will give you a good idea of their reliability and customer satisfaction. Ask friends, family, or coworkers for recommendations as well.
It’s also important to consider the level of experience and expertise of the moving company. Ask about their track record and how long they have been in business. A company with years of experience is likely to have the knowledge and skills needed to handle your move efficiently.
And don’t forget about the importance of good communication. A reliable moving company will be responsive to your questions and concerns throughout the entire process. Pay attention to how promptly they reply to your inquiries and whether they provide clear and detailed information.
Get Detailed Quotes
When reaching out to potential moving companies, ask for a detailed quote that includes all the services they offer and the costs associated with each service. This will help you compare prices and choose the most cost-effective option. Be wary of companies that provide significantly lower quotes than others, as they may be hiding hidden fees or offering subpar services.
Confirm Insurance Coverage
Another important consideration is insurance coverage. Ensure that the moving company you choose offers adequate insurance to protect your belongings in case of any damage or loss during the move. Ask about their claims process and how they handle such situations.
Setting Up Your New Home Efficiently
Part of a stress-free move includes setting up your new home efficiently. After all the hard work of packing and moving, it’s time to settle into your new space and make it feel like home. Here are some tips to help you set up your new home efficiently:
Start with the basics
Begin by unpacking the essentials first, such as kitchen items, toiletries, and bedding. These are the items you’ll need immediately, so make sure they are easily accessible.
Prioritize room by room:
Focus on one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Start with the rooms you use most frequently, like the bedroom, living room, and kitchen. Unpack and organize each room before moving on to the next.
Utilize storage solutions:
Make use of storage solutions like shelves, bins, and hooks to keep your new home organized. Maximize space by using vertical storage and investing in multi-functional furniture.
Set up your technology:
Take the time to set up your internet, cable, and any other necessary technology in your new home. This way, you won’t have to worry about it later.
Personalize your space:
Finally, add your personal touch to make your new home feel cozy and welcoming. Hang up artwork, display your favourite photos, and incorporate your own decor style.
