Most people view moving in one of two ways, either as an exciting time for new opportunities or as one of the most stressful experiences possible. No matter how you feel about moving, there is no denying that the amount of work and preparation necessary for the big day to go smoothly is formidable.
If you are facing a move, whether across town or across the country, there are some tips that can make the process easier for you and your family.
1. Reserve a Truck
You do not want to get to moving day and not have the transportation you need for your things. If you are making a whole house move, you will want to reserve a large truck, preferably with a removable ramp. A ramp is imperative for easy loading and unloading.
If your move is smaller, you will not need a huge truck. If you have an apartment or are only moving across town, contacting a truck rental agency that offers commercial-grade pickup trucks may save you money and may be easier for you to handle on the road.
2. Declutter
Moving is a perfect time to take stock of what you have, and determine if it is what you need. Everyone owns more things than they use, and perhaps even has closets and cabinets full of things they forgot they own. If you are in that situation, take the time to sort your belongings and donate or discard the unnecessary items.
Do not succumb to the temptation of throwing everything in a box and saying that you will sort it in your new home. First of all, you don’t need the extra work or cost of moving things just to get rid of them. And secondly, you will thank yourself when you have fewer things to unpack when you get to the next stop.
3. Start Early
It is never too early to start the decluttering and packing process.
One of the silver linings of a move is that it rarely happens with no notice. Most people have 60 or 90 days to prepare, and folks selling their homes usually have even more time, factoring in the time the home is on the market. This leaves ample time to get organized.
One of the best ways to mitigate the stress of moving is not procrastinating. As soon as you can, begin to go through your items, pare down what you do or do not need, and then pack thoughtfully and carefully.
4. Pack Your Boxes Thoughtfully
Packing boxes can be an art form. First, choosing the right size box is crucial. For heavy items including books, smaller boxes are a wise choice so that the packed box is not too heavy to move. Hanging clothes may not need a box at all, and can be packed and moved while still on their hangers to save time at both ends of the move.
As you pack each box be sure to label it thoroughly. In addition to writing the room where the box will go add a short list of the inventory as well. This will help make the unpacking process smoother. You may also consider color coding boxes. By placing a colored label on each box that corresponds to its destination in the new home, and then putting colored signs on each room during the move, you can ensure that everyone helping to unload your items can figure out the right place to put them.
5. Safeguard Your Moving Documents
it is essential to keep all of your moving documents, such as address and utility information, in one place that is safe and easily accessible on moving day. Do not pack it in a box. Gather the documents into a file or portfolio and put it in a safe place, such as your car’s glove box.
These five tips can help you make your move smoother and less stressful, and keep you focused on the exciting new start you will have in your new home.
