The moving experience is inevitable for most of us. Enduring more than one move in a lifetime is probably closer to the norm. By the time another move is on the horizon, we have forgotten the last one. Not remembering makes it easier to go through with it again. But not remembering what we had learned means we will have to learn sometimes painful lessons from mistakes again. There is no formal education when it comes to moving but maybe there should be. No strict rules to follow, only common sense. The following tips are meant to help make the moving process less stressful and reveal the positive opportunities that a successful move can offer.
- Write everything down.
Purchase a spiral notebook weeks in advance of the move. You are going to sleep a lot better at night because you have things written down and you won’t have to lay there worrying and trying to remember all that you need to remember. I know there is nothing wrong with your memory. The effort and time spent writing everything down will be well worth it. It doesn’t have to be a spiral notebook. An app on your phone might be a better choice for you. I recently discovered an app, “Note Everything.” It is 100% free. You create files and record your notes by voice, text or even a drawing. Here’s a thought, add these tips to your notes.
- Start early.
Putting everything off until moving day is closer is not a good idea. You won’t feel so overwhelmed if you spread out your tasks over time. A calendar will help you keep track of all your tasks. And don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s still early, if a task does not get completed, simply assign it to another day. Post this calendar in plain sight for everyone to see. They will have no excuse for not helping out. Checklists are a good idea. At a moment’s glance you’ll be able to instantly know if something has been check marked.
- Pack decor, storage items and out-of-season clothing early.
Only pack items that are not in everyday use but you definitely want to keep. You could label boxes with room name only but if you ever have to locate something from that room, you will have to open and go through each box for that room until you find it. There’s a better, more effective way to track your inventory. After you pack a box, assign the box a number and a room. Go to the master list kept in the “moving notes,” record the number and room written on the box and list the contents. You might have several boxes labeled bathroom, but you’ve only got one box labeled #1 bathroom or #2 bathroom and so on. This will also let you know if a box is missing. Make sure to label box on the top and side so this information is always visible.
- Perfect opportunity to downsize your possessions.
Just because you have so much stuff does not mean you should keep so much stuff. Whether you don’t like, don’t use or it doesn’t fit, donating your overflow to charity makes sense. Deciding to resell your treasures can literally make cents. Just label the boxes accordingly. Don’t forget many charities will pick up items that you choose to donate.
- Don’t wait until after the move to transfer services.
A lot of people assume services like utilities or trash pick-up can only be disconnected once the property has been vacated. Along with that belief installations or change of address can only happen for the current occupant. This information is completely false. Scheduling disconnects, transfers and address change ahead of time will keep your move running smoothly. The service companies appreciate advanced notice.
- Stop buying groceries at least a week before the move.
Your focus should be on clearing out the refrigerator. As a matter of fact, the day before your move is the best time to defrost and clean your refrigerator to have it ready to hit the road.
- Use a list for the hardware store.
Stick to the list, get a receipt and don’t be afraid to return items not used or needed during your move.
- Successful packing.
Use packing tape to seal boxes right. The folded under corners does not let the boxes set flush on top of each other. Storage bins, laundry baskets and luggage double as shipping vertically instead of horizontally. Pack heavy items in smaller boxes. Save the larger boxes for pillows, blankets or curtains. Kitchen and bathroom packed last. Heavy Furniture gets loaded onto the truck first.
- Pack essentials separately.
It’s going to be a long day. You are not going to be much into searching or unpacking anything at the end of the day. A small first aid kit, your favorite tea, clean pair of socks are a few things that come to mind that should be included with the essentials.
- Before you move in.
Take pictures of your new dwelling before your stuff clutters up the pictures. It will be much easier to distinguish what state the place is in if it is empty. Any damages should be recorded so you won’t get the blame or the bill for repairs when you decide to move out. One more tip. This one is important. When you first arrive at your new house before you do anything else, make the beds. When you’re ready to crash, the bed will be ready.
Teaming up with the right moving service guarantees a good move experience. A good mover will dedicate themselves to making sure your move is done right.
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