Top 12 moving tips

There are some extra steps that you can take before your movers arrive to additionally speed up and ease the moving process itself. When it comes to organizing, packing, and staying on schedule, most people tend to procrastinate and stress-out, making the experience much more painful than it needs to be. Here are some of our moving experts, best moving tips – to ensure a pleasant relocation experience for yourself and your movers:

1. Declutter so you can finish packing sooner

One of the best packing tips anyone could give you – is to make sure that you don’t relocate any items you won’t be needing anymore. Relieve yourself from the stress and workload by getting rid of unwanted items before you begin the packing process. Figure out which items you’ll be keeping, selling, donating and tossing. Get rid of any furniture you don’t wish to move, or simply don’t have the space for. It will make the world of a difference when your movers arrive.

2. Find movers

Once you’ve gotten rid of everything you aren’t planning to relocate to your new home, it might be best to give your moving company a call. It is best to call your movers at least three to four weeks before your planned move date, to ensure that the company of your choice has an open spot for your move to take place. Keep in mind that you should search for movers that are both licensed and insured, to ensure a positive moving experience on your end with no unpleasantries during the process.

3. Invest in quality packing supplies

It might be tempting to find free boxes at your local grocery store to prepare for your relocation. However, investing in quality packing supplies will add durability, and secure your items for their safe transportation during your move. Reused boxes will heighten the risk of them falling apart in the hands of your movers or yourself when trying to load them into the truck. The safety of your items is everyone’s #1 priority during your relocation, so investing in quality packing materials will definitely be worth the cost at the end of the day.

4. Pack for an hour a day

It might be tempting to try and pack everything you own in a couple of days, but keep in mind that packing requires quite some time and effort. If you end up procrastinating and trying to pack everything a day or two before your move, you’ll probably become too overwhelmed and stressed out about the entire process. Give yourself more time than you could possibly need, and break down the entire process into small steps that will make it seem much less daunting and tiring. Pack one room at a time, and ensure that you always have enough packing supplies to properly secure your items.

5. Make an inventory

Everything you place into a box, should be written down on paper. You can categorize your inventory by room, box label or number, or however you wish to do so. Not only will this make a difference when your movers are loading and unloading the truck, and ensuring nothing gets lost or forgotten during the process, but it will also save you a lot of time when unpacking. If you’ve hired movers to help you pack up your belongings as well, they will most likely make a list of items on your behalf.

6. Pack a moving essentials kit

When you settle into your new living space, the last thing you’re going to want to do is unpack your clothing or go grocery shopping. Moving takes a lot of effort, and can seriously strain your energy levels, so packing a moving essentials kit ahead of time can help you immensely when you settle in. Pack everything you use every day, and keep the essentials kit by your side at all times.

7. Colored labels will save the day

Having some colored packing labels by your side during the process of packing, can help you stay organized and save you a lot of time when unpacking as well. Label the contents of your packed boxes and the room in which it belongs in. You could label the doors of your new home with colored labels that match your boxes, so your movers know exactly where each box is supposed to go. This moving hack will save your movers a lot of time, and save you money at the end of your move.

8. Don’t overfill your boxes

A common packing mistake is trying to stuff your entire household worth of belongings into a few boxes that you have found around the house. Lighter boxes mean faster loading, and less chance of anything being dropped and damaged during the move. Keep your heaviest items below 50 pounds, and pack as many boxes as you possibly can.

9. Fill your boxes with packing paper

If there is some space left in your boxes, it is best to fill them up with paper, bubble wrap, package peanuts or clothing to prevent your belongings from shifting during the move. If it rattles – it’s not packed correctly. Make sure that your boxes are secured in each corner with tape, and ensure the safe transportation of your belongings.

10. Heavy items – small boxes

Instead of cramming your heaviest items into a big box, consider packing each heavy item you might own into separate, smaller boxes. This way, it will be much easier to lift your boxes, your movers will have a much easier time when navigating your heavy items, and it is the perfect way to secure their safe transportation.

11. Empty your furniture

Not only does leaving your armoires, desks and dressers full of stuff make the items heavier for your movers, but the shifting contents inside can become a hazard for the rest of your items during transportation as well. Professional moving companies that care for your belongings and do not want to jeopardize the safety of them, will always advise you to empty your heavy items before they arrive

12. Move your boxes into one area

An extra step that can make the world of a difference is to place your boxes in a specific area near your front door, to speed up the loading process for your movers and save you some time and money at the same time. This way, your movers won’t have to go back and forth constantly, and will be able to load your belongings more efficiently as well.