According to research, moving is one of the most stressful life events you’ll ever experience. Despite that unsettling fact, it’s a necessary stressor and one that can ultimately lead to greater happiness, comfort, and prosperity for you and your family. The good news is that there are ways to make moving less stressful if you know how to move efficiently. All it takes is some advanced planning and organization. Here are ten moving tips to streamline your next move.
1. Create a plan
Long before the first box is packed, you should sit down with family members or others who will be involved in the move to discuss timing, the division of responsibilities, and a timeline for moving preparations. Discuss the best date to move, given the availability and cost of moving services, and allow plenty of time to prepare.
Make a list of essential tasks that must be accomplished before, during, and after the move, such as turning utilities on and off, as well as the contact information for utility companies, movers, and any other services that you’ll need on moving day.
Your moving plan should include a countdown checklist to keep pre-moving activities on track so that they don’t delay the move or create added stress on moving day.
2. Purge what you don’t need
Moving is the perfect opportunity to donate or discard items that you no longer use or need. By listing items on a resale website or holding a yard sale, you will set yourself up for a simpler move and make some extra money in the process. Items you don’t sell can be donatedto a charity or shelter.
A move to a new home is the perfect time for a fresh start. By purging unwanted items, there is less to pack, move and find room for during the move.
3. Gather the right supplies
Half the battle of moving is wonwith having enough boxes in the right shapes and sizes. Scout out grocery and department stores for empty shipping boxes. You can also ask friends who have moved recently if they have leftover moving boxes (and they may be grateful to get them out of the way). Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to moving boxes. Smaller boxes will make heavier items more manageable. Lighter objects can be packedin larger boxes.
After you’ve assembled your box supply, you’ll need purchase several rolls of strong packing tape (there is nothing worse than running out of tape while packing) and some bubble wrap or newspaper to wrap fragile items. If you purchase boxes from a moving company, you can return any that are unused for a refund. It’s better to have too many than not enough.
4. Use a labelling system
For easier unpacking, colour-coordinate your boxes by room with stickers, tape, or marker. Leaving a sticker in a coordinating colour on the door of each room in the new home will make it easy for you and your movers to see where each box should be placed.
In addition to a colour scheme, you should clearly label each box to identify its contents and the room in which it belongs. In the frenzy of moving day, clear labels and pre-planned shortcuts will make all the difference between chaos and control.
5. Take an inventory
While a reputable moving company will take every precaution to protect your belongings and treat them with care, it’s a good idea to make a list of items as they are packed. If a box is misplaced, it will be helpful to have a record of what was packed and moved. Designate each box in the inventory with a number and record it on both the tracking sheet and the side of the box.
6. Start packing early
Packing may seem like a daunting task, but you don’t have to complete it all in a day. You can pack out-of-season clothing and other household items in advance and place them out of the way. Anything that you don’tfrequently usedor that you won’t need before moving day should be inventoried and packed to make moving day more relaxed and more efficient.
7. Prepare your new home for your arrival
To ensure a smoother move, make sure that any utilities in your new residence are connected before your arrival on moving day. It will make the transition go much more smoothly to have heat, water, and electricity in working order before movers arrive.
8. Protect valuables
Don’t move heirlooms and valuable belongings with the rest of your household items. Anything irreplaceable or extremely fragile should be keptwith you in your vehicle. Likewise for important files or documents. Back up your important electronic files, and keep your paper documents in a weatherproof box or file that you keep with you.
9. Be considerate of movers
The number one way to ensure that your moving day goes smoothly is to be preparedfor the movers to arrive. Make sure everything is packed, labelled and ready for the movers to pick up and load. Last-minute packing and disorganization create stress and drive up the cost of the move.
To streamline communications, make sure that one knowledgeable friend or family member is stationed at each residence to answer questions and direct the moving crew. It will prevent the movers from having to wait for instructions, delaying the timeline you’ve set for your move.
As an added courtesy to moving crews (whether professional or friends and family) have plenty of water and snacks on hand to keep energy levels high.
10. Pack essentials separately
In the hustle and bustle of moving day, don’t forget to pack a separate bag with overnight essentials, medication, pet supplies, and any other day-to-day items that you don’t want to have misplaced among stacks of boxes. It will make your first night in your new home much more comfortable and reduce stress for humans and pets alike.
Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Choose a reputable moving company and enlist some help from family and friends. With some advanced planning your move will run smoothly for all involved.