Successful Move Hacks
It’s a known fact that moving is one of the most stressful events in life. According to Verified Movers, the average American family moves 11 times in their lifetime! Whether your family is below or above that average, these successful move hacks will help you reduce the stress the next time you move.
Getting Prepared for a Successful Move
Start early. Don’t wait for the last few weeks prior to moving day to do what needs to be done.
Set a moving budget and seek out movers to compare services and scheduling.
Take advantage of an online moving cost calculator (moving.com) which will give you a heads-up for what to expect in cost.
Call your utility companies to advise them of your moving date. Get this out of the way so you won’t forget to do it later!
Plan the packing supplies you will need, including specialty boxes for mattresses, framed artwork, electronic devices, and tableware.
Getting Decluttered for a Successful Move
Organize your belongings in three categories: What to move, what to offer to other family members or sell, what to donate to charity, and what to toss.
- Start with the closets. Don’t take it with you if it is out of style, doesn’t fit, or you haven’t worn it in a year.
- Ask yourself if you would buy an item again. If not, you don’t need to move it.
- Call charities to make donation pick up arrangements.
- Consider short-term storage to stage your home for sale or to hold items you are not yet sure you want to move.
Getting Packed
The most time-consuming part of the moving process is the actual packing. You may want to consider hiring the mover to pack things safely and securely for you or you may want to divide the task with them to save money. In either case, follow these time saving tips when packing:
Don’t empty dresser drawers.
You can leave your decluttered drawers in the dresser if they are not too heavy. If weight is an issue, take the drawer out and wrap it in shipping plastic wrap.
Leaving hanging clothes on hangers.
Obtain wardrobe boxes from your mover so you can easily rehang your clothes from box to closet when you reach your new home.
Use linens and towels as packing materials.
Wrap fragile items in paper or bubble wrap and cushion them with sheets or towels. Wrap linens around hard to wrap items, like lamps and vases.
Use pots.
Save space by filling large pots and other sealable containers with small kitchen items, like spice jars and gadgets.
Prevent spills.
Wrap a small piece of plastic wrap to secure the lids of lotions, liquid soap, shampoo … or put them in a plastic zip lock bag.
Pack suitcases.
Useful for packing items that may not easily be transported in boxes, suitcases with wheels can be used for books or large serving dishes.
Color code boxes with stickers, one color designated for each room.
It’s also helpful to tape a list to the box, indicating what’s inside, so you don’t have to open multiple boxes when hunting for something. A photo of the inside contents is also helpful for a general idea of what’s inside.
Take helpful photos.
Take a picture of the back of your TV or the connections for any electronic device. While still plugged in, a photo can show which cable goes where so you’ll remember how to set it up in your new home.
A Necessary Bag is necessary.
Pack a small bag with the items you’ll need to access during the move and immediately upon arrival at your new place: important documents, medications, jewelry, basic toiletries, a change of clothes, and a favorite toy for each of the kids. Take this bag with you.
The goal is to be fully packed the day before the move. When the movers arrive, you want to be free to focus on overseeing the loading process, not scurrying around with last-minute packing.
Getting on the Road
Plan for the children and pets on moving day. Can they stay with friends or family to keep them entertained and safe? Arrange for them and for family pets to give you piece of mind where they are concerned.
Once ready to leave, have a few essentials for the road trip. Pack a cooler and stock it with water bottles and quick snacks.
Getting Unpacked from your Successful Move
The task of unpacking can seem overwhelming. You won’t procrastinate with these guidelines:
Start with the kitchen.
Getting the kitchen up and running is an accomplishment which allows you to focus on the easier to unpack rooms
The bedrooms are next.
Get the beds set up and made up so when you are ready for bed, the beds will be ready for you.
Establish a deadline.
Make a plan for unpacking each room by a certain date. Scheduling a house-warming party or a casual get-together gives you a goal for getting it done.
Recycle boxes immediately.
As soon as a box is emptied, break it down and recycle it or offer it to other soon-to-be-movers.
Play music while unpacking!
The TV can be a distraction, so opt for music to entertain yourself and the children while putting things in place.
Don’t stress over trying to get everything unpacked right away. Do what you can when you can and it will get done. Give the children tasks they can handle. Take breaks; order take-out food. Take time to enjoy your new home as it is taking shape.
Follow these moving hacks and you’ll make things easier on yourself and have less stress in the process.
If you have questions about making your next successful move, or what happens before, during, or after a move, call the Relocation Specialists at Ayer Moving and Storage at (800) 233-6683 or email.
