Updated on October 30, 2024
Moving to a new home is a significant life event, and it's usually accompanied by a mixture of emotions like excitement, anticipation, hope, anxiety, and even relief. In fact, moving is often ranked as one of life's most stressful events. So why is moving so stressful despite the idea of new beginnings?
While other moving container companies add moving stress to your life with fast-moving deadlines and hidden expenditures, 1-800-PACK-RAT chooses to simplify it and save you time and effort. That is why we provide a step-by-step plan, expert tips, and invaluable insights to help you easily navigate your next move. Let's embark on this journey together and make your move as stress-free as possible!
Preparing for Your Move
Establish a Moving Timeline
Coordinating the timing of every aspect of a move, especially for long-distance relocations, can be challenging, which is why you need to start planning weeks before your move. Failing to follow a well-organized moving timeline may lead to feeling overwhelmed by the numerous tasks ahead. So, set a date and create a timeline that allows you to space out all the items on your moving and packing to-do list. It's ideal to begin planning your move at least two months before your preferred move-in date. We even have a moving checklist you can download and follow to ensure you aren’t missing any crucial details.
Create a Moving Budget
Moving to a new home comes with various financial responsibilities, including down payments, closing costs, deposits, utility setup fees, packing and moving expenses, and transportation costs. A detailed budget can act as your financial guide throughout the moving process. To estimate your moving expenses accurately, consider factors like the distance of your move, the size and quantity of your belongings, and any additional services you might need, such as packing or storage.
Get multiple quotes so you can also get an idea of how much your move might cost you. Remember that local moves will typically always be cheaper than a long-distance move, and that not every moving solution is the same. Traditional moving truck rental companies might try to lure you in with a low price point, but the fees and costs quickly add up, and the solution itself can cause a lot of undue stress and force you to work on their timeline instead of yours. Budgeting for your time is just as important as budgeting for your finances.
To help you estimate the number of portable moving and storage containers you might need to move or store your belongings, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers an online space calculator. After selecting the quantity and type of furniture you wish to move or store, this tool will help to visually show you how much space it will take up in the container. This way you can get an accurate quote tailored for your specific needs and have no surprises on the big day.
Declutter and Downsize Your Belongings
In your moving timeline, allocate extra time to declutter and downsize before beginning the packing process. By leaning up the amount of stuff you own, you’ll have to pack less, which could mean the difference between hiring professional laborers or getting two portable containers instead of one. The less stuff you need to bring, the less you’ll need to pack and worry about. This step is crucial to reduce stress during your move, particularly when moving over long distances.
Begin by going through each area of your home and deciding which items you want to sell, donate, or discard. Start with clothing that hasn't been used in the past year, untouched kitchen appliances, and books you no longer intend to read. Remember that if an item doesn't serve a specific purpose, hold sentimental value, or contribute to your daily life, it's likely best left behind during a move. You might even be able to make a little bit of money on the side if you manage to sell any of the stuff you downsize or declutter.
Choose a Trusted Moving and Storage Partner
Researching and choosing a moving and storage company can be overwhelming. Pricing can vary dramatically depending on the distance and time of year, so most companies ask that you call them to discuss specifics. Before you call, knowing how many rooms you are moving and having a few moving dates to choose from is helpful. 1-800-PACK-RAT offers a solution that grants you greater control over the entire process, giving you both a moving and storage solution all-in-one.
Say goodbye to the hassle of transporting your belongings to your new residence entirely yourself; opt for our convenient portable moving and storage containers instead. We provide secure, all-steel, weatherproof containers that we'll deliver directly to your doorstep, allowing you to pack at your own pace. Our containers feature barn-style doors and a ground-level design, making them incredibly easy to load, and they can stay at your home’s location as long as you need. Have 24/7 access to your stuff without having to pack and unpack multiple times. Thanks to this innovative design, there's no need to worry about navigating ramps or climbing in and out of the back of a moving truck multiple times.
Once your portable storage containers are packed and ready, we'll pick them up and handle the journey to your new home. Here is the best part, though - if you are not able to move into your home yet or are not ready for all of your stuff, we can simply place your container into storage at one of our over 70 continental U.S. locations—no packing and unpacking multiple times like you would have to do with a more traditional storage area. Pack and unpack once, all while knowing your stuff is safe in our care, ready to be delivered whenever you need it.
You can also compare our solution to our competitors and see the difference 1-800-PACK-RAT can provide to help make your move as stress-free as possible.
Organizing Your Move
Pack Your Stuff Efficiently and Safely
Don’t wait until the week of your move to start packing. One of the most vital tips for a stress-free move we here at 1-800-PACK-RAT can offer is to start packing weeks in advance. Begin packing all the non-essentials you can early on to begin that packing process. This will be especially helpful if you plan on using professional movers and labor assistance, as your stuff should be packed ahead of time for them to quickly move your stuff from your home to your moving solution or container.
Taking the time to pack efficiently and safely is also an essential part of a stress-free move. Here are some key tips to ensure your packing process goes smoothly:
- Collect various box sizes suitable for items both big and small.
- Ensure you have sturdy packing tape and dispensers to seal boxes securely.
- Gather bubble wrap and packing paper to protect fragile items.
- Begin by packing one room at a time to stay organized.
- Before packing up a room, take pictures so everything can be stored, hung up, or arranged just as you like in your new place.
- Avoid overloading boxes; fill them without gaps for better protection.
- Reinforce the bottom and top of each box with secure packing tape.
- Use smaller boxes for heavier items like books.
- Reserve larger boxes for bulkier, though not necessarily heavier, items.
- For easier moving, ensure no box exceeds 50 lbs in weight and store all of your heavy items at the bottom of your stacks.
If you require quality moving supplies, you can purchase everything you need and more from our partner, Lowe's® Home Improvement, to ensure all of your packing needs are met quickly! Get regular and heavy-duty boxes, tape, moving blankets, kits, and much more delivered to your or picked up at your local Lowe’s location.
Label Your Moving Boxes
Regarding labeling, it’s always best to have a few options. An organized approach to labeling ensures that you won't lose track of your belongings during the move. It also makes it easier for your moving helpers to know where to put boxes, which can be invaluable to you later during the unpacking process. Here are three practical ways to label your boxes:
1. Labeling Each Side:
- Label every side of the boxes so that you can quickly identify contents, even when they are stacked.
2. Color Coded System:
- Use different colors of tape to identify the room where each box belongs.
3. Number-Based Labeling with Inventory List:
- Assign a unique number to each box.
- Maintain a corresponding handwritten or electronic inventory list.
- On the list, describe box contents in detail and assign priority levels.
Creating an inventory list of some sort to keep track of your stuff is highly recommended. It will save you a lot of hassle beyond your move in day while also providing your moving help with some direction as to where things go and are supposed to be at.
Managing Stress on Moving Day
There is no single more significant source of moving stress than on the actual day of your move. Managing moving day requires careful planning and organization to ensure the most stress-free possible transition to your new home. Here are a few small tips that can make a big difference on a moving day:
- Make sure you are physically and mentally prepared for moving day. Physically, get adequate rest, stay hydrated, and always use proper lifting techniques to avoid straining your body. Mentally, it's crucial to maintain a positive mindset throughout the process.
- Moving can be emotionally taxing, as it often involves leaving behind familiar surroundings and routines. Take breaks when needed, practice relaxation techniques, and remind yourself of the exciting opportunities that await in your new home.
- Prepare a "moving day" overnight bag for each family member, similar to packing for a trip. Include essentials like pajamas, a change of clothes, medicines, personal toiletries, and shower necessities (including a towel). Place one or two of their favorite belongings in their overnight bag to comfort children during the move. Plan to pack this last or keep it with you so it is the first thing you unpack at your new home.
- Have your cell phone ready and fully charged before moving day, and keep your charger or a portable power bank handy for the rest of your busy day.
- Keep a folder of important moving, utility, and housing documents with you at all times that can be easily accessed whenever needed.
- If you have children, pets, or individuals with special needs in your moving crew, ensuring their safety is essential. Consider enlisting the help of a trusted neighbor, grandparent, or loved one to look after them on moving day or even for part of the day. This is particularly important when moving with a baby. If you can't baby-proof your new home immediately, set up a secure space where your baby can stay until you've completed the necessary safety measures.
- Upon arriving at your new home, prioritize assembling and making your beds. After a long and exhausting moving day, you wouldn't want to find yourself without a comfortable place to rest.
Let 1-800-PACK-RAT Provide the Moving and Storage Services You Need
Let’s face it – moving is stressful, and at some point along your moving journey, you will feel at least a little bit stressed - it's just the reality of making such a big life decision. Recognize the stress, but don’t let it overwhelm you or deter you from the tasks at hand. Having help from family and friends during the sorting, packing, and moving processes is a great distraction, and more importantly, it makes the work go faster! Also, lean on your family and friends for emotional support when you feel overwhelmed.
Give 1-800-PACK-RAT a call today or get a free quote online and see how we can make moving and storage easier for you. With over 70 locations across the country, we are ready and waiting to help make your upcoming move as stress-free as possible.
Whether you are moving locally, cross-country, or long-distance, or just need on-site storage with the option for secure warehouse storage if necessary, we have you covered. Nobody makes moving and storage simpler or more stress-free than 1-800-PACK-RAT!