Key Highlights of How to Make Your Move Easier
- Decluttering your home well in advance is crucial for a smoother moving process.
- Creating or using a comprehensive moving checklist keeps you organized.
- Hiring a reputable moving company can alleviate stress and provide peace of mind.
- Plan utility switch-over dates to avoid any inconvenience upon arrival at your new home.
- Labeling boxes clearly ensures efficient unpacking and helps movers place them in the correct rooms.
- Consider portable storage options for added flexibility during your move.
Moving to a new home is the start of a new chapter. However, the moving process can be stressful. By planning ahead and using smart tips, you can make your move easier. This guide from 1-800-PACK-RAT aims to give you useful ideas and tips, from getting packing supplies to hiring professional movers. Let’s work together to make your move smooth and free of stress!
Essential Tips for Making Moving Easier
So, you’re preparing for a big move? This major life event can be exciting but also a bit stressful and might feel like a daunting task. To make this change easier, think about using a smart plan. By splitting the process into smaller steps, you can reduce stress and have a more organized move.
From cleaning out your home to choosing trustworthy movers, each choice matters for the success of your move. Here, we will share important tips to simplify the relocation process, how to find a local moving company, your best bet for packing stuff safely and securely, and much more.
1. Start by decluttering your home well in advance
Moving is a great chance to think about your belongings, say goodbye to things you no longer need, and let go of things you’ve accumulated. Don’t just move clutter into your new home; take time to review your stuff.
You can view this as a freeing experience, a way to start fresh. Donate, sell, or throw away items that don’t bring you joy or don’t have a practical use.
This step will help you pack less and make your new living space feel lighter and more organized.
2. Create a comprehensive moving checklist
A good moving checklist is your reliable helper. It ensures you don’t forget anything important while you’re busy. First, write down all the tasks you need to do. This includes contacting utility companies and setting up mail forwarding.
Then, rank these tasks by when they need to be done. Create a timeline that you can easily follow. Break down the work and set specific tasks for each day. This way, you won’t be rushed at the end, and you will feel more in control while moving. With a clear moving checklist, you can feel confident that everything is going as planned.
3. Research and hire a reputable moving company
Moving can be a project you do on your own, but getting professional help can save you a lot of time and stress. Start by looking for good moving companies in your area that are affordable and can meet your specific needs. You can ask friends or family who have moved before for recommendations.
When you compare moving companies, ask them about their experience, insurance, and any extra services they have, like packing and unpacking. A good moving company can make your move much easier and faster and should be willing to answer any and all your questions.
Also, consider the differences between different types of moving solutions, such as traditional moving truck companies or providers such as 1-800-PACK-RAT, which have portable storage containers you can pack at your pace and leave all the driving to the pros. We can even suggest third party professional labor assistance providers to make things even easier for you when it comes to packing and unpacking your stuff!
4. Gather all necessary packing supplies
Before you can begin packing, you have to have the right moving supplies to get the job done. Ensure you have enough essential packing materials to keep your belongings safe. Some must-have packing supplies are cardboard boxes in different sizes, bubble wrap for fragile items, packing paper, packing tape, scissors, color-coded stickers, and markers for labeling.
Think about getting special boxes with dividers for small items like glassware, linens, dishes, eating utensils, and breakables. Having the right packing supplies ready early will help you pack more organized and prevent last-minute trips to the store.
Remember that good packing is vital for protecting your belongings while moving.
5. Pack non-essential items early
Packing can feel overwhelming, but a good plan can make it easier. Start by packing non-essential items that you don’t use every day. When loading your belongings, pack heavy items, like a heavy box, first, placing them at the bottom of the boxes.
Try to pack things by room. This will help keep everything organized and simplify unpacking for each family member. Clearly label each box with what is inside and which room they enter at your new home. This careful packing method saves you time and reduces stress as moving day approaches.
As you keep packing, you’ll feel proud of your progress and better understand what needs to be done. This will also allow you to pack heavy things such as your fridge or dresser with less hassle on the day of your move, as most of the packing is already done. Save yourself plenty of time on the day of your move to pack large items - you will thank yourself for it!
PRO TIP: Be sure to pack a go-bag or box with the day-after-the-move essentials in it, such as a fresh set of clothes and toiletries such as toilet paper, paper towels, soap, etc. Pack anything you might want when you wake up the next day in this bag. Pack it last so it is the first thing you unpack from your container at your new home!
6. Label all boxes clearly and logically
Imagine getting to your new home after a long move, only to be met with many boxes with no labels. This can be very frustrating. Labeling is an easy yet important step to help you unpack faster.
Make sure your labels are clear and detailed. This way, you will know what is inside each box. When you label, aim for clarity and consistency.
Here are some tips for labeling effectively:
- Use a dark, permanent marker and label your boxes generously.
- Write the name of the room on the top and sides of the box.
- List a few main items inside the box.
- Think about using color-coded labels for boxes from different rooms.
Labeled boxes make it much easier for your moving helpers to place your boxes and belongings in the right place when moving in. It'll also help you find essential items easily during those first days in your new home.
7. Use 1-800-PACK-RAT’s portable storage containers for flexible moving
Moving does not always follow a perfect plan. It can include requiring temporary storage needs or delays between leaving your old home and moving into your new one, particularly if you're not sure about your final destination yet or have issues with a home closing, especially in long-distance moving situations. 1-800-PACK-RAT’s portable storage solutions give you the most flexibility throughout the course of your move.
1-800-PACK-RAT will drop a container at your home when you want it. Then, you can load it at your pace and keep it for as long as you need it. It stays safe, as you are the only one with a key to it. When you are ready, we will pick it up and drive it to your new address. We remove driving from the equation entirely, making it easier and less stressful for you to make your move, no matter where you are going or how far away it is.
Whether you want more time or a flexible plan, portable storage makes moving easier.
8. Keep important documents and valuables with you
While moving boxes and furniture, you have to be extremely careful not to misplace important documents and valuables. To prevent the loss of these items, keep them separate and take them with you. This includes documents like passports, identification cards, medical records, and high-value, smaller items like jewelry, collectibles, and more.
Using a strong suitcase or a special box you keep close during the move is a smart way to protect these valuables. This way, you can keep your essential belongings safe and know they are within easy access when you need them.
This easy step can help you avoid stress and problems during and after your move and reduce the chances of loss.
9. Plan utility switch-over dates in advance
Imagine getting to your new place after a long move. You're tired, but then you discover the electricity isn’t connected yet. To avoid this kind of issue, it’s critical to plan your utility switch-over dates ahead of time.
Contact your utility companies, such as electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable. Set up the disconnection of services at your old home and the connection at your new home. If you are switching addresses but not changing providers, then it should be a simpler process. But be sure to give yourself plenty of time to arrange utility cutovers in advance.
By lining up these dates with your moving timeline, you can have a smooth move and settle into your new location without delays or problems.
10. Set up essential services in your new home before moving
Before you fully move into your new place, take some time to set up essential services. This means arranging trash removal, working out of a change of address and mail forwarding with the USPS, and looking into nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and other needed services.
If needed, ensure you've paid the security deposit for utilities in your new location. Getting to know the neighborhood and what it offers before you move helps make the process easier and lowers the chances of facing surprises later on.
Taking these steps will help you get comfortable in your new home faster, so you can start enjoying your new space right away.
Let 1-800-PACK-RAT Make Your Moving and Storage Needs Simple
Moving can be tricky, but being ready can make it easier. Following these tips can make your moving experience easier and better organized. If you want hassle-free moving options, consider using 1-800-PACK-RAT's containers for your move.
Whether you are moving locally or long distance, 1-800-PACK-RAT can assist you. With over 75 warehouse locations across the continental United States and counting, we can service almost any moving and storage needs you might have. We even provide storage on- and off-site, making our containers the most flexible and reliable choice you can make, no matter how your plans may change.
Give 1-800-PACK-RAT a call today to learn more about how we can simplify your moving and storage needs. Get a free quote today, and get started!
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Make Moving Easier
How much in advance should I start preparing for my move?
It's best to start getting ready 6-8 weeks before your move, especially if you are planning a move during the busy season of April - July. First, make a complete moving checklist and start assigning due dates for when you want key events to be completed. Then, look for and book a moving company. After that, gather your packing supplies. Start packing non-essential items and heavy items early. This will help you manage the work better and leave less rush and to-dos come the actual day of your move.
What should I look for when hiring a moving company?
Find a good moving company that can assist any move, be it local or long-distance. Make sure they have experience, the right licenses, and insurance. Read online reviews. Ask about their rates and any additional services they provide. Consider the quality of their services and the flexibility of their moving solution. And if the price seems to good to be true, remember that it most likely is.
How can 1-800-PACK-RAT containers simplify my moving process?
1-800-PACK-RAT provides portable moving and storage containers that they will bring to your door. You can then pack your items at your own pace. Once you are done, they will pick up the container and deliver it to your new home or keep it safe in one of their warehouses until you want it delivered. This option offers you flexibility and removes the hassle of renting a moving truck.
What are the best strategies for labeling moving boxes?
Use bold labels to show which room it is and include a short list of what’s inside. You can use different colors for the labels based on the room. This helps you find things quickly when unpacking. Labeling makes it easy to access specific items and simplifies the unpacking process.