A lot of people don't realize how much planning is involved when getting ready to relocate. While no move is stress-free, there are steps that you can take to help you keep your cool! Save yourself some frustration and have a look at these stress-reducing moving tips.
Make a List of Items
As soon as you start packing, write everything down. Whether you write things down on paper or keep a spreadsheet on your computer or tablet, marking all items and boxes that will go in the same room together with labels will save you from a lot of headaches down the road. Using a system like this will keep your move organized and help identify if any items or steps have been forgotten.
Have Lots of Supplies on Hand
It’s better to be safe than sorry! Therefore, have more plenty of supplies on hand like boxes, tape, and packing paper. In particular, getting some extra boxes can be really cheap and simple. Many moving companies will sell you boxes and whatever boxes you don’t use can be refunded at the end. Many superstores and grocery stores will freely give you boxes that are not being used if you ask. Finally, cleaning supplies are often overlooked before a move, so have plenty to use at your disposal!
Color Coordinate
Before you move in, decide upon a color for each room. For instance, designate the kitchen to have yellow stickers or tape and the living room to have blue. From there, mark the boxes that will go in each of these rooms with the same color labels on the boxes. You can even go further and mark each room as you move with an actual color label on the wall. Doing this will make your job simpler and more organized - especially if you have friends or family helping!
Keep Items Together
Try keeping similar items packed together as best as you can. Examples of this are keeping extension cords with appliances, light bulbs with lamps, or even picture hooks with pictures. This may seem like a very small and trivial step but small details like these can make all the difference in the world when you're unpacking.
Pack Things You Don’t Immediately Need Early On
Packing items such as extra toiletries, radios or power tools ahead of time can save you a lot of headaches during your moving week. Also, depending on the season of the year, pack clothes and items that go with the other seasons in advance. For example, if you are moving in the summer go ahead and pack your winter clothes to get them out of the way. These are just a couple examples but we recommend you get ahead wherever you can!
Utilize Your Suitcases
Everyone has plenty of duffel bags and suitcases that can be utilized strategically, so use them to pack things like sheets, towels, and clothes. By doing this, you can decrease the number of boxes you use by a considerable amount. This also keeps items like bed sheets and toiletries easily accessible.
Keep Important Documents With You
Whether that’s your passport, birth certificate, bank records, or school documents there are always important papers that should be on hand. Therefore, don’t risk losing them and adding more stress by leaving them with the movers. Have a folder or lock box with all your documents that you know the location of at all times. Losing one of these documents can cause an unnecessary mess so plan ahead!
If you found these tips helpful and you have a big move ahead, keep 1-800-PACK-RAT in mind! Our portable, all-steel constructed containers are perfect for both local and long-distance moves. Or if you need storage space, we have that covered as well for both temporary and long-term storage. Whatever your moving or storage needs are, 1-800-PACK-RAT has you covered!