Do you know why do people move? There are two primary motivations: family or a job. However, moving can become a headache. It is stressful to uproot your life and pack it in moving boxes. Then you have to spend your time and clean, pack up and cut off utilities. The ordeal does not end here. When you get to your new place, you have to unpack everything and update your utilities. And people moving with pets and children have the worst time of it all.
You might be moving for your job, or you might be moving to your dream house. No matter what your motivation, moving is a hassle. And the worst part is that not every plan fits every move. But, do not worry. We have some tips to organize your relocation process and make it hassle-free. Read our list to find moving tips that may benefit you in the long run.
Prepare for your move:
It is better to prepare for your move as soon as possible. However, you can never have too much time to plan it all. Fortunately, there are some tried and tested moving tips you can follow. Of course, you may improvise these according to your experience.
- Notify everyone: You don’t want to pay the utility companies after you move. So, call the utility services and inform them about your upcoming move. Tell them about the dates and update your billing address. Next, make a list of who else you should notify about the move. Then, get busy visiting their offices or calling them to update your information. Crossing this off your moving list will ensure you don’t forget it.
- Find a specialist: Sometimes people need help relocating to new areas. You can make things easier on yourself by hiring a professional to take care of the move. However, remember to book early, or you might not get a mover at all. Ask for recommendations and do your research before hiring a company.
- Set up a moving budget and timeline: Moving is expensive, and it takes a lot of time. So, have a timeline to understand how much time you have. Set aside some money for the move. Your budget will include money for the movers, installation fees, and spare change for moving supplies. Several websites offer comprehensive checklists for first-timers. Take a look at these checklists and download one.
- Apply for days off and prepare for new schools: Arrange your move for a Friday so you can get the weekend to organize your new place. You will have to inform your office about your relocation and request some time off. Your child will also need to attend a new school. Look for new schools in the area to choose the best option. Remember to get transcripts from the old school so your kids can start school as soon as possible.
Get rid of extra stuff:
Organizing your belongings before a move is the most vital tip. The less you will have to move, the easier your relocation will become. So, toss, recycle or donate extra items.
- Purge your closet and kitchen: Everyone has that T-shirt from spring week freshman year hiding in the back of the closet. Get rid of the baggage to make your move easier. Ask yourself if you would buy this item nowadays. If you would not, then you do not need it. Make it a goal to eat most of the food in your house before moving day. Try creative recipes to use all the ingredients. You can also donate unopened items to a food bank.
- Donate things: Why not do a good deed and pack for your move? Donate items you no longer need to local shelters. Some organizations pick up donations, so you won’t have to worry about transportation. Arrange pick-ups with them to make the process smoother.
- Short-term storage: There are some things we can neither use nor can we get rid of. Consider renting short-term storage to keep these items safe. Prized possessions like family heirlooms and old memorabilia can stay in temperature-controlled units.
How to pack:
Packing for a move may seem to be the most time-consuming chore in the world. No one has the time to individually bubble-wrap each piece of cutlery before loading it on a truck. Therefore, our tips are all about cutting corners to save time and money.
- Do not empty your drawers: Instead of taking everything out of your drawer, leave the items in there. Then wrap the drawer in plastic wrap to secure all items and detach them from the dresser. You can also leave the drawers and wrap the dresser in saran wrap. However, that might make the dresser too heavy.
- Keep your clothes on hangers: Taking each clothing item off hangers then folding them before putting them in suitcases sounds like a lot of work. Instead, you can keep them on their hangers and wrap them up in garbage bags to prevent stains. Then, once you reach your destination, take them out and hang them in your wardrobe.
- Use your linens: Fragile items, like perfume bottles, need padding to avoid damage. You can use linens and towels to cushion them and wrap them up. Some sharp objects, like knives and scissors, also need linens to wrap them up. Secure a rubber band to keep them in place.
- Color code everything: Moving may appear to be confusing at times as well. You have to sort several items go that go in different rooms. And all of them are in moving boxes. You can save your time by labeling each box and color-coding them according to each room. So, you can identify what goes where with a single look. Take pictures of the inside of each box to keep track of what you will find in each box.
- Pack small bags: You will need some essential items when you move. So, pack a change of clothes, important documents, medicines and chargers in one bag.
Conclusion:
While people like to relocate, they don’t seem to be fond of the moving day. The logistics of a move can make things stressful for anyone. Fortunately, you can follow some suggestions for a smoother transition. Which tip was the best? Let us know in the comments.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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