Whether you’re headed off to college or just found a great new job in a different city, you know what’s coming next: The big move. While no one really enjoys moving, it is possible to take the stress out of this process by keeping a few simple tips in mind. Remember that planning ahead when moving is key. The more time you leave yourself to take care of these tasks, the better you’ll feel when moving day comes around.
Evaluate Your Possessions
The most important thing you’ll need to do when you decide you’re going to move is think about what you’re moving. Determine how many heavy items, such as furniture and appliances, must be moved. Estimate how many boxes you will need to store all of your belongings. If you will be moving large or bulky items, make sure that they can clear the doorways in your new home. If doorframes must be removed to accommodate your furniture, you’ll need to do this before your movers arrive.
Get Moving Quotes
Getting quotes from movers can be trying. Get quotes from at least three movers in writing. Carefully compare the quotes and the services offered by each company. Read the fine print regarding damages and ask them about their insurance coverage so that you can rest assured that all your items are covered. . Make sure that the company you want to use is available at the time that you need to move.
Pack Smart
When packing, aim to put 50 pounds or less in each box. Pack the heaviest items on the bottom of boxes, filling empty space with light linens. Make sure that you pack essentials for each room in separate boxes to be unloaded first. Home guru Martha Stewart suggests packing a first-night box so that you don’t feel overwhelmed and out of place at your new home.
Label Your Belongings
It’s absolutely essential that you carefully label every box that the moving company is going to transport on your behalf. In addition to listing the contents of the box on the outside label, be sure that you’ve included your name, phone number and permanent address. You can use return label stickers, but you’ll need to make sure that the print is large enough to be read by the workers who will load and unload your possessions. Any boxes with fragile or perishable items should be clearly marked in a bright color.
Create an Inventory
As you pack, create an inventory of every box that the mover will transport on your behalf. Place a copy of the inventory list inside each box and keep a copy for yourself. You might want to devise a numbering or lettering system so that you can easily identify each box when it comes time to go over your inventory and ensure that everything has arrived at your new home.
Determine Your Unpacking Plan
Many people dread unpacking as much as they dread packing. However, you can make this daunting task a little simpler by determining your unpacking plan before any boxes are opened. You might want to prioritize unpacking certain rooms or you may want to unpack all essential items first. No matter your plan, stick to it so that you can stay organized throughout the process.
Establish Your Budget
Whenever you are moving, money is always a big factor. There are so many things you are likely spending money on that sometimes you can take your eye off the ball and get hit with unexpected costs associated with your move. You can cut down on unexpected moving expenses by carefully budgeting for your move from Day One. Determine how much money you’ll need to spend on packing supplies. Think through the gas costs to drive from your current home to your new home. You can use an online tool like the UShip Shipping Calculator to help you estimate actual costs for getting your possessions from one zip code to another.
