Moving can be a big step in one’s life, but it doesn’t have to be stressful or unpleasant. The most important thing is not to procrastinate with your tasks and get your hands dirty as soon as you are set on the idea of relocation. The early preparation will allow you to take full control over the following events. You can begin preparing for the big day bit by bit, leaving things you know you use often for the actual moving date. That way when the time comes you won’t be stressed and rush simply to meet your deadline or the movers’ date. Here are a few things you can begin planning or setting up much earlier than your actual relocation.
Once you have researched your moving agency, received a price quote you are satisfied with and have booked a team, it is time to begin looking for packing supplies. Here is when you will have to make your first choice, whether to save money and pack your belongings yourself or book a packing service from your chosen company. While this will involve additional costs, keep in mind the teams are professionals and will do the job quickly and efficiently. Your items may be better packed and safer if you trust an experienced packer.
Breaking Down the Packing Process
Whatever you decide, before you begin putting your items in random boxes, here is what you should do.
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Get a hold of the appropriate packing supplies.
Deal with all the paper. No one likes filling in government forms, unfortunately you will have to do this sooner or later. This is why, you should tackle this first when you have decided to move. Inform all utility companies and various providers, send postcards to friends and family. You can let the post services know through USPS’s handy online form.
- Declutter. There is no point paying and securing items you know you won’t use. Go through all rooms in your house, attic, basement, garage, storage and outdoors, and ask yourself if you really do need all the things in there. With the items you have decided to get rid of, you can hold a sale and earn some extra money. Or simply donate them to a charity and do a good deed. Either way, you would have saved at least a few packing boxes that way.
- Organize all the items that you know will go with you to your new home location. Here is where your organization skill with be put to the test. Write inventory lists of all items and which rooms they belong to and for additional safety, take photos of as many belongings as you can. This will help you make a claim later if something was damaged or went missing through the move.
- Now would be the time to look for packing supplies. You can have an easy way out by purchasing the proper gear from any mover, but for those of you who would rather reuse and recycle, there are quite a few places you can find what you will be looking for. For moving, you will need sturdy boxes, so book and liquor boxes will do the job very well. Ask post offices or companies for their office paper boxes. Ask around friends, neighbors or relatives. Another way is through Freecycle, where you can receive what you need in exchange of getting rid of the items you don’t want any more.
- Packing time. Prepare a big surface you can work on and consider thematically sorting your belongings. A good trick is to pack one room at a time. Don’t forget to write on a piece of paper all the times that go in and then stick it to the box. Add additional labeling on all sides of the box, to make unpacking easier later.
Pay Attention to Every Little Detail when you Move
A couple of months have passed and all of the objectives in the list earlier have been met. You must be feeling pretty relieved that most of the packing is over and done with. But be warned there are a few things movers will not pick up, such as hazardous materials, paints and strong chemicals and jewelry. You should find a way to pack all valuable items, high-priced items and important paperwork in one place and bring it with you on your move.
There are many more aspects of moving and moving day preparations, but honestly, you can never be prepared for everything. What we can do to ensure a smooth and safe relocation of our belongings and family is simply to be prepared. I would take hours to plan any event, but experience and research can help you deal with any problem. Leave a comment and let us know how your moving preparation went.
