Moving to a new home can be a stressful process without the right preparation. Along with packing all your items and hiring movers, another thing to worry about is whether your belongings will safely reach their destination. Although shifting to a new place isn’t an easy task, a few tricks and tips can make the transit a bit smoother. Dedicating some time to planning before moving out will end up being more helpful than you think. A good action plan will help your transit stay on track, release your stress, and ensures your entire moving process will encounter little to no disappointment. Here are 9 smart tips to get started on ensuring a hassle-free move!
- Make a Checklist
Making a checklist before moving to your new home can seem a little tedious, but it works. A to-do list helps you organize all your tasks and errands to ensure you don’t miss anything last minute. Trust us, you’ll be thanking yourself later on. There are few things you must put on your moving to-do list, including:
- Changing your mailing address.
- Contact your utility providers to arrange a shut-off service.
- Buying packing materials like boxes and bubble wraps.
- Item or essential task you don’t want to skip.
- Cross off the completed task to stay on track.
- De-Clutter
Moving to a destination is an excellent time to de-clutter your belongings. Go through every drawer, cupboard, box, and closet and select the items you want to take with you or are willing to donate or sell. If you’re going to keep some things but don’t want to have them on hand all the time, renting a storage unit would be the best option. Search for storage units in your location; typing something as simple as your location name with the word ‘storage’ will do the trick. For example if you live in Olympia, Washington, looking up Olympia storage online will connect you to the right answer.
- Get Packing Supplies
Once you’ve put aside the items you do want to take with you, it’s the perfect time to buy moving boxes and other packing supplies. Get a few extra boxes than necessary in case you run out or buy new items to take to your new home last minute. There are several packing calculators available that can help you approximate how much packing material is required.
- Pack A Bag of Essentials
Trying to pick everything at once, so it’s better to start off with a bag full of your essentials first. In your essentials bag, you must add items that you will need access to while moving and after you have reached your new destination. Some things that you must add to your essentials bag include any important documents, medications, phone chargers, basic toiletries, changes of clothes, and anything that you will need at least for a few days in your new home during which you’re unpacking.
- Keep Clothes in Your Drawers
While packing your clothes, don’t empty your dresser drawers. Your clothes and other non-breakable items will be easy to carry and moved when kept in the dresser drawers. All you need to do is wrap your dresser in plastic wrap which will prevent your dresser drawers from damaging or falling out during transit. This way, you won’t have to unpack extra boxes and stock your dresser all over again.
- Keep Your Clothes on Hangers
Keeping all your clothes on hangers will make it easy for you to move and arrange them in your new home. Start by grouping your clothes by six or seven hangers based on the weight of your clothes, and then wrap them in a large garbage bag. Alternatively, you can utilize wardrobe boxes consisting of a metal hanging bar that simultaneously holds multiple hangers with clothes. When you reach your new home, unpack your clothes and move them straight into your new wardrobe.
- Take Photos
Click photos of every complicated wiring system present behind the entertainment systems so that you can remember how to fix it once moved. Use the same method for any object that requires dismantling during the moving process. In addition, snapping photos is also beneficial for fragile or valuable items, as if they get damaged or go missing during the transfer. These images will also be very invaluable whenever you go for an insurance claim.
- Color Code Boxes
Utilize markers or various colored stickers for color-coding your boxes and assign a color to each room and its belongings. This way, you won’t have to spend hours to try to find your dishes or your toothbrush in the wrong box.
- Create A Plan for Kids and Pets
For those that have children too young to help them move, as well as pets, it’s best to let them stay over at a friend or relative’s house during the process. This will help them avoid the stress and chaos of moving and give you more time to focus on planning. If you can plan some alternative for both your little kids and your furry ones, it would be very significant for your move. Moreover, hiring a babysitter or pet-sitter can also ensure smooth shifting.
Relocating your whole life to a new home can be very hectic, but keeping organizational and planning tips in mind can make the process much easier. With proper planning and preparations, you can make the move an exciting experience for you and your family. Follow these simple moving tips for a smoother transit and confidence in the fact that you won’t be facing any hurdles on moving day.
