Moving Tips
Moving is a part of life. And whether you move often or are packing up your bags for the first time in a long time, it’s a notoriously stressful process that can take its toll on even the best of planners. Fortunately, while moving isn’t necessarily easy on anyone, there are some ways to pack and unpack faster, reduce the amount of work, and ultimately make the process go just a bit smoother than it might otherwise. Sound too good to be true? Try these moving hacks for yourself and discover creative ways to improve your move.
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Getting prepared
There are a lot of things you can do before you even pack up that first box to help facilitate an easier move. The moving hacks below will help you start off on the right foot.
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Call the utility companies as soon as you know you’re moving. Cancelling your utilities at the place you’re vacating and setting them up at your new home doesn’t take much more than a couple phone calls, but once you get super busy with your move it’s easy to neglect this all-important task. Tackle it as soon as you know your new address and you’ll not only get it out of the way early on, you’ll also ensure you don’t forget to do it.
MAKE A LIST
First, draft a moving checklist that includes a timeline. Everyone’s timeline will look different depending on how much notice is given before the move. Some people will have two months and others might have two weeks. Next, include a realistic moving budget.
By visually organizing your move, you can keep a handle on events as they unfold. Not sure where to start? Print out our comprehensive moving checklist and put it inside a designated moving binder.
SAY GOODBYE TO UNUSED STUFF
Declutter so you can pack less.
A crucial packing tip is making sure you don’t move anything that you no longer need. Lighten your stress and workload by decluttering before you enter the packing stage, which means figuring out what to toss, keep, sell, or donate. Take measurements of your new home and get rid of any furniture that won’t fit or you know you won’t use.
PACK YOUR SUITCASES
You can get away with packing a lot of heavy things in suitcases since their wheels make them easy to move. Use suitcases to pack things that aren’t so easily transported in boxes, such as books and heavy serving dishes.
BOOK EARLY
If you’re hiring moving services, renting supplies, or having services such as painters or cleaners work on the house, book early. Waiting to do so could mean paying a higher price or not being able to get a truck or movers at all, particularly if it’s peak moving season.