Moving Tips – 40 Ways to Make the Process a Breeze
Looking for moving tips to make your move easier? We know that apart from the excitement of living in a new place, there is nothing happy about a move. From being stressful and taking a toll on your budget, it uproots your life. The hard work involved in the process can be overwhelming for some people, but through proper planning, one can simplify the various moving tasks.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to speed up moving and make the entire process more organized. We have compiled a list of some of the most sought-after moving hacks that will ensure that you can carry out the tasks faster and the total amount of work is reduced. Follow these moving hints and tricks for a smooth transition:
1. Create a Schedule
It is easy to put things off until the moving day, which leads to panicking and making costly mistakes. Plan out the packing process so that you are ready on the day of the actual move. Devise a practical schedule wherein you have enough time to pack all the rooms. Following a moving checklist helps you in avoiding freaking out and getting chores completed on time.
2. Prepare Your Budget
Moving can get quite expensive, and you do not want to spend your entire savings to move to a new house. You can use online calculators to estimate the total cost of moving and keep everything within your budget. Find ways to lower the costs by looking for free packing supplies and taking favors from loved ones.
3. Pick the Moving Date Strategically
By scheduling your move during the middle of the month or the week, you’ll be able to cut costs significantly. Whether you are hiring movers or planning a DIY move, choosing the right day can ensure that you avoid the chaos and can make your moving process smooth.
4. Declutter Your House
Use this opportunity to get rid of all the unused and unnecessary items occupying space in your house. You don't have to waste your energy in packing items that are not going to be used anytime in the future. Not only will this improve your packing efficiency but save you from extra work as well.
5. Sell or Donate Things You’ll Not Use Again
Since you are already spending a hefty amount of cash on moving, you would like some financial help in this regard. Some of the extra items you have set aside can be sold to earn money, whereas you can donate the rest. You can either set up a garage sale or put these items for sale online.
6. Sort Your Things by Category
One of the most important packing tips is to sort all your things into different categories. Firstly, put the items belonging to the same room together. Categorize all items further by putting similar items together. By packing your things in an organized manner, you’ll save time as you unpack them in your new home.
7. Start Packing in Advance
Never leave packing until the last minute. The amount of work will be overwhelming, and you are bound to make mistakes or forget things as you try to hurry up. Collect all the wrapping essentials like boxes of different sizes, packing tape, packing paper, etc. Stay organized from the beginning and follow the schedule.
8. Pack the Toughest Room First
To make the packing task easier for yourself, start with the storage rooms as they have more items than the rest of the house. By tackling the most difficult rooms in the beginning, you will be left with easier tasks that can be completed in no time because of the increased motivation.
9. Create a Packing Station
Designate a place for yourself where you have all the packing supplies and carry out the packing tasks. This will help in keeping the process organized and speedy. As soon as you are done with packing for the day, you can clear the station, so that you can start your work the next day in a clean space.
10. Search for Moving Companies
While you complete the packing tasks, you can also look for the right moving company. This is the time to check up on different companies, read reviews, and get quotes. After carrying out thorough research, you should pick such professional movers who can provide excellent services while suiting your budget.
11. Collect Free Boxes to Save Money
Pay a visit to your local stores and ask if they have any boxes. Instead of purchasing moving boxes, you can ask around and see how many boxes of different sizes you can find. You can also check if you have original boxes of your electronics stored somewhere as they are the best way to transport all the delicate items.
12. Label Your Boxes Clearly
As soon as you fill a box, label it to indicate the items inside it and to which room they belong. Once you’ve reached your new home, accurate and clear labeling will enable you to find the boxes easily. Even when you’re stacking boxes, try to place the similarly labeled boxes together.
13. Don’t Make the Boxes Too Heavy
Since you have to carry the boxes yourself, do not make them too heavy. Put dense, heavy items like books in small boxes to make transporting them more manageable. Cardboard boxes aren’t so reliable, so better not put the safety of your belongings at risk by going overboard when filling the boxes.
14. Use Suitcases for Heavier Stuff
It is not a wise idea to carry super heavy boxes around. Not only it adds to the hassle of moving but can be the reason for the loss of beloved items if a box tears apart from the weight. Use suitcases to pack and move heavier items as the handles and the wheels will make it easier to transport stuff.
15. Pack the Essentials Separately
Make sure to have an overnight bag that carries all the important items. Even if you’re moving next door, you must have the items of immediate use with you at all times. These include fresh change of clothes, toiletries, toilet paper, phone chargers, and a few snacks. It is important to have access to these items when in a house full of moving boxes.
16. Use Bubble Wrap or Clothes for Breakables
The fragile items are always at risk while moving. Therefore, they should be packed with extra care. Use packing paper, bubble wrap, or clothes to pad all the decorative items or china. Each item should be packed separately but stacked in the same box that must be labeled as fragile.
17. Pack Dishes Vertically
Kitchen plates are one of the most difficult items to be packed, and they should never be stacked horizontally. Instead, wrap the dishes and bowl in wrapping paper and place them gently on their sides. Fill the empty spaces with paper or bubble wrap to prevent them from cracking.
18. Use Plastic Wrap to Avoid Spills
To prevent potential leakage of liquids, take a few extra minutes as you secure these bottles. Unscrew the cap of your shampoo or cream, wrap a piece of plastic wrap around it and then screw the cap again. You will see how surprisingly effective this is and will save you from the hassle of spills.
19. Guard Your Valuables
Everyone has valuable items like cash, jewelry, important papers, collectibles, and electronics. One of the most crucial tasks is to protect these valuable belongings from theft or damage while moving. Store them in a separate box or container and keep this container with you at all times.
20. Never Leave Empty Spaces in Boxes
While it is advised not to overfill the boxes, it is also important not to leave any space. When there is room in the box, the items will not stay intact in one place, and there are high chances that they will be damaged during transportation. Use packing peanuts or spare clothes to fill the spaces inside the box.
21. Do Not Pack Hazardous Items
Make your packing easier by not wasting your time on packing items that shouldn’t be transported. Avoid packing any objects that are dangerous because of their explosive or corrosive nature. Even the moving companies do not allow their clients to carry such dangerous articles on their vehicles. It is better to dispose of them in an environmentally-friendly way.
22. Take a Photo of Your Electronics
Before you take your electronics apart, take pictures of the back of these devices. This will give you a clear idea of the cord situations. When you need to put these electronics together, all you have to do is look at the picture, and you will know the placement of each of the cords. This will save you from unnecessary fretting.
23. Disassemble Furniture
Make it easier for yourself to move heavy furniture items by disassembling them to their basic structural elements. This not only makes transportation more convenient but also protects the separate pieces. However, you need to know how to assemble them once you are in the new house.
24. Keep Small Items in Ziploc Bags
It is easy to lose small items during a move. Sealable plastic bags can be very useful in storing small parts like screws, nuts, bolts, etc. Keep them together with their furniture piece so that you don’t have to frantically rush to the hardware store when you’re setting up your new house.
25. Use Sliders to Move Heavy Items
Certain items cannot be disassembled and need to be carried the way they are. Instead of lifting these items, use sliders or dollies to move them from one place to another. Place a specialized slider under each leg of the furniture and gently push them to move without causing any damage to the floor.
26. Notify Important Contacts of Your New Address
Make a list of the utilities and companies that need to be notified that you are moving to a new place. Change your address ahead of time so that your bills, credit card statements, and packaging can arrive at your new home without any hassle. Also, fill out the “change of address” form at the U.S. Postal Service.
27. Call in Favors Early
Moving an entire house is not the work of a single person. Make it easy for yourself and ask your close friends to help you with packing your belongings. You can offer dinner and snacks in return for their favor. It is better to ask them earlier to avoid disrupting their plans.
28. Keep Your Pets and Children Entertained
Moving is itself a tedious task, and it can be made more tiring by pets and children who are annoyed themselves. To carry out the task smoothly, it is better to hire a babysitter or a pet sitter to ensure that your loved one is safe and stress-free. Arrange someone to look after them as you see that nothing goes wrong during the move.
29. Defrost Your Refrigerator a Day Before Moving
Do not forget to defrost your refrigerator at least a day before moving. If you are in a hurry, you can use the hairdryer to melt the ice faster. Moving a refrigerator with leaking water is no fun, and once you arrive at your new place, you will have to deal with the stinky, wet mess that it has caused during the transit.
30. Fill All the Nail Holes
You never know what might upset your landlord, and they’d be willing to cut their costs by using your deposit. Don’t let this happen and leave the house in good condition. Fill in the nail holes in the walls with soap or toothpaste. It’s quick and easy and can save you from many problems.
31. Pick the Right Vehicle
It will be easier for everyone if you can complete your move in as few trips as possible. You might pick a smaller van if you have limited belongings but do not waste your time and money on fuel if you can get a large moving truck. It is better to get as many things transported in a single trip as possible.
32. Map Out the Best Route to New Home
Whether you’re moving across the town or to a different city, you are going to need an efficient traveling plan. Figure out a route that is fastest and has limited traffic so that you don’t have to waste your time while sitting idle in the truck. Lookup for potential highway construction schedules and other traffic issues ahead of time.
33. Keep a Snack Bin for the Moving Day
Moving is not easy and will require you to exert yourself mentally and physically. You have to keep your energy levels elevated at all times, and for this, you need to eat something. There won’t be any time to fix a proper meal on moving day, so keep protein bars, chocolates, cookies, and other snacks with you. Bottled water is also a must-have.
34. Wear the Right Clothes
Moving is a tedious task, and you need to be dressed appropriately for it. Wear comfortable clothes that give you freedom of movement and select shoes with excellent traction as well as ankle protection. You should be dressed in such a way that moving stays safe for you and doesn’t interfere with your well-being.
35. Put All Important Documents in a Binder
You cannot risk the safety of all your important documents in a move, so keep them with you at all times in a folder. When such a sensitive and important thing is in your safe hands at all times, you will be less stressed and can easily concentrate on other tasks involved in the moving process.
36. Obtain a Parking Spot
You must reserve a parking space for the moving van both at the origin and destination. This is more important when you are traveling to and from big cities. With the help of this permit, you will be able to load and unload your items from the vehicle without being worried about causing any inconvenience to your neighbors or anyone else.
37. Start Unpacking with the Kitchen
When you arrive in your new home, you must start the unpacking process from the kitchen. It is the most important area in the entire house that needs to be functional as soon as possible. Once you’re done with the kitchen, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and can easily move to other easier-to-unpack rooms.
38. Prioritize Rooms and Boxes While Unpacking
As the moving boxes are unloaded, place them in the room where the items inside them belong. Apart from the kitchen, another important room that needs to be set first is the children’s room. They are already disturbed because of leaving their home and the hassles of moving. Thus, you shouldn’t make them wait to adjust to their new home.
39. Do Not Overburden Yourself
Don’t stress yourself by wanting to unpack every single box right away. After getting the major things done, you can slow yourself down and focus on the things that you can get done easily. Devote a few hours in the day to unpacking stuff after you are done with your work and house chores.
40. Give Yourself a Deadline
When it comes to unpacking, there is no real deadline, making procrastinating all the more desirable. Schedule a house warming party within a few weeks to give yourself a real deadline. This way, you will have an end date for getting everything done, and your unpacking will be completed on time.
Move with Professional Movers
If you have a demanding job, squeezing in moving in your tedious schedule would be nothing less than a burden. Instead of missing out on some important work or overburdening yourself with the tasks of moving, it is better to hire professional movers and packers who can assist you throughout the process.
The moving companies know all the tips and tricks to get things done quickly, saving you time and money. Hire GTA Moving Services as we have a professional team who are experts in our job. From packing your items to placing each box in the designated room in the new house, we will make the transition very smooth for you.
We are loaded with all the packing material and can also supply plastic moving bins on demand. The high-class storage facilities we provide are the perfect spot to keep those items safe that will take excess space in your house. And the best part is, all our services are available at a very affordable price.
Moving requires you to put all your time and effort while managing your work life and personal life. Instead of losing your money and sanity, it is better to let someone do the job who will take less time and make the moving cheaper for you. Call our team to get a free estimate and you will be surprised to find how many dollars you can save.
