Experts estimate that as many as 20 million Americans moved to a new residence in 2022 alone. People move for many different reasons, including family, careers, school, and relationships. Since most people have or will move at least once in their lifetime, it can be helpful to review a few tips to make it a stress-free experience.
1. Make a Plan
Before putting anything into a box, making a plan is important. It may be tempting to buy a ton of boxes and then just start throwing loose items into them, but this can make moving overwhelming and confusing. Try to be as detailed as possible with your plan, including your intended move date. You’ll also want to decide if you’ll move every room at the same time or if you plan to move each room one by one.
Making a checklist can help you stick to the timeline and ensure you finish everything. Break down each moving task into a specific due date, including purchasing moving materials, calling professional movers, and going through your items to decide what’s coming and what’s not. A customized moving blueprint is an excellent way to plan your move while understanding its costs.
Another important task to include in your moving plan is turning on services. You don’t want to move into your new residence before the power is turned on in your name or you have Wi-Fi. Try to complete these steps before scheduling your move date.
2. Know When To Go With a Professional
Professional residential movers move people for a living, meaning they’re experts at it. Therefore, choosing a professional is the way to go if you want a completely stress-free move. In addition to someone handling the physical labor of moving, you can rest easy knowing that your valuables are well protected.
Professional movers can also help with unique situations, such as cross-country moves or move-in and move-out dates that don’t always align with one another.
If you have to be out of your current residence before moving into the new one, you may also need temporary storage services. Some people may even prefer investing in a storage solution while they get their new home in working order.
If you’re buying your home, be aware that the closing date isn’t always the move-in date. The closing date frequently gets pushed back, so having an alternative plan for your belongings in the meantime is always a good idea.
Entrusting your move to a professional allows you to focus on other important tasks, such as updating your address and stocking your pantry. You can also spend time decorating your new home and making it suitable for your and your family’s needs rather than tracking down and unpacking heavy boxes.
3. Be Diligent About Labeling Boxes
Labeling may seem like a tedious task, but you’ll thank yourself once all your items are in the new house. It can take months to unpack your belongings, and in the meantime, you’ll enjoy how easy it is to find things you need with clear labels. Labeling also means you or your movers can put boxes directly in the room of the new house in which they belong.
Use a bold marker or sticky label on the side of the boxes to make them easier to read. Adding labels to the top of the box can make it difficult to read, especially if you transport them on top of each other. Be sure to include a ‘fragile’ label on any breakable items. This instructs you or anyone assisting you in moving to be extra careful with the box’s contents. Of course, you could skip the whole labeling process by allowing a professional to pack, label, and unpack all of your items.
4. Pack an Overnight or Week Bag
Packing an overnight or week bag can ensure easy access to the products you use daily. You’ll appreciate the ease of finding your toothbrush and toothpaste on your first night in your new home.
Pack a bag similar to if you were going on vacation, focusing on the items you use most often throughout the week. Make sure you include a few pairs of clothes and pajamas. Don’t forget your medications and a few sources of entertainment, such as a book or puzzle, so you have something to do while you await services.
Packing and moving don’t have to be stressful. You can add some organization to your relocation with a detailed plan and the right labeling system. You can also leave the moving to a professional mover with the tools and experience to ensure a seamless, enjoyable move.
