Tips for an Easier Move

You are probably among the thousands of people who have picked up and moved to a new home at some point in your life. If this is your first move, expect a very exciting and time-consuming process ahead. These tips are designed to help you avoid some common moving mistakes to ensure your move is hassle-free.

Planning your move helps everything to run smoothly. That means writing everything down! You’ll appreciate it later. Don’t pack a single box before you create a simple record-keeping system. For some, this might seem a bit excessive, but it is recommended you create a list of numbers with a space to write the contents of each box. You’ll place a number on every box you pack and list the contents on your list. Because life can be chaotic during a move, be sure to designate a place in your home called “Packing Central”. This is where you’ll place and store your moving materials like labels, marking pens, boxes,  box tape, and other supplies.

You’ll need LOTS of boxes–probably more boxes than you think, and having enough boxes will make your life easier! (If you buy your boxes from a moving  company, you can always return unused boxes for a refund.) Set aside 10 or so boxes to pack up last-minute items on moving day, such as bedding, clothing, and toiletries. You’ll also need strong plastic packing tape to secure boxes. Use packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household goods. Again,  you’ll need more supplies than you think, so get extra.

Designate a color for each room in your new home. As an example, select yellow for the kitchen, orange for your dining room, etc. Then apply color-coded stickers on each box near the box number. In your new home, place a matching sticker on the door to each room. This way the movers will know where to put everything once they arrive at the new home.

Anything you can pack well ahead of time will save you time in the later stages of your move. Leaving only your bare essentials, box up as much as you can. For most, the closer to moving day, the more hectic life becomes. For example, if you’re moving in the summer, get your winter clothes out of the way. Try to get as much packed ahead of time as possible. Moving day will arrive sooner than you think!

Put your luggage to good use by filling each piece of luggage and all duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods. These are the items you will usually want to access as soon as you arrive in your new home.

It’s a good idea to keep valuable possessions, such as silverware, heirlooms, or antiques, with you. If you have a cross-country move and no room in your car,  you might consider packing these items in a box titled “kitchen pantry”. Just be sure to take care of fragile items. Oftentimes movers can be careless, and moving companies likely won’t reimburse you the full value of your damaged items. Also, check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see how you are covered during the move. You may need to purchase additional insurance from the mover. Also, find out what paperwork (receipts, appraisals, and photos) you might need to file a claim in case of loss.

Your list of “important” documents might include school records, medical records, birth certificates, passports, recent bank records, and other personal information. Ensure movers do not have access to your personal files to make sure your security is protected. Either lock them up or bring them with you in your vehicle. Keep mover information close at hand like the company telephone number and drivers’ cell phone numbers in case you encounter a problem.

You never know who you might need to call from your old home, so be sure to take along an old phone directory just in case you need to call someone from your former residence.  Above all, your moving experience should be a pleasant one. Try to enjoy the experience and good luck in your new home!

Planning your move helps everything to run smoothly. That means writing everything down! You’ll appreciate it later. Don’t pack a single box before you create a simple record-keeping system. For some, this might seem a bit excessive, but it is recommended you create a list of numbers with a space to write the contents of each box. You’ll place a number on every box you pack and list the contents on your list. Because life can be chaotic during a move, be sure to designate a place in your home called “Packing Central”. This is where you’ll place and store your moving materials like labels, marking pens, boxes,  box tape, and other supplies.