Whether you’re moving down the street, across the country, or to a different continent completely, there’s a lot in terms of packing and moving that you’ll need to do. Unless you’ve done it before, you will find it hard to do it alone.
Moving doesn’t have to be a hassling task, and in order to do this, you need to be aware of certain packing and shifting tips that can come in handy. Here are some of the things that you need to keep in mind:
1. Plan for success
Fortunately, there are many tried-and-true moving pieces of advice available to make the entire process smoother. This is probably because almost everyone ends up changing their location at some point. You can ensure everything is in place prior to, during, and following the move by using a moving checklist. Planning everything from the most important items to the smallest detail can be helpful. With a proper list, you won’t miss any of the tasks you need to perform as part of the move.
Also, another helpful moving tip is to commit to maintaining a positive outlook despite all the upcoming changes. No matter how prepared you think you are, there will always be situations where you become extremely frustrated. Broken items, children or pets making a mess, or any other delay will irritate you, especially in this scenario. It is important to keep calm, or else you will likely ruin the whole process and experience for yourself.
2. Find yourself a reliable moving company
Many people think they can handle the relocating on their own. This may be true if you’ve done it before. Either way, it is best to find a reliable moving company like First Class Moving Systems to manage everything for you.
Reliable movers will help pack, load, and unload items at your new place. A professional moving company has the experience, tools, and skills to do the job with minimum hassle and damage. In order to find a trusted moving company, ask around in your close circle for a recommendation. If you don’t find any through referrals, shortlist some local movers from the area, look at their reviews, compare their prices, and sit down for a discussion to ensure they meet your criteria.
3. Collect and compile important paperwork
Another effective moving tip is gathering new addresses, documents related to rentals or purchases, contracts associated with the move, and other relevant items in a single folder. You may also consider making a paper copy instead of a digital one in case your phone or computer stops working during the journey.
This collection of documents is also your way of ensuring everything is in order. Has the security deposit been refunded? You can cross-check. Has the new rental or purchase agreement been signed? You have the documents to prove it. It’s all plain and simple to allow you to make sure that nothing is hampering the smoothness of the process.
4. Get things in order as much in advance as possible
In most cases, people find out about a possible relocation at least a month in advance. Although experts recommend initiating the moving process six to eight weeks before the actual moving date, doing so might not be possible in some cases. Still, even if you have a month, it should work in your favor. It pays to start packing slowly and much earlier so you don’t have an excessive load as the deadline nears. The relatively under-used items at your home can go in boxes early while the essential items can wait.
5. Book early and schedule utilities beforehand
There are a lot of things you’ll need in advance when moving to a new location. Cleaning services, a moving company, supplies on rent, and other professionals like painters will all be needed both to clear out your old home and prepare the new one. Ensuring you make these bookings much earlier will allow you to get a better rate and find better availability. Last-minute bookings can put you in a tough spot because of the unavailability of services or less room to negotiate a fair quote.
At the same time, also work on informing utility companies to activate services at your new place and shut them off at the old home.
6. Have essential items ready at hand
During your first few days at the new place, you’ll need a few items more than others. A toiletry kit, oral hygiene supplies, medications, a few essential kitchen utensils, and toys for your kid or pet will be required immediately. You’ll need to pack these things in a small travel bag so that you don’t go rummaging around the bigger boxes just to find these items. Also, in case of an emergency, you’ll have important things readily available.
7. You’ll need to invest in some supplies
Several days before your relocation, gather supplies you’ll need for the process. You don’t want to run to the store at the last minute to gather items like boxes and packing tape because that significantly adds to the hassle.
Things you’ll need include garbage bags, box cutters, paper towels, tape, permanent markers, and a host of other important items that can either be ordered online or bought. Even when not all of these supplies are utilized during the moving process, they may be useful afterward.
Conclusion
Several elements must be taken into account to ensure a smooth move between homes. Perhaps most importantly, everything depends on how you plan. Remember, it’s the little things that count, like sizing items before moving them and sorting and packing them conveniently. Everything else starts to fall into place as soon as you consider these minor details. However, if you still feel it’s too much to manage by yourself, contact a reputable moving company that will handle everything for you.
