Preparing to move? Moving day is looming ever closer and there are a lot of steps to check off! From packing everything up and then trying to decide how on earth you’re going to unpack and organize everything once you’re finally done, it can be quite daunting. And then there is Moving Day in of itself! Even the best planners can get overwhelmed. Below are a few tips and tricks to make moving a little smoother for everyone.
1- Purge before you Pack
Before you start packing up all of your belongings, take inventory and be honest with yourself! Will you ever wear those jeans you’ve held on to since middle school? What about that fancy kitchen tool that you’ve used once in two years? Make a little money and have a moving sale, then donate the rest of your items that you don’t intend to keep.
2- Book Professional Movers in Advance
You do not want to get to Moving Day and realize your big, strong relatives who are helping you move, really have no idea how to move a piano without breaking it. Book those professionals who know how to move those precious items way in advance so that you don’t have to worry about grandma’s china being dropped by an over-eager relative.
3- Get good packing Materials
It’s always tempting to buy and get the cheaper brand of boxes, tape, bubble wrap, but honestly, it’s not worth the worry. Buy the good stuff and you actually end up using less than you would if you used the cheap knock-offs! Also, look around for free moving boxes from department and home improvement stores. While packing, keep the packing materials all in one area and avoid some arguments about who had the tape last.
4- Start packing and cleaning early
The first items you want to may want begin packing up are the items you use the least, such as seasonal clothing, holiday decorations, and any extra items that are not essential to your day-to-day living. Label your boxes. Do not forget to label your boxes! Always label in big, bold, lettering. Deep clean early. The last thing you want to do after a long day of moving is to go back to your old place to clean those stupid baseboards! After packing up an area, take the time to deep clean and dust.
5- Change, Cancel, Schedule, and Request
Go online and fill out your change of address forms, cancel your Amazon deliveries and your food delivery subscriptions. A week out from moving day, call your city and schedule your utilities to be disconnected and connected. Schedule times for babysitters, or pet-sitters. And finally, request some time off to move before and/or after your moving day. You’re going to need time and don’t want to hustle back to work after moving.
6- Pack your essentials Last
Everyone should have a suitcase of your day-to-day essentials as well as a change of clothes for a day or two, bathroom toiletries, towels, phone chargers, medications, etc. You will be glad to have these after a long day of dusty, dirty moving.
7- Food Prep for Moving Day
Moving works up an appetite, so make sure you have a lot of snacks and drinks at the ready! Think of easy-to-make or no cooking options and have a plan on what to do for dinner after a long day of moving. Pizza is always a crowd pleaser and is easy to grab on the way to your new home.
8- Pack an “Open Me First” Box
You don’t want to get to the new house and have no toilet paper! Pack yourself the immediate needs. Toiletries, basic cleaning supplies, paper plates, plastic silverware, trash bags, soap, baby supplies, etc. And one final tip: unpack and make up beds first. That way you can crash when you’re finished unpacking!
Hopefully, these tips and tricks will alleviate some of the stress, help you feel better prepared, and complete your move without having a mental breakdown. Let’s make Moving Day a success!
