One of the most difficult trials nearly everyone has to face is moving. Although it can be unpleasant and not always fun, the end result is usually positive. The success of any move, especially with moving, depends on planning and avoiding mistakes.
There are many tried-and-true tips to help you make your move easier. A moving checklist will help you ensure everything is in order before, during and after your move. Another good tip for moving is to have a positive attitude about the changes ahead.
Moving tips can be divided into two categories. Some will focus on packing a moving truck efficiently, others will remind you to cancel certain services or to arrange for things to arrive at your new home. Others will give reminders to make arrangements to have items prepared for you. Still other tips may focus on details such as pet care or what to do if the movers are late. However, the most important tips for moving are those that relate to the actual move.
There are many things that can go wrong when moving. There are many moving details, so there is no one-size fits all guide that will give you moving tips for every scenario. There will be specific concerns and needs of different people, such as how to pack china, safe move valuable wood furniture, or fragile heirlooms. However, these tips and tricks should help most people.
You can find more tips and advice on moving, including for stressful situations, at dedicated resources like The Art of Happy Moving ($13; Amazon.com). These tips will help you make your move smoother, faster, and easier.
Tips, tricks and advice for moving
Eliminate everything
It could be a struggle to pack all of your things into boxes and bags. Declutter wherever possible so that it’s easier. Do a complete purge of all the unneeded and unnecessary items before you begin packing. This will make it easier to pack, move and unpack less. You are going to have a fresh start in your new space.
Make a moving file
Collect rental papers, new addresses, moving contracts, purchase papers, and other information in one folder. In case your phone or computer batteries fail, consider keeping a hard copy of everything you need. You’ll be able to answer any questions during the planning or actual move.
As far ahead as you can pack
Ideal is to know about your move weeks, or even months ahead of time. You should start by packing out of-season items, and those you will not be able to part with. You can pack winter coats and books in advance if you are moving during summer. Many items are already packed and ready to go when it comes time to move. This would make things easier.
Get in early
Book early if you are looking to hire moving services, rent supplies, or hire professionals like painters and cleaners to work on your house. If you wait, you might end up paying more or not being able get a truck or movers, especially if you are in peak season.
You can schedule utilities for your new location
After you have finalized the dates, contact your utility companies to schedule service at your new residence. It’s not a good idea to arrive at your new home exhausted from moving and only to discover that the heat, electricity, and water are out. You can schedule it in advance and keep track of all your requests in your moving file. You can also request service stops at your current residence for your move-out day.
Take only the essentials with.
The night before you move, make sure you have all your essentials, such as a change of clothes and a toothbrush. Also, be sure to bring any paperwork or stuffed animals that you need, along with medications. In case of an emergency, you will have at least some basic items in your bag.
Invest in Equipment
Stock up on supplies a few days before your big move. It’s not a good idea to run to the grocery store when you are packing boxes and moving stuff around. Buy or order box cutters, adhesive bandages and permanent markers, packing tape, garbage bags, paper towels, and packing tape. They’ll still be useful if they’re not used all during the move.
Renting larger moving equipment from a company is a good option. If you hire a mover, they will likely have their own. These tools may be more useful if you are moving frequently. You can either rent, buy, or borrow furniture dollys, furniture covers and furniture pads.
A loading ramp is an option on a truck
A truck that has a ramp is essential for DIY movers. Although renting a truck with a ramp is cheaper, the effort of lifting each piece of furniture up high enough to load it into the truck can add hours to your move.
Moving tips: Packing tips
Use the correct size boxes
Books and other heavy objects should be packed in small boxes. Lighter items like pillows and linens can be packed in larger boxes. Professional movers are often annoyed by large boxes containing heavy items. These boxes not only make the job more difficult but also offer a greater chance of being broken.
Place heavier items at the bottom of your boxes and lighter items at the top
For balance, pack your largest boxes towards the front of your truck if you are loading it yourself.
Do not leave any empty boxes
You can fill in the gaps with clothes, towels, and packing paper. Unbalanced or loosely packed boxes are often not allowed to be moved by movers.
Do not mix items from different rooms into the same box.
It will speed up your packing and make unpacking much easier.
Each box should be labeled with the room it is to be used and a description about its contents
This will allow you and your movers to know exactly where each box is located in your new home. It’s a great way to keep track and make sure everything is still in its place when you move.
Tape your moving boxes carefully
Tape the seams at the top and bottom of the box. Next, use one of the movers’ methods: Wrapping a few pieces of tape around the edges and top of the box. This will reduce stress.
Ask your mover for special crating if you are moving valuable art.
To ensure that your artwork is safe, you need to know how to pack it. Oil paintings should not be wrapped in regular paper. They will stick. To strengthen the glass and hold it together in case it breaks, place masking tape on top of your pictures to make an X. Wrap the pictures in bubble wrap or paper and place them in a box with a piece cardboard between each frame.
Pack your kitchen carefully for the move
There are many items that you need to pack in your kitchen. How to pack dishes for moving? Wrap each dish in packing paper, wrap them with more paper, and then tie the bundles of five or six together. Do not pack dishes flat. Use lots of folded paper to cushion the top and bottom. Cups and bowls can also be placed inside each other, with paper between. Then wrap three to four of them in a bundle. You can pack them all in dish-barrel containers.
To protect glasses when moving, wrap them in layers of paper and place them in a cardboard box.
Your wardrobe should be in order
You have a variety of options for packing clothes to move. If the clothes are not too heavy, you can put them in suitcases or cardboard boxes. You can hang clothes in a wardrobe box that is specially designed for hanging. You don’t need to figure out how to pack your hangers to move!
When you are packing shoes for moving, make sure to protect them from one another. To prevent sharp heels and buckles from damaging your other shoes, wrap each pair of shoes separately. To help shoes retain their shape, you can put socks inside.
You can reuse jewelry when you pack it. To keep your necklaces from getting tangled, string them through straws and toilet paper rolls.
How to pack your TV for moving
Moving companies wrap TVs in furniture pads and treat them like other furniture. If you don’t own the original box, plasma TVs require special wooden crates to ship. They can also be damaged if they are laid flat. Double-box your TV and place the TV in a box you have padded with packing papers.
Brunswick Organizing Solutions rents boxes, tables and provides a complete inventory list. Call us now if you need professional help for your upcoming move.
Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Leland, NC 28451
910-477-3768
https://www.getorganizednc.com/
Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Shallotte, NC 28470
910-477-3768
Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-429-8158
Cities Served
Leland, Wilmington, Shallotte, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Southport, Bolivia, St. James, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Carolina Shores, Calabash, Castle Hayne, Burgaw – Brunswick and Horry County
