If you are moving from one location to another, you’re probably feeling excited. Perhaps you’ve been living in an apartment all of your life, but now, you’re heading to your first house. Maybe you’ve been living in a house, but now, you’re on your way to a nicer, larger one.
However, moving can cause stress if you’re not careful. You can run into all kinds of problems during the moving process if you don’t go into it with your eyes open.
Let’s talk about what you can do to start your move off on the right foot.
Research the Moving Company You’re Hiring Carefully
First, you will want to locate the right moving company to help you. You can ask people you know if they have any recommendations.
If no one does, then you can look at movers located close to you. Look at their reviews online. You want to see plenty of positive feedback.
Next, you can visit their website. It should seem professional, with lots of clearly-written copy, full-color images, and videos. The site should also mention the company’s pricing structure. You need to be sure that it works for you.
Start Packing in Plenty of Time
Once you book your move, you may next determine when you should start packing. You want to leave yourself plenty of time so that you don’t feel rushed. If you’re someone who likes to procrastinate, you want to resist that urge in this situation.
If you feel like you need to start packing a month before the move, then do that. If you don’t have that many material possessions, then maybe you can start just a couple of weeks away from the move instead.
Get the Right Paraphernalia to Help with the Move
You should also make sure that you have the right packing materials to help you with the move. If you go online, you can order padding materials that you can use to protect your breakables as you pack them. You want to protect things like jewelry and your nice plates and glasses.
You can order boxes of different sizes as well. You will need to get boxes of a particular size for your TVs, if you have any. Most people don’t save the original box their TV came in, and you don’t want the move to damage such a valuable piece of equipment.
You can also buy stickers that state which room each box will go in. You can put a sticker saying “bedroom” or “bathroom” on each box. That way, you can more easily figure out where each one should go.
If you need to call off work on the day you’re moving, then do that. You want to make sure that you will be there for the move itself, since the movers may have questions during the process. You will probably want to get some cash to tip the movers as well. They should appreciate that.
Label and Organise Your Boxes Effectively
Beyond just labelling your boxes with room names, consider marking them with priority levels. For instance, you can use a red marker or sticker for essential items you’ll need immediately, such as toiletries, a few changes of clothes, and kitchen basics. Medium-priority items can be labelled with a yellow sticker, while low-priority ones, such as decorations or seasonal items, can be marked with blue. This method will make unpacking much easier and help you find important items quickly.
Prepare an Essentials Bag
As moving day approaches, pack a small bag with essential items that you will need right away. This should include medications, phone chargers, snacks, important documents, and a change of clothes. If you’re moving with kids or pets, be sure to pack items that will keep them comfortable and entertained during the transition. Having these necessities on hand will prevent unnecessary stress as you get settled into your new home.
Set Up Utilities in Advance
One of the most overlooked aspects of moving is setting up utilities at your new home. Make sure to contact the necessary providers ahead of time to have electricity, water, internet, and gas service activated before you arrive. This will save you the hassle of moving into a house that lacks essential services and ensure a smooth transition.
Take Time to Clean Before Unpacking
Before you start unpacking, take a moment to clean your new home. Wipe down surfaces, sweep floors, and sanitise high-touch areas like doorknobs and light switches. If possible, do this before the movers arrive so that you can start fresh in a clean environment. Having a clean slate will make the unpacking process feel much more manageable.
Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With proper planning and organization, you can start off on the right foot and make your transition as smooth as possible. By following these tips, you’ll be able to focus on settling into your new space and enjoying the exciting new chapter ahead.
