Moving Made Easy: Practical Tips for a Successful Transition

Moving can be a stressful experience, but with some planning, it can go more smoothly.

Here are some tips:

1. Plan Early
   Start packing early: Don’t wait until the last minute to begin packing. Start a few weeks ahead of time, focusing on items you don’t need to use right away. Create a timeline: Make a checklist of tasks (e.g., book movers, confirm utility disconnections/activations, pack, etc.) and set deadlines. Declutter: Use the move as an opportunity to get rid of things you no longer need. Donate, sell, or throw away items that won’t be useful in your new home.
2. Hire Professionals or Enlist Help
   Hiring movers: If it’s within your budget, hiring professional movers can save a lot of time and stress. Get quotes from multiple companies to find the best price. Enlist friends/family: If you’re moving on your own, ask for help from friends or family, especially for heavy lifting and moving boxes. Rent a moving truck: this can save you from having to do multiple trips from one place to the other.
3. Pack Smart
   Label boxes clearly: Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will make unpacking a breeze. Use color-coding for each room to make it even easier. Pack essentials separately: Create a “moving essentials” box with items you’ll need right away in the new place, like toiletries, medications, chargers, and a few days’ worth of clothes. Use clothing and linens for packing: Towels, blankets, and clothes can be used as padding for fragile items, which reduces the need to buy packing materials. Use sturdy boxes: Make sure your boxes are strong and can hold the weight of your items. Use smaller boxes for heavier items like books and larger boxes for lighter things like bedding. Disassemble furniture: If possible, take apart large pieces of furniture to make it easier to move. Keep screws, nuts, and bolts in labeled bags taped to the furniture.
4. Stay Organized
   Create a packing inventory: Keep a list of all the boxes you’ve packed and what’s in them. This will help track your belongings and ensure nothing gets lost in the shuffle. Take photos of electronics: Before you unplug electronics (TV, computer, etc.), take a photo of how they’re wired so you can easily reassemble them in your new home. Keep important documents together: Put passports, contracts, medical records, and other important documents in a folder or box that stays with you during the move.
5. Use Moving Supplies Wisely
   Use suitcases and bags: Suitcases with wheels are great for moving clothes, shoes, or heavier items. Backpacks and large bags also work well for soft items. Rent or buy moving supplies: If you don’t have enough boxes, consider renting plastic moving bins or purchasing moving supplies in bulk for a better deal. Look for a supplier that will buy your unused boxes back.
6. Take Care of Utilities & Address Changes Early
   Notify utilities: Contact utility companies to schedule disconnection and reconnection of electricity, water, internet, etc. Ideally, do this at least a week before your move-in date. Change your address: Submit a change-of-address form with the postal service. Update your address for bank accounts, credit cards, insurance, and subscriptions.
7. On Moving Day
   Start early: Begin the day early to avoid feeling rushed. Movers or helpers should arrive at least a couple of hours before you need to leave. Keep valuables with you: Don’t pack valuables like jewelry, important documents, or electronics in the moving truck. Keep them with you in your car. Stay hydrated and take breaks: Moving can be physically demanding, so make sure to drink water and take breaks when needed.
8. Unpack Strategically
   Unpack essentials first: Start by unpacking your kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom essentials so you have the basics to get by. Take your time: Don’t rush through unpacking. Start with the rooms you use most and work your way to the less important areas. Recycle packing materials: As you unpack, flatten cardboard boxes and recycle them to keep your new place from getting cluttered.

Bonus Tips:
Keep the hardware in bags: When disassembling furniture, place screws, bolts, and hardware in Ziplock bags and label them clearly.

Use trash bags to move your clothes on hangers.

Use stretch plastic wrap to cover furniture like sofas, chairs, or mattresses. It will keep dirt and dust off and prevent any upholstery from getting damaged during the move.

You can also wrap drawers in plastic (or tape them shut) so you don’t have to empty them but keep the contents secure.

Pack a box or suitcase with everything you’ll need for the first night in your new place. Include things like toilet paper, bed sheets, towels, chargers, a change of clothes, snacks, basic kitchen supplies, and any pet essentials.

Once the moving truck is loaded and ready to go, do a final walkthrough of your old home to make sure you don’t leave anything behind. Check closets, drawers, cabinets, and any hidden corners.

By taking some time to plan and stay organized, your move can be much less stressful!