This article has been updated with a great new resource from the experts at Better Homes & Gardens that explores several trustworthy options for using professional movers.
Circumstances will always force us to make changes in our lives. It could be that you got your mortgage approved and are ready to move into your new home. Or, maybe you or your spouse has been transferred to a different branch. Maybe you just want to be closer to friends and family. Whatever the life event or reason, you’re in luck! We have compiled a list that will make the process easier and get rid of some of that moving stress.
Step 1: Planning for Your Move
A common mistake is assuming that there’s still time to pack. Unfortunately, time flies so fast and you think it will be easy to do things at the last minute. Before you realize it, moving day is tomorrow. In a state of panic, you put everything in boxes without thinking. Things break in the process, and you go to bed late and tired. Don’t let this be you. When asking yourself how to handle the stress of moving, the best answer is to start the preparations for moving to a new home early. Call the utility companies in advance and let them know you’ll be moving to a new address. Pick a date to begin packing. It should be weeks in advance, so you have enough time to arrange the boxes. A checklist is an easy way to have a plan in place for the weeks ahead.
Step 2: Organize Before Packing
There are some things that you’ll have to leave behind as you move to your new place. It’s easy to hold onto stuff you know you’ll never wear or use, but it’s better to save yourself the time and energy of unpacking all the things you don’t need.
Sort your stuff according to four categories: keep, sell, donate, and storage. Keep items you can’t do without. Sell the ones you don’t use often but are still in good condition and hold the most value. You can use the extra money you earn to pay part of the moving expenses. Donate the ones that are in good condition, but you no longer use them. The best items to donate are your old clothes, while appliances, antiques, furniture, and utensils are better for selling. Then, there are those things you no longer use but still hold sentimental value. You can rent extra storage space for such items so they don’t clutter up your new home.
Step 3: Find a Good Moving Company
Moving companies charge you according to how much you’re moving. Proper planning and organization can help lower those costs. It’s important to know what you’re getting when you hire a professional to help with your move and since there are all kinds of movers, you may struggle to find the right one. Here are a few tips:
- Choose a moving company with a high star rating
- Select movers featured on trusted websites, like Moving Waldo
- Read the reviews and ask around
- Read the contract and refund policies
- Find out if there are any hidden costs or rules
Before you pay the moving company, ask them if they can move you up on the list. If you’re the first person they move, they’ll be more energized and less likely to damage things. Alternatively, you can move before the month ends to improve your chances of being the only one they serve. That’s because moving companies have a lot of clients at the end of the month when most leases expire.
Need a company that can accommodate a long distance move? Make sure you find a moving company that is willing to drive the distance with you.
Step 4: Pack Well
Packing is the most important part of moving. Firstly, you’ll want to label and pack boxes by rooms so the movers will easily know where to put them when you get to your new home. Start each room by putting all fragile items together in your boxes. Use towels or clothes to wrap the breakable furniture and protect them from damage while in transit, or use a mix of bubble and plastic wraps.
Fold any remaining clothes so that you have more space in the box. To save time moving and space in the car, keep all hanging clothes on their hangers. Rubber band them together and place them inside a large garbage bag that you’ll tie closed around the hangers. This allows you to hang your clothes up straight out of the moving van and the bag will keep any dust and debris from getting them dirty. Pack your toothbrushes, some clothes, and anything you might need the first day or night you’re in your new home in a separate “first night” bag.
For more help with how to pack your home, read some of our other tips and tricks to help you or anyone you know that is dealing with moving stress!
Moving can be a pain, especially if you’re not prepared. Plan ahead, organize your stuff, and do some research on companies to help you and your moving day stress is sure to reduce.