If you’re like most people, the thought of moving can be daunting. Sure, starting over in a new home or location can be exciting, but the tedious process of packing up your life in boxes and relocating can cause overwhelming stress. Fortunately, with these helpful moving tips, you can stay calm and in control throughout the moving phase.
As experienced realtors, we know a thing or two about moving into a new home and how to make the transition less stressful. To help combat the chaos, we’ve put together a list of 18 moving tips that will help you stay organized and worry-free on moving day.
Put Together a Moving Checklist
Perhaps one of the most important of all moving tips is to create a checklist. Consider breaking your list into sections to help narrow down each individual task that needs to be done throughout the moving process. For example, tasks under a Prepping section might include: collecting large boxes, buying packing tape and markers, and scheduling professional movers.
Create a Timetable for Your Move
Figure out how much time you have until moving day and then assign a few tasks each day, from your Moving Checklist. This will help prevent you from getting overwhelmed and will keep you organized.
Change Your Address
Officially changing your address with the USPS should be done in person or online about two weeks before moving day.
Transition Services in Advance
Compile a list of all of your service providers and notify them of your upcoming service stop date. You’ll also want to call your new providers and have service turned on at least a day or two before moving day. Be sure to take notes with the dates and names of people you speak with.
Request Medical Records
Contact your doctors and your pet’s veterinarian to request medical records or arrange the transfer of information. Make sure you and your pets are stocked up on any vital medications.
Set Aside Important Documents
Gather important documents and put them in a safe place to prevent them from getting lost during the move. If you’re hiring movers, keep your important documents with you in your vehicle.
Declutter Your Home
Before packing, take time to sort through items that you may not need or want any longer. List items for sale online, gift them to friends, or donate them to your favorite local charity.
Create a Moving Day Supply Kit
This will help ensure you don’t have to stop in the middle of moving or packing to run to the store for supplies. Stock up on things like box cutters, garbage bags, rubber bands, zip lock bags, cleaning sprays, paper towels, permanent markers, colored packing tape, and a broom and dustpan. Moving tips like this will save you time and cut down on frustration.
Pre-Clean Your New Bathroom
If possible, prior to moving day, make a trip to your new home and pre-clean the bathroom. You’ll want to bring a shower curtain, toilet paper, soap, and a few towels. After a long day of moving, you’ll be glad to have a clean shower to rinse off in.
Defrost Your Refrigerator
You’ll want to do this at least 24 hours prior to move day. Be sure to also wipe out any liquids before moving.
Save the Essentials
Once you begin packing, remember to save the essentials for last. Take into account items that you’ll be needing throughout the day while packing and moving.
Pack an ‘Open First’ Box
This can be one large box for the entire family or one for each member of the family. An ‘Open First’ Box should include items like a clean change of clothing, bedding, and toiletries. In the event that you don’t want to unpack everything at the end of the day, having this box will provide you with all that you need.
Label Each Box By Room
To make it easy on yourself, label the sides of the boxes with the room that each one belongs to and also with a brief description of the contents inside.
Use Color Coded Packing Tape
This will help you identify which boxes go where, from afar. Choose a color of packing tape for each room, and tape accordingly.
Save on Bubble Wrap
By using towels, blankets, pillows, and even clothing to pad fragile items when you pack, you’re not only saving money on bubble wrap, but you’re also saving the planet from harmful plastics.
Take Photos When Disassembling
If you have furniture or workout equipment that must be disassembled in order to move, be sure to take photos beforehand. This can help you remember exactly how things fit when you’re putting them back together in your new home.
Reduce Boxes
Utilize all of your suitcases, baskets, and laundry hampers when packing! These items have to go anyway; why not pack them full of things and reduce the number of boxes you need.
Unpack the Kids First
If you’re moving with children, a great tip is to always unpack their bedrooms or playrooms first. This will provide an area out of the way, for the children to play and be entertained while you finish moving/unpacking.
At the end of the day, whether we like it or not, moving is part of life. Having a plan or systematic approach though, can make a huge difference in your moving experience. By breaking your long list of to-do items into actionable steps and completing a few everyday (if your timeline allows), you can drastically reduce stress throughout the moving process.
Did you find these helpful? What other moving tips would you add to the list?
Looking to buy or rent long-term in the Atlanta Metro Area?
Feel free to contact us directly, so we can assist you in your home search.
Email – Jerry@jnlsmartrealty.com
Phone – 678-975-0441