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There are a lot of moving parts to consider when relocating your household. Whether it’s a move across town, the state, or the country, the process can lead to some frustrating situations. However, you can use the following tips to help simplify your move while saving time and money.
Planning for your move
Preparation is key when you’re getting ready to move, so use these tips for an efficient moving day experience.
Plan a moving budget
The first step in a successful move is creating a budget that includes your moving costs and any repair fees you expect to have in your new home. It’s essential not to overlook any hidden costs, such as extra packing supplies, pet boarding, and potential hotel stays. Don’t forget to include moving insurance in your budget to protect yourself if something gets lost or broken during transport. If you’re looking to save money on movers, compare rates for at least three companies to determine who offers the best price for your move. Also, you can try to schedule your move around peak periods, including the middle of the month and the middle of the week, for better rates.
Collect supplies
If you’re trying to stick to a budget, call your local grocery stores for large shipping boxes, and use old shoeboxes for small items like papers and photos you want to keep. While supermarket freebies work for some things, you’ll want to have sturdy boxes for dishes and valuables. You may also want to purchase specialty inserts like dish dividers and glass kits to customize your moving boxes and save money on bubble wrap. Don’t forget to buy high-quality packing tape and tape guns to make packing faster and easier.
Declutter your home
The weeks before you move are the perfect time to eliminate clutter from your home. You should sell, donate, or toss any items you no longer need or use. This can also be an excellent opportunity to host a yard sale to get rid of these belongings and make some extra money to help with your move. By removing these things now, you can keep costs low, whether you’re paying your moving company by the hour or by weight.
Organize a moving folder
Have a dedicated spot for important information involved with your move, such as moving quotes, contracts, and receipts. Keeping this information together can alleviate stress when it comes time to review bills and contracts. This folder is also an excellent spot to keep a careful record of your shut-off and turn-on dates for your utilities and services, as well as the billing date for monthly insurance premiums. You’ll want to avoid paying for services and coverage for both homes concurrently.
Moving day tips
When moving day arrives, these suggestions will help you pack, stay organized, and get ready for life in your new home.
Use care when packing boxes
Packing up your items is more than just throwing random things into boxes. Use these ideas to help keep items safe and organized:
-
- Place heavier items on the bottom of containers
- Fill empty spaces in boxes with towels, blankets, clothing, or packing paper
- Avoid mixing objects from different rooms in the same box
- Label each box with the room it belongs in
Take a photo of cords before unplugging
The last thing you want is to start unpacking in your new home and have no clue how to get your television, stereo system, or computer up and running. Avoid this frustration by taking a quick snapshot of the cords on the back of your electronics to make setting up devices in your new home a breeze. You could also add color-coded labels to your electronics and cables to track which cords go with which electronic.
Keep hardware organized
Tiny pieces can easily get lost during a move, so take time to tape any screws, bolts, and nuts directly to the furniture or appliances they belong to. You can place smaller hardware in a sandwich bag, label it, and attach the bag to the item.
Pack heavy items in rolling luggage
Make use of any suitcases you have by using them as moving boxes. Placing books inside a suitcase can be a smart idea as their weight adds up quickly and may be too much for a standard box. You might also consider plastic tubs with wheels for heavier items since you might quickly run out of luggage to use.
Protect mattresses with bedding
Place extra fitted sheets around mattresses to keep them clean. Make sure you fit them around both sides since you won’t know what side may be on the moving truck floor.
Clean as you go
There is an expectation that you’ll leave your home reasonably clean for the new owners. Instead of waiting until the end of the day, try cleaning rooms as you pack them. You should also clean off items before you pack them to avoid carrying excess dust into your new home. Use cleaning wipes or have a spray bottle and rag handy.
Pack a survival kit
Most of your possessions will be packed up and placed in the back of a moving truck. However, there are some items you should pack separately in a moving day survival kit. These necessities, including a few outfits, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and cooking supplies, will make the first day or two in your home much easier. If you can, keep belongings in your car or somewhere easily accessible during the move, and make a checklist of your must-have items on moving day.
Moving can be a lengthy process to get through. However, being organized and prepared will have you settled in your new home in no time.
