There’s no doubt about it. Moving is stressful. It’s a lot of work, and it can mean significant expense. However, there are some steps you can take to make a great move. You may not completely enjoy the process, but you can smooth it out and keep the stress under control.
Story Stages
Plan Thoroughly
Your first step to a great move is to plan thoroughly. Many people skip this step only to run into all kinds of difficulties later. Make lists, lots of lists. You should have a master to-do list to guide your move. This will help you make sure you get everything done in a timely fashion. Check out the convenient online lists like the apartment moving checklist, and then customize them to fit your own circumstances.
Also, do a survey of home so that you know exactly what needs to be moved. If you’ve lived in the same place for a long time, your possessions can multiply without you even realizing it. So record your furniture, and estimate the numbers of boxes you’ll need for smaller items. You might take this opportunity to clean out things you don’t need, too. You’ll have less to move this way.
Finally, decide when you want to move. You may not have much leeway in this area, but if you do, select a date that works for your whole family (or at least as many members as possible). If you’re moving on your own, make sure that you can get friends to help as needed. If you’re working with a mover, you’ll have to confirm the date with them, so have a couple options in mind.
Hire the Right Mover
Many people choose to hire a mover to take off some of the pressure of moving. To hire the right mover, start by looking at websites for various companies and reading customer reviewers. Then call a company or two to get an estimate. If you have a large home and many personal possessions, you may actually need an in-home visit to get an accurate quote. In the end, you should choose the company that has the best ratings and offers the best package for the best price.
Pack Smart
You may elect to let your mover do the packing for you, but if not, then pack smart, and pack early. Begin with items you aren’t using, and pack items of similar sizes together. Pack by room, too, and label all your boxes clearly. You can even color code them if that helps. Be careful not to get boxes too heavy, especially if you’re carrying and loading them yourself.
Loading Tips
If you are loading a moving van or trailer on your own, do some research so that you know how to do it properly. Most moving companies recommend loading large and heavy furniture like beds and couches first. Use padding to protect furniture, and make the most of your space by positioning items vertically if possible. Fill up the van or trailer with smaller, lighter items after you’ve packed the bigger things, but do make sure that the weight of your possessions is distributed as evenly as possible. Secure everything with moving straps so it stays put.
Clean Up
With all the stuff out of your old place, you’ll be able to do a thorough cleaning. Again, find a handy checklist, and work through it. You’ll want to do everything from wiping down walls and baseboards to cleaning closets to shampooing the carpets. Make sure the kitchen and bathrooms are spotless, too.
Get Settled in Your New Place
By this time, you’ll be looking forward to getting settled in your new place, but don’t hurry the process. Give it a good cleaning first so that you don’t have to try to clean as you unpack. You’ll want to unload as carefully as you loaded so that nothing breaks. Place furniture and boxes in the proper rooms right away. Unpack the items you need first, and do the rest logically over a couple days so that you can get everything in the right places.
Moving will never be an easy process, but you can smooth it out if you follow some of these tips. Most importantly, stay organized, and be patient. The work will end, and you’ll be able to enjoy your new place.
