Let’s face it, moving is stressful and responsible. It is impossible to foresee all the difficulties that may arise during the move, but you can try to make the process easier. But let’s find out what you need to remember and know to make the move comfortable and less stressful.
Pre-Move Planning
Preparing for a move is best started by making a plan. The first thing to do is to determine the scale of the move and the expected number of items involved. This will help you find out the exact cost of your move from the moving companies. Pay special attention to the transportation of fragile items or pets.
Put all the stages of the move into a schedule and determine at least approximate time frames. Allow time for sorting, packing, and the move itself. For convenience, create a digital folder where you will keep data on moving companies, rates, photos of receipts, and other important information for you.
Next, plan your budget. It’s best to choose about three moving companies and compare their rates. And if you are planning to move on your own, find out the cost of renting a truck and other possible expenses. And if you are moving due to work, check whether the company will cover the moving expenses. Finally, don't forget to use a car shipping cost calculator to see how much it would cost to transport your car.
Packing Essentials
The hardest part of moving is packing your whole life into boxes. Start doing this ahead of time.
Do the audit
By now you should be getting a good sense of what needs to be done. Sort things in advance into those that will go with you to your new apartment and those that are no longer needed. Look for new owners for things that you don’t want to throw away. Some things can be sold online, some can be given to acquaintances, and some can be recycled. Books that you can’t take with you can be donated to the nearest bookcrossing. Moving is a good reason to do a global audit. You should keep only those things that will accompany you to your new life.
Pack and pack your belongings
It’s important not to forget about packing materials – there should be plenty of them. It is better if something is not useful than to look for alternatives at the last minute or risk the safety of things.
Fragile things will be protected by ordinary and puffy film, clothes can be transported in special coffers. Cardboard boxes and sheets order on the Internet or make arrangements with furniture and food stores. You will also need:
- rope
- duct tape
- markers for signatures
- trash bags
- a knife and scissors.
Packing shouldn’t be put off until the last few days. Start with things you won’t need “here and now”: small appliances, books, Christmas toys. Moving in the summer – start with packing winter clothes and shoes, in the cold season – and vice versa. So a couple of days before the move will be packed most of the things.
Sign the boxes on all sides and label them with stickers – “Textiles. Bedroom”, “Clothes. Children’s” – this can help movers, and you will find it easier when disassembling things.
Put the disassembled furniture parts together with the fixing fittings in separate boxes, and put the assembly instructions there as well.
Timing Your Move
So you’ve got your plan and your budget, and you’ve even started packing. Now, let's talk about timing. When your move is almost as important as how you move. In this part, we’ll help you pick the best time to make your move and how much time to set aside for each stage.
Best Times to Move
When should you make the move? Well, it depends. Summer is the busiest season for moving because the weather is nice and kids are out of school. But since it’s loaded for movers, it can cost more. Winter moves can be cheaper, but you risk dealing with snow and ice.
Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends, which could mean a better deal. However, that also means taking time off work. Weigh the pros and cons to decide what’s best for you.
Allocating Time for Each Stage
Alright, let’s break down how much time you’ll need for the whole moving process.
- First, packing: This is a big one and could take longer than you think, especially if you’ve got a lot of stuff. Give yourself at least a couple of weeks just for packing.
- Next, the move itself. If you’re moving nearby, a day might be enough. But if you’re moving to another city or state, plan for at least a couple of days.
- Finally, settling in. You’ll want to give yourself at least a week to unpack and get your new place feeling like home. But don't rush—take it at your own pace.
The Moving Day
Today’s not the day for extra sleep. Wake up on time to get a jump start on your busy day. Keep the route from your home to the moving truck clear. The last thing you need is someone tripping over stuff. Before the movers start, ask for official paperwork. This helps you avoid any moving scams and makes sure everyone is on the same page.
Moving Day Tips
- Work With Your Movers. Be around when the movers are loading your items. Point out fragile or large items to make sure they're handled properly. You’re responsible for verifying everything is loaded, so don’t be shy about coordinating and asking questions.
- Keep the Crew Fed. If friends are helping you, a nice touch is to order some pizza or get some donuts. Food keeps morale high!
- Be Available. Stick around to answer any questions your movers might have. If you need to leave, make sure they have your contact info and your new address.
- Sign the Paperwork. Before the movers leave, sign the bill of lading and the movers’ inventory list. Keep copies for yourself. These documents are key if you have to file a claim for lost or damaged items.
- Final Walk-Through. After the truck is loaded but before it pulls away, do a final check of your old home. Look for any items that may have been forgotten.
- Tip Your Movers. It’s customary to tip your movers. Tips can vary but are often between 5% to 20% of the total bill. Tipping by check or credit card will help you if you want to claim a tax deduction later on.
And there it is—your guide to surviving the moving day. Hopefully, this will make your move a lot less stressful. With your planning, budgeting, and perfect timing, you should be set for a smooth transition into your new home. Welcome!
