Deciding to move homes, whether it’s a local move or a cross-country move, can be a stressful undertaking that requires planning, time, and money. In addition, moving houses can also come with a range of emotions, from excitement to anxiousness or even a bit of sadness as you close this chapter and move on to the next. As anyone who has moved homes before will attest, the moving process can be overwhelming, even for an experienced mover. That being said, with proper planning and organization, you can make it a smooth, (almost) stress-free experience. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 practical tips to use as a moving checklist to help you navigate the moving process with ease.
1. Hire Professional Movers
It’s okay to ask for help, especially if this is a larger move, so consider hiring a professional moving company to handle the heavy lifting as they are experienced with how to pack effectively and efficiently. Research well-known moving companies read all the reviews you can find, and get quotes to ensure they are within your budget. If a large professional moving company is not in your budget, several reputable smaller companies specialize in local or regional moves. While it may seem costly, hiring professionals will save you time and the stress associated with moving independently. In addition, they most often carry insurance so if something happens to your items during packing or transport, you will be reimbursed for that item, a luxury you won’t have if you move on your own. If a professional moving company is still out of your budget, there are still many practical tips you can use to move homes without professional help.
2. Start Early with a Moving Checklist
The earlier you start, the better. Before you begin hastily packing up all of your belongings, first begin with a detailed moving checklist that outlines all the tasks you need to accomplish before, during, and after the move. This will help you stay organized and on track throughout the entire process.
3. Declutter Before You Pack
If you’ve been meaning to clean up all your old worn-out clothes or anything else you haven’t been able to let go of, now is the perfect time. Before you even think about what to pack, go through your belongings and identify items you no longer use or need. Donate your gently used items to a local charity or sell your unneeded items to make a bit of extra cash. This will help to lighten your load and simplify the packing process. In the end, this will streamline the process and ensure you don’t arrive at your destination with unwanted belongings – a true fresh start at your new home.
4. Gather Packing Supplies
To pack efficiently, gather all the necessary packing supplies in advance as this is the best way to make sure you have everything you need before you begin. This includes sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, markers, and other packing materials. Having everything easily accessible will not only save you time but also ensure that your belongings are properly protected during the move. Now, if you are hiring a professional moving company to pack and transport your household belongings to your new home, check with them beforehand to see what supplies they have and how much of the packing process is included in your moving package.
5. Pack Room by Room
Packing everything in your home all at once can be stressful so it’s best to do it one room at a time. This helps you stay organized and you can remember which boxes have exactly what you need for your new master bedroom, kitchen, living room, etc… Ideally, you should label each box with the contents and which room it will belong to, making the unpacking process much easier for you later. This method will also allow you to easily direct the movers where to place the boxes in the new house once they begin unpacking the truck.
6. Label Boxes with Priority Levels
As you pack, label your boxes by priority. Use different colors or numbers, or whatever organizational indication works for you, to signify the importance of the contents and when they should be unpacked. For example:
- Priority 1 (Red): Essential items for the first day and night.
- Priority 2 (Yellow): Important items for the first week.
- Priority 3 (Green): Non-essential items that can wait.
This labeling system will help you focus on unpacking the most crucial items first, making the transition to your new home smoother and more organized while also ensuring you aren’t stranded without essential items those first few nights after you arrive.
7. Use the Best Packing Techniques
The way you pack your items is essential, especially for the more fragile ones like vases or glassware. This is one of the most important packing tips that will protect your valuables. When packing such items, use proper packing techniques to prevent any damage that may occur during transit. Even a simple bump on the road can move the boxes around and damage anything fragile inside. To prevent this, individually wrap delicate items in bubble wrap, or use padding such as packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or air-filled packaging in boxes, and pack items close together to prevent shifting during transit. Place the heaviest items at the bottom, and the more fragile and smaller items on top. Finally, secure the entire package by using two boxes, adding extra padding, and labeling it as fragile so you know to be gentle when handling. It may be a tedious task to do while packing, but taking the time to pack carefully will protect your valuables.
8. Pack a Moving Day Essentials Box
Try to think about your first day in your new home. After all the preparation and moving, there’s a high chance you will be exhausted by the time you reach your new home. You won’t be able to unpack everything in one day, so you’ll need to prioritize your essential items. As mentioned above (tip number 5), prepare a box with essential items you’ll need on moving day and the first few nights in your new home. These items could be your toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and any other necessities. This will save you from rummaging through boxes on your first night to find essentials. It’s best to take this “essentials” box in your car so there is no chance of it getting lost or misplaced amongst all the other boxes.
9. Notify Important Parties
Moving entails updating your information and notifying parties about your address change. Now is a good time to make a list of important places and people who may need to be made aware, including your local post office, utility companies, banks, subscriptions, your voter registration if you’ve moved to a new district, and other relevant entities. Each of these companies can help you with the next steps to ensure your mail is forwarded, bills are sent to the proper address, etc…
10. Take Breaks and Stay Hydrated
Throughout this, you’ve learned how to take care of your belongings, but it’s easy to forget about your own well-being. Remember, you can’t do this efficiently unless you are at your best. Take breaks throughout the day, go outside and get some sunlight, or meet a friend for coffee. This way your mind won’t get overwhelmed and you can pack and process more efficiently. Most importantly, stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, have a water bottle with you at all times, and take sips whenever you can. This will help you maintain your energy and reduce stress.
Achieving a well-organized move is entirely possible. While it likely won’t be without any stress, with proper planning the move can be a relatively smooth process. As you begin the moving process, reference this guide with our most helpful moving tips, and remember – start early!
If you’re looking to find a home for rent in Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, or San Antonio, SimplyHome by Camillo is here to help. They also provide Bellhop, a service that combines technology with a talented team to provide a unique, cost-effective, and stress-free moving experience. Contact SimplyHome today to see our available homes and learn about our leasing incentives.
