Moving is never easy, but with proper preparations you can make it less painful. Here are some of the most frequently experienced difficulties and how they can be avoided during an actual move.
No matter if you are packing up yourself or hiring a moving company, there are certain key items you must do in order to make your experience stress-free and efficient.
1. Don’t Overpack
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Moving is both exciting and stressful! To ensure a successful experience, it is essential that you know what to expect and how to navigate potential roadblocks that arise during this transition. By being aware of potential pitfalls along the way, you can create a smoother move experience!
Overpacking is often one of the biggest mistakes people make when they pack for a move, leading to higher costs and additional time spent packing and unpacking.
Too much packing can damage your belongings and increase stress levels, so if you are uncertain about the best way to pack, consult a professional moving company in your area for advice.
Before packing, it’s wise to double-check that all your furniture will fit into its new location. Doing this will prevent having to deal with unwieldy large sofas or clocks that don’t quite make it.
2. Plan Ahead
Planning is the cornerstone of a successful relocation. Planning makes life simpler for all involved and saves both time and money – as well as helping to avoid common moving pitfalls.
Begin by compiling an inventory of everything you own. A complete listing will prove useful when hiring movers or shopping for insurance policies.
Make a packing schedule. Break your big move down into manageable tasks that can be accomplished weekly.
If you are seeking help from friends or family with the move, create a checklist of items they can assist with. This will allow you to focus on what needs to be done while clearing away distractions; having a to-do list also keeps track of what must be done when. As you work through it with friends or family members you might even ask for specific suggestions as you go along.
3. Hire A Moving Company
Hiring a moving company can save time, energy, and stress. A professional mover will have all of the equipment required for safe transporting of your belongings including dollies, ramps, lifts, straps and more.
They will also know how to safely wrap furniture and other items so they won’t break or become damaged during transport, preventing you from losing expensive and valuable belongings in the process.
When hiring a moving company, obtain a binding estimate in order to ensure you don’t pay more than agreed. Comparing estimates from multiple providers will give you an idea of what value your money buys you.
An essential factor when it comes to moving companies is selecting one with an impeccable track record for providing superior service. Research their history online and read customer reviews to ensure they possess a solid standing in their industry.
4. Packing
Pack your items correctly when moving yourself or hiring professional movers; this includes electronics, appliances and decor in boxes that best suit them.
Start by sorting through what no longer belongs in your home and getting rid of anything you no longer require or wish to keep in good condition – discard, donate or sell as necessary.
Gather all of the boxes, packing tape and markers you’ll need to pack your belongings at least a month in advance to avoid running out.
Going room by room, take an inventory of everything that needs to be packed in each box – this will make unpacking easier!
An “open first” box should also contain essentials to ease stress during the last days before your move and initial days in your new space, including food, sleeping arrangements and showering supplies. Doing this can reduce anxiety while providing everything needed to eat, sleep and shower in comfort.