Moving can be exciting or stressful. You could have a combination of both. Using these tips and a well-thought-out plan can make moving day and the days leading up to it much easier.
Be prepared for your move.
Preparing as much in advance as possible is the best way to make moving easier and less stressful.
It is possible to prepare your home methodically and strategically for a move. Following the tips below, you can plan your budget, organize your items, pack with skill, and reduce the stress of a big move. The more time you allow yourself to complete these tasks, you will experience less stress in hiring local movers companies.
Table of Contents
The Best Tips for Moving and Packing
1. Remove Unwanted Items
It is best to reduce the amount of stuff you own before moving. Why? You'll be going through each item as you pack. When you declutter during a move, sorting your items into what you want to keep, donate, or sell is easy.
Get rid of unwanted items before the arrival of the moving truck. You will have less to pack and move and less space to fill in your new home. Keep yourself from getting rid of only smaller items. Donate or rehome large furniture pieces that don't fit in your new home.
2. Keep All Moving Documents in One Place
You may only need some pieces of paper in your filing cabinet during your move or even when settling into your new house.
It's important to keep all the documents you need for your move in one location and easy to access on a moving day. Do not pack them in a cardboard box. Find a place to store it safely in your kitchen, near your purse, or your car's glove box.
If you have hired a moving service, keeping sensitive documents (passports and Social Security cards) safe is best. Keep valuables and passports secure, and then move them yourself. Transferring these goods can lower the likelihood of your valuables being misplaced or harmed during transportation.
3. Start as Early as Possible
You rarely need to move on a whim, especially if you're moving after buying and selling a home. The home-buying process can last between 60 and 90 days. This gives you plenty of time to prepare. It is important to begin as soon as possible to reduce stress.
Start a few weeks before your departure to allow yourself time to sort through your belongings, decide what you need and don't, and pack carefully and thoughtfully.
4. Finding a Moving Truck with Ramps
There are many ways that individuals can make the process of moving easier, both mentally and physically. Renting a truck with a ramp will save you time and make it easier to load and unload. A moving truck can transport all your belongings and furniture simultaneously instead of having multiple cars or pickup trucks hauling them.
It will save you time and energy when loading and unloading large, heavy items. You'll also be able to reduce strain on your back, arms, and knees.
5. Use the Right Size Boxes
Reusing cardboard boxes that friends or neighbors have left behind is a great way to save money. The best packers know to avoid putting multiple items in the same box. Instead, they use the right size for the item you are packing.
- Moving a lot of clothes on hangers is easy with wardrobe boxes.
- The heavier items can be packed into multiple smaller packages.
- Large boxes can move lighter, smaller items like kitchen utensils or linens.
6. Keep the Essentials for Last
As you countdown to the moving date, start packing more and more items until only the essentials remain – those things you use every day. Think about the items you use the most—the shower curtain, bed linens, dishes, utensils, and pots and pans.
Save your essentials until last so you have everything you need to move into your new home together, ready to be unpacked quickly.
7. Label Your Boxes With Detail
Packaging by room and labeling each box appropriately are good ideas. But you can make your move even more effective by writing a list of the contents in each one. Unpacking can be a long process after the physical effort of moving.
For example, the word “Kitchen” could describe many different things. What is inside the box? You may know where it belongs, but you might not. What is it? Spatulas? Small appliances? Kitchen towels? Labeling boxes in detail will help you find what you need quickly, reducing stress and saving time during those crucial days and weeks of moving.
8. Pack One Room at a Time
Packing everything in one go may be tempting, but you could make a big mistake. Moving can be stressful because it feels overwhelming to try and do everything at once.
Pack one room per week, starting a few weeks before the move. Start packing away items you don't use daily, like extra cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, or books in the living room. The bathroom can be done on Mondays, the living area on Tuesdays, etc. Play fun music for an hour, and see how much you can accomplish.
Packing away items you use infrequently will reduce the boxes you need to pack as the moving date approaches. You will still need some items up to the moment you move. It is best to pack items that you rarely use first.
9. Prepare a Moving Checklist
Staying organized is made easier by a moving checklist. It contains a list of all the tasks that need to be done before the move. Many tasks must be completed, such as packing, moving, and unpacking.
Checklists for moving should include the following:
- Moving boxes, packing materials, and hiring movers are necessary to prepare for the move.
- Turning on utilities and getting the home painted, cleaned, or re-keyed are all actions that need to be taken concerning the new house.
- Packing items and actions
- What you might need to buy when buying a new home
- Cleaning, minor household repairs, making new keys for the new owner, etc., are all actions to prepare your house before leaving.
- It may be helpful to inventory all your possessions, beginning with the large furniture pieces. This will allow professional movers to prepare an accurate estimate and better understand what they need to do to move your furniture from home to the truck.
Moving Budget: Additional Advice
The costs of fuel, supplies, and movers can quickly add up. According to Angi's latest data, the average cost of a short-distance move in the US is $1400. However, it can be much more expensive if you are moving out of state. According to the data, you may have to pay $5,600 if you travel 1,200 miles. Both figures assume 7,400 pounds.
It's important to create a budget for your move
Here are some important items you should consider when preparing your budget based on how you and your family intend to move. You can also use a moving calculator to get a rough estimate of the cost for a move within your zip code.
Professional Movers
The most expensive option is to hire professional movers. This applies whether you are moving locally or out of state. Professional movers are expensive but can take the stress out of moving. They will handle everything from the packing to the unpacking, including the assembly and disassembly.
Here are some of the most common charges that come with a professional moving company's fee:
- Cost of labor: This is usually charged on an hourly basis.
- Renting a truck is typically billed as a flat rate plus fuel charges.
- Moving insurance. Some moving companies require that you purchase a certain level of protection to protect your breakables or fragile items.
- Specialty item charges: Depending on the mover, items such as pianos, artworks of high value, pool tables, and safes may be subject to a specialty fee.
- Professionals use specialty packaging to protect goods during a move. They use materials like mattress bags, TV cartons, packing paper, and plastic wrap.
- Extras: You can include money to tip the movers or buy them lunch during moving day.
DIY Move
Most self-moves require a rental truck and other costs, even if you don't pay for the labor of a professional mover.
- You'll have to purchase your own specialty moving equipment since you won't be able to hire professional movers who use their
- Carts and dollies.
- Packing supplies. You will need boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, trash bags, box cutters, and other moving materials.
- The cost of renting a truck may include the mileage if you drive it long distances.
- Gas for the truck – You must also pay for the fuel the rental truck uses.
- Include the cost of food and beverages for yourself, your family, and friends who help you.
Move Out of State
Moving to a house outside of your state requires extra planning and cost. Out-of-state moving is a big undertaking, whether you hire professional movers or do it yourself and rent a truck. It would help if you planned for these items and other considerations.
- Overnight accommodation: If you drive for several days, you must find a place to park and rest.
- Add up the cost of food and gas.
- Fuel charges: Moving companies may charge an extra fee for long-distance relocations.
- Housing for the Short-term: If you cannot move into a new home immediately, you must rent or stay in a hotel.
Additional Costs
You may also incur additional moving costs depending on the circumstances. All these costs should be factored into your budget for the most accurate moving cost estimation.
- You may need someone to look after your children while you move and pack boxes.
- Pet care: On a moving day, you'll need to provide a safe environment for your pet.
- Hire a professional to clean the house before you move out or when you move in.
- Storage fees: You must pay to store some of your items in a unit when you show off your house.
These Moving Tricks and Tips Can Help Reduce Stress
As with most big projects, it's best to break it into smaller, more manageable chunks. Plan your move and budget for it. Packing over time can help minimize the stress of such a difficult endeavor.
Even though it may be stressful, preparing for a move can be thrilling. Are you thinking of moving soon? First, you need to hire professional movers like Karma Movers. It's simple to start the process for those who are ready.
FAQs
Why is moving so hard?
Because of all the significant changes in your life, relocating is one of the most stressful events. Stress is exacerbated if you're leaping into the unknown. To help combat this, it's a good idea to research before you move
What age should you move?
Although each person and situation differs, leaving your parents' home between 25 and 26 is the best choice. Take your time analyzing these figures, though. They are only intended to be used as a general guide. A different age may mark your independence.
What rooms should I pack first?
Start The Packing In The Least Used Room.
Avoid packing near your child's favorite toys or in the kitchen. Start with the least-used room instead, then go on to the areas that are utilized the most frequently. The garage, basement, closet, or attic may be your least-used area.
Why is moving more important?
Here are a few benefits of moving your body: It releases endorphins and helps relieve stress. It allows us to take a break from everyday challenges and responsibilities. It helps emotions move through our bodies.
Why is moving so tiring?
The relocation procedure necessitates much preparation and modification in advance. Your physical and mental health might be drastically impacted by packing, arranging, moving all of your possessions, choosing the best moving company, and leaving friends and family behind, leaving you exhausted for days.