Moving years’ worth of belongings in a matter of days can even test the nerves of a very even keeled person. That’s why devising a solid game plan that clearly outlays what how to cope with the transition can make the process more manageable. Here are 10 essential tips to help prepare you for your move:
1. Decide when you want to move
Keep in mind that most moving companies are busiest during the end of the month. Consequently, you may wind up paying more and not getting as experienced a crew. Even truck rental places have less availability. If your moving date depends on a closing, make sure you make the moving company aware and try to stay away from the busy period.
2. When in doubt throw it out!
Decide on what you want to take. Use your move as an opportunity to declutter and get rid off those things you’ve kept too long. It will make things easier and make your move more affordable.
3. Get the right packing material
Buy some moving boxes online, through a home improvement store or truck rental/storage/moving company. Make sure you get some packing paper, bubble wrap, markers, tape etc. Also get color coded stickers. It makes a ton of sense to devote one color to each room of the new house and simply stick the color coded stickers on the moving boxes and door of the new place. That way your moving company will know where to place the respective boxes.
4. Choose a moving company wisely
Make sure the moving companies you are considering are fully licensed and insured. Long distance movers get a DOT and MC number through the FMCSA while local movers typically get their license from the state’s transportation or consumer affairs. Also make sure you check a mover’s online reviews and references. Only consider movers who are willing to provide you with in-home estimates and commit to the price in writing. New Jersey Movers, for instance, need to come inspect your belongings if your move is over $500. Try to get a binding not-to-exceed moving quote.
5. Organize your belongings efficiently
Decide which items you will handle, those you want to get rid off/donate and items to be handled by the moving company. Work out a room layout for your old and new place- this will help you visualize where you will want the movers to place your belongings.
6. Pack your items efficiently
Here are some general pointers:
- Keep moving boxes at a manageable weight- not more than 30-50 pounds
- Pack dishes like you would in a dishwasher- plates on their side and cups with the stem facing upward
- Pack boxes in order of weight- pack heavier items at the bottom and lighter items toward the top of each box.
- Have ample filling material handy, namely clean unprinted packing paper, bubble wrap, tissue paper, peanuts etc.- may all come in handy when you pack delicate items. Fill empty spaces within each box with crumpled paper and use crumpled paper, sheets or cardboard from boxes to build a new layer.
- Wrap all fragile items in unprinted packing paper or bubble wrap before packing them in boxes.
- Fill empty spaces within each moving box with crumpled paper. Crumpled paper should also be used for the bottom of the box and any middle layers.
- Seal each box carefully using packing tape
7. Transport valuables and important papers on your own.
It is much safer for you to handle transporting valuable items such as jewelry and important papers such as passports etc.
8. Make sure you change your address.
Mail may be forwarded for at least 1 year. Notifying all appropriate parties will make sure you don’t run into a payment issues with your parties that are issuing you bills (i.e. credit card company).
9. Make sure you treat the movers well come moving day.
Moving can be quite taxing. A good moving company will make your life much easier. Remember that and be fair with the movers- make sure to have drinks and snacks and don’t forget to tip (10-20% of move total)!
10. Communicate your game plan to the movers
Make sure you let the movers know where you would like them to place your items. If you thought this out in advance it will make things much easier.