July 13, 2022
What are the key ingredients for a successful relocation? The recipe that usually works the best includes some of these: enough time, reliable movers, good packing skills, all sprinkled with proven moving tips that are easy to follow. Sounds good, right? Even though these are just pieces of advice, they can easily be that game-changing factor that will make your entire relocation easier.
Are Relocations Really That Stressful?
If you’ve moved a couple of times, you probably already know the drill. No matter how early you start planning and organizing, there is always something that doesn’t go according to plan and gives you a headache. That is because we can’t always predict everything. For example, even if you’re moving during the summer, you could get a proper summer storm on your relocation day. Those are some things we can’t control, and therefore they aren’t worth the stress. Instead, focus on things that you can manage and try to keep your head cool.
Does the idea of relocation give you anxiety? Don’t worry. You’re not the only one.
How Should I Organize Before Moving?
Have you ever made a checklist? Because you should start making them now. From reasons to move to various pros and cons, checklists will help you stay organized and focused no matter the topic. You can have one for expenses, one for unwanted items to sell, household items lists, things to do, and so on. There is no better way to stay on track with everything during those hectic times than to write it all down.
Think about all the things that should be done before the date of your relocation.
How Do I Determine a Budget and Actually Stick to It?
How to save money when moving is everyone’s biggest concern, because relocations can be pricey. If you don’t like math, we are sorry to disappoint you, but you’ll have to do a bit of it. For starters, you have to be realistic and estimate what you can afford based on your income.
Costs You Shouldn’t Forget About
Basic moving services often don’t include extras such as insurance or storage units, so keep that in mind. Also, you should leave some space within your budget for unexpected expenses such as additional supplies, an extra month of storage, and something to tip movers. An excellent way to control your costs is to try and write down everything you spend for a month or two. By doing so, you’ll figure out where you can save more money and how much you really need to spend.
A lot of people save money so that they can afford storage or additional services that could make their relocation easier.
How Can I Make Moving Easier? With the Help of These 10 Moving Tips!
Relocating can be time-consuming and nerve-wracking, we know, but there are always some moving hacks that could ease the process. We gathered ten things you can do to make the process stress-free and avoid making common moving mistakes. The best part is, all these recommendations can be customized to fit your needs, or even inspire you to do something else and come up with a new hack.
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#1. Pick the Right Date for Your Relocation
This probably is not something a lot of people brainstorm about, but the date can significantly impact the overall cost of your relocation. For example, the majority of people want to move during the weekends, which seems reasonable. But a lot of times, relocating during the workdays can be cheaper, and you’ll probably be able to get an earlier date.
When Is the Right Time to Move?
Often we can’t really choose. If there’s a tempting job offer waiting for you, or you have to be in a different city by a specific date, there’s not much you can do. But if you’re flexible with your schedule and you can pick, consider all the circumstances from weather to whether you’re moving during the holiday season.
If you would like to save some money, carefully pick the dates.
#2. Declutter Your Home
Before you pack anything, think, well, do you really need all those things? Now it is not the time to be sentimental. You have to go through everything and get rid of stuff you no longer use. This can also be an excellent way to cut costs. If you plan to buy new furniture or appliances, you don’t have to bother and move furniture across the country. If they’re in good condition, sell or donate them.
Where to Donate Items You No Longer Use
There are a lot of organizations that accept donations such as furniture, appliances, books, and other stuff. Some of them even offer to pick them up in front of your door, so check if that is an option in your town. Here are some organizations that do that, but keep in mind that some of them accept only specific categories:
- Salvation Army
- Goodwill
- Vietnam Veterans Donation
- Habitat for Humanity
- Arc Donation
Don’t bring things that will stay in storage; sell and donate everything you don’t want to bring to your future home.
#3. Get Boxes and Other Packing Supplies in Advance
The last thing you need is to rush around town looking for supplies because you didn’t get enough of them. If you’re not sure how much you’re going to need, it is always better to get a bit more. You can take a few first boxes to see how much they fit and how many more you should get. When it comes to wrapping, be creative and use some of the things such as clothes, towels, linens, and socks.
Alternative Ways to Stock up on Packing Supplies and Boxes
Besides using your clothes and linens for wrapping, you can save up on boxes as well. If you have original packaging from your appliances, that is great, but if not, you can ask at the local store to see if they have some to spare. Additionally, go online and check out websites such as Freecycle.
It’s important to have enough supplies.
#4. Sort All Items Into Categories
Whether you’re hiring professional packers or doing everything yourself, it is much more efficient to sort things and organize them by categories. This is particularly helpful with clothes, but it can be applied to other categories. You can create several checklists to get the idea of the amount of stuff you have. You can go room by room, or by the size of things.
How to Organize Clothes for Packing?
Out of all things in the house, clothes are something we all have the most of. For that reason, preparing clothes for packing can be nerve-wracking. That is why we recommend to organize them either by season or by the closet they are in. It will help you figure out what goes where when unpacking.
Come up with an organization system that works best for your living arrangement.
#5. Don’t Wait for the Last Day to Pack Everything
Even when you live in a small apartment, and you don’t have a lot of stuff, or you’re about to move to a college dorm, don’t wait for the very last moment to pack. A team of professional packers can do everything in a few hours, but we usually don’t have their skills and techniques. So if you’re not using professional packing services, don’t wait for the last moment.
When Should I Start Packing to Move?
You can start as soon as you schedule your relocation date. A month or two to three weeks should be ideal. It is better to do a bit every day than to pack everything in a rush in two days and nights. Although it looks like this is a no-brainer, once you start, you will realize how many new challenges are ahead of you.
What Is the Best Way to Pack for Moving?
You can organize the process room-by-room, or by the type of items. Start with the things you don’t regularly use, such as off-season clothes and the things in your garage. But don’t forget to leave some essentials for the last few hours and travel.
Start wrapping things as soon as possible because the process can last.
#6. Make Several Checklists
Nothing helps with organization as much as checklists. You don’t know where you put your favorite book? You forgot you should change your address when you move? The days around relocation are hectic, and we tend to forget things more often than usually. So if you want to stay on track with everything, start writing it all down and create a binder.
Find Apps That Can Help You With Organization
You can always download an app that will do the same if you don’t want to deal with piles of papers, colorful markers, and charts. It is easier because everything will be stored on your phone. Papers can easily get lost during those days.
#7. Don’t Overpack Your Boxes
A large box can fit a lot of stuff, but will you be able to lift it? Or carry it around your house or downstairs? A box is just a piece of cardboard, and the bigger it is, the higher the chances it is going to break under pressure if you overload it. It is better to have more boxes and be able to carry them safely. Fill in the space with blankets or linens so that the things inside don’t move.
Don’t Place a Bulky Item Into a Large Box
If you have a bulky item, it is better to place it in a smaller box that provides a tight fit, instead of a large one, where you’ll add a few more other things. When it comes to electronics and appliances, it is always best to use the original packaging, but if you don’t have it, find a suitable one with similar dimensions.
Too many heavy books can be hard to lift, so better place them in a suitcase.
#8. Label Everything or Write Content Lists
Putting labels onto boxes is a must unless you have photographic memory. Some people rely on the good old color-coding system, while others just put labels with room names and numbers; it is up to you. But if you’ll be using storage, it is better to write small content lists as addition, so you’ll know exactly what’s where.
Take Pictures of the Content
If you’re really into being organized and tidy, you can display all the things that go into a particular box, and take a flat lay picture. Just make sure everything is visible and that it is not blurry.
It’s up to you to determine the best way of labeling.
#9. Get a Clear Box for the Things You’ll Need on the Big Day
From soap to clothes for traveling, you can’t really pack everything. Something needs to stay and be in use until the last minute. That is why it is a good idea to separate those things into a clear container, so you can easily find them.
Make Sure to Pack One for the First Night in the New Home
Your essentials, such as toiletries, underwear, pajamas, basic kitchen utensils, sheets, and everything else you’ll need for the first day and night, should be packed separately. That way, you can avoid having to unpack the minute you arrive.
A clear plastic bin is the right place for all your new home essentials.
#10. Clean Your New Place Before Unpacking
Once you start unpacking, there’s going to be a mess all over the place. So if you plan to repaint the walls, change tiles, or do any other type of remodeling, here is a tip: do it before your belongings arrive. It is much easier to do that around an empty home.
How to Unpack Efficiently
There has to be a system you follow while unpacking. Otherwise, it is all going to be too hectic. First, place everything into the room where it belongs, and then unpack it, room by room. Start from the essentials such as the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and so on.
Do all the cleaning and remodeling before unpacking.
Bonus Tip: How to Find Reliable Movers
Reliable movers can’t be found around every corner nowadays, so you have to put some effort into finding them. Online reviews are great if you know how to recognize fake ones. Ask friends for recommendations, search for movers who’ve been in the business for years, and don’t fall for low prices. The same goes if you want to transport your auto.
Feel free to call professionals if you think you can’t do it all by yourself.
Feeling Ready to Start This Adventure?
Relocating is an adventure that some of us experience more often than others. But regardless of how many times you’ve moved, every single relocation is different. Different places, cities, different amounts of stuff, and even people. That is why you should approach every relocation like it is your first one and rely on the good old tips to help you overcome those days.
