Around 35.5 million Americans move each year. Despite how often we move, most people don’t have a plan. Without a plan, you could unintentionally make the entire process harder on yourself.
It could feel stressful and costly when a household move should feel like an exciting moment in your life.
Make packing for a move an easy experience this year. Here are eight tips that can help. With these tips, you can remain efficient and organized.
Instead of a stressful move, you can enjoy this new phase in your life!
Start packing with this easy moving checklist today.
1. Draft a List
The best way to remain organized is to create lists you can always refer back to. Start by creating checklists. Determine what you need to accomplish two months, a month, or a week before the move.
Create a separate list of tasks you need to complete on the day of the move.
You can split your to-do list into smaller chunks to help minimize your stress. Otherwise, you might feel like you have too much to do all at once.
It’s normal for little emergencies to pop up at the last minute. Accomplishing as much as possible before the day of the move can help. You’ll have more free time to tackle those last-minute tasks.
If you fail to create a moving checklist, however, you could forget an important step. You might not realize what you forgot until the day of the move. Remember, you don’t want to put unnecessary stress on your shoulders.
Instead, create a to-do list of tasks you need to complete and organize them in chronological order.
For example, you might want to consider:
• Hiring a moving company
• Getting boxes and other supplies
• Filling out a change of address form
• Updating your driver’s license
Try to get as much done as you can two months before your moving day. If you can, share your list with others. Determine what they can do to help you get as much done as possible.
2. Start Immediately
As you start packing for a move, it’s important to get as much done in advance as you can. Otherwise, you’ll scramble to complete complex tasks at the last minute. Don’t put that stress on your shoulders.
Instead, determine which household items you won’t need in the next few weeks. Start packing those items first. You can get items out of the way in the weeks before your move.
As you use these moving tips, consider decluttering as well. Look throughout your home for items you want to sell or donate. Consider what you can throw away, too.
Decluttering immediately will give you less to pack. You can minimize how many moving boxes you’ll need. Reducing the number of boxes can help reduce moving costs.
Decluttering will also make it easier for you to clean your home before the day of the move.
Remember to ask for help as soon as possible as well. Otherwise, your friends and family members might have plans on the day of your move.
3. Get Calling
Remember, you don’t have to work through your moving checklist alone. As you start packing for a move, call for help. It’s important to find a professional moving company as soon as possible.
Don’t wait until the last minute to call. Otherwise, you might find every local mover is already booked on the day of your move.
Take the time to gather quotes from three moving companies in your area. Determine what’s included in the price. Ask about the services they offer, too.
Some companies can help you pack, saving you time and money in the long run.
Ask the company how long they’ve run and operated. Ask about their license and insurance, too. You might want to request moving insurance to protect your belongings as well.
Finding the right moving company can simplify the rest of the process moving forward.
4. Mark Your Boxes
Over 40% of people move for a housing-related reason. Others move for employment. Regardless of why you’re moving, it helps to stay organized.
If you want to learn how to pack for a move, start by labeling your boxes.
First, give each box a number. Then, list what’s inside each box. Keep this list on your phone.
If you lose a box during the move, you’ll know exactly what was inside. You’ll have an easier time filing an insurance claim as a result.
5. Schedule Donation Pick Ups
Remember to start making a list of items you want to donate. Then, contact the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Schedule a day they can arrive at your home to pick up your donations.
You’ll have one less item on your to-do list if they’ll pick up your donations for you.
6. Take Photos
Once you start packing your boxes, make sure to take photos of your valuables. You’ll have a fresh image of each item if something breaks. If you need to file an insurance claim, you’ll have these photos handy.
7. Ask for Help
Remember to ask for help sooner rather than later as you work through this moving checklist.
Assign different responsibilities based on each person’s strengths. For example, you can ask your mom to clean. She shouldn’t have to lug heavy boxes around.
If you plan on asking for help, have a way to thank everyone after your move. For example, you can pack water bottles and sandwiches. Consider ordering a pizza for everyone, too.
8. Clean Up
When packing for a move, it’s also important to clean up afterward. Pack your cleaning supplies in a separate box. You won’t have to unpack half a box of belongings in order to clean.
Keep this box separate from the others on moving day.
Then, sweep up and say goodbye to your old home!
Packing for a Move: 8 Tips for Sweeping Success
Planning a household move doesn’t have to feel stressful. Instead, keep these eight tips in mind when packing for a move. With these tips, you can remain organized and efficient.
Then you can enjoy your new home without unnecessary stress along the way.
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