Congratulations! The paperwork is completed, and the moment has arrived to embark on the journey to your new home. While moving to a new place is exciting, the move itself can be a royal pain. Check out these handy tips to make the process smoother.
Moving Tips and Tricks
1. Do Purge as Your Pack
Moving presents an ideal opportunity to declutter your belongings. Do you know how many expired vitamins you probably have in your medicine cabinet? Do yourself a favor and get rid of ‘em. While some items may hold value, it’s advisable to post them on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist at least six weeks before your move to ensure they find new homes in time. Alternatively, you can arrange for a charitable organization to pick up any items you wish to donate.
2. Don’t Mix Items in the Same Box from Different Rooms
Discovering a shoe in a box marked “pantry” can be quite unsettling – avoid such surprises. Unpacking becomes significantly more manageable when items from the same room are packed together. Enhance packing efficiency by creating a designated packing station where all your supplies are easily accessible. This not only saves time hunting for tape or pens but also conserves space by assembling boxes as you progress.
3. Do Source Boxes Effectively
Numerous stores offer a variety of boxes for free. When sourcing, search for banana boxes from grocery stores, prized for their size and durability. Liquor store boxes with cardboard dividers also make excellent options, serving well for organizing shoes or protecting glassware. For added convenience, cut handles into boxes that lack them for ease of transportation and use.
4. Do Clearly Label Each Box
Various labeling systems exist for categorizing boxes. Some individuals opt to assign numbers for added security against theft. Others opt for color coordination based on rooms, achieved through the use of differently colored tape, stickers, or simple post-it notes. Another practical approach is to capture photos of each box, providing a visual reference for the contents without the need to list every item on the box itself.
5. Don’t Empty Your Drawers
Dresser drawers function as practical moving containers. By using plastic wrap to secure the contents and tape to keep the drawer shut, you can avoid the necessity of completely emptying it for the move.
6. Do Keep All Documents in One Place
Certain documents are crucial in our lives, and the last thing you want is to misplace them during a move. Arrange these documents, which may include previous tax returns, birth certificates, passports, social security cards, and more, in a designated bag that will remain with you throughout the moving process.
7. Do Pack Your Essentials Last
Let’s face it – the chances of unpacking everything right away in your new home are slim. Prepare an overnight bag with essentials, such as a change of clothes, toiletries, charger, and, if you have work the next day, your laptop. This also ensures the safety of your laptop from potential theft during the move.
8. Do Wrap Breakables
Minimize expenses on moving supplies by utilizing towels and clothing you already own as padding. Consider using oven mitts to securely store sharp knives. Blankets can double as furniture pads. Socks can be repurposed to cushion glassware, while pillowcases are ideal for wrapping larger breakables like lampshades. Additionally, placing stuffed animals in boxes can prevent items from shifting during the move.
9. Don’t Go Grocery Shopping the Week Before the Move
Moving comes with its own expenses. Why throw away uneaten food and waste money unnecessarily? Consider exploring recipes to make use of the remaining ingredients you have on hand for a creative and cost-effective solution.
10. Do Keep Hardware in Plastic Bags
Maintain the organization of your furniture hardware during disassembly by placing it in a sealable bag and labeling it. Afterward, securely tape the bag to the corresponding piece of furniture to ensure easy relocation.
11. Do Pack Efficiently
Use available space by stowing smaller items, like spices, inside pots and pans. Store immediately needed small appliances, such as the toaster and coffee maker, in a laundry hamper for quick access. Optimize plate storage by packing them vertically to save space and reduce the risk of breakage. Lastly, leverage suitcases (and their handy wheels) for heavier items like books or canned goods.
12. Do Have a Plan for Pets and Kids
To maintain safety, and alleviate unnecessary stress, arrange for your kids and pets to stay with a loved one during the move.
13. Do Take Photos
Take pictures of the back of your electronics to simplify the process of recalling which plugs go where. Additionally, document the condition of your home upon vacating, particularly if you are a renter. Lastly, photograph any final meter readings to ensure accurate billing for your utility expenses.
14. Do Utilize Hacks
When using clear bins for your move, place items you’ll need quick access to in them. For jewelry, consider using an egg carton to prevent tangling and keep earring pairs together. To fill wall holes, a bar of soap works wonders. Opt for plastic bins to store liquids, or alternatively, line a box with garbage bags to handle any potential leaks during the move. To prevent spills, use plastic wrap to seal the tops of bottles and secure the lids back in place for safe transit.
15. Do Book a Tasker to Help
Book a trusted Tasker to help with all things moving. From packing to furniture assembly, they can ensure the job is completed smoothly and efficiently.
Taskrabbit’s Moving Services Can Help
If the prospect of managing a move sounds overwhelming, Taskers can help. The advantages are many; Taskers can save you valuable time and offer peace of mind. Their expertise ensures a smooth transition for your belongings, and their lifting capabilities mitigate any risk of injury to yourself. Why shoulder all the stress (and lifting) on your own? Take a step back and hire a Tasker to make your move a seamless and stress-free experience, allowing you to start off on the right foot in your new home
