Coffey Bros understands that moving can be hectic, which is why we’ve created a guideline for new movers. Moving doesn’t have to be a big stressful, complicated ordeal. You can simplify the process and move anxiety free by following these 5 easy steps.
1. Get Organized with the Right Supplies: Perhaps one of the best ways to destress a move is to create a list. Knowing what you need to do, when your deadlines are or each step of the move, and who has been delegated what task can take some of the weight off when moving. Decide what needs to get packed, how to load the truck to best maximize space, and your budgetary goals. Once you have a plan you can get started.
Another factor that will greatly increase your organization is having all the proper tools before the move takes place. Bubble wrap, packing paper, moving boxes, box cutters, markers, tape, and even the correct tools to disassemble and reassemble furniture will greatly increase your chance for a speedy and successful move.
2. Start Packing Early: Make moving easier on yourself by starting the packing process a month in advance. Start by packing up things you don’t use regularly, such as out of season clothing, books and DVDs, and anything you keep in storage most of the year. A great example of things to pack early would be gardening equipment for spring and summer if you’re moving in the fall or winter. These are items you won’t need for the next few weeks, and you can organize and get the packed up early.
By packing slowly and steadily early on, by the time the big moving day arrives, you’ll be ready to roll with little muss or fuss. Having things ready ahead of time takes the stress out of situations where lots of preparation is necessary.
3. Declutter Before the Move: A great way to make less work for yourself during a move is to declutter before you pack. Go through all of your belongings and purge the items that are no longer useful. Things you haven’t seen or used in the past year, items that the kids have grown out of, or duplicate objects you don’t need two of, can be sold or donated.
Getting rid of excess bulk in your home gives you less to pack later, and can also give you some spare money to put toward the move. A yard or garage sale is a great method of getting rid of these items.
4. Store Important Documents and Valuables: There’s nothing more stressful than worrying about the safety and structural integrity of valuables and important documents. Before you start packing the big things in your life, take some time to gather up anything valuable and move it to a lock box, or other storage system which will get the to your new residence safely and together. Keeping all these items in one place during the move guarantees that you know where they are at all times, and whether they arrived at your new destination safely.
Important documents include passports, birth certificates, tax papers, and ownership documents for vehicles. Valuables might include jewelry, silver, family heirlooms, and irreplaceable trinkets. Small breakable items can also be included in your valuables and document storage. Be sure that documents are stored against cardboard backing to keep them from bending or tearing in transit.
5. Pack Cleaning Supplies Last: Finally, a good tip for a stress-free move is to pack your cleaning supplies last. This is because cleaning is the last thing you’ll do at your old home and the first thing you’ll want to do at the new one. If you’re in an apartment, for example, you’ll need to clean the oven, floors, baseboards, bathroom, and maybe even walls to get your deposit back. Once you get to your new home, even if it looks clean, it’s a good idea to go over everything with sanitizer. Wipe down cupboards before storing linens and dishes, and spray down the bathroom to kill any living bacteria before your family starts using it.
