We all know how much of a pain moving into a new home can be. Your belongings are in a cluttered mess, you’re on a tight schedule, and you feel completely overwhelmed. While moving into a new home can be stressful, there are tips and tricks to help make the process smoother. We compiled some of our favorites and created this homeowner’s hassle-free moving guide. Take the hassle out of moving and enjoy this exciting life change.
- Before You Move, Purge!
The last thing you want, or need is to move all the belongings you don’t use into your new home just to continue the clutter. Before packing up to move, go through your belongings and get rid of things you no longer want or use. You can either throw them away, sell the items, or find a charity that accepts donations. Some charities will even come pick-up the items you wish to donate.
- Give Your New Home a Deep Clean
Before you settle in your new home, you want to make sure it’s been through a deep clean. See if you can get into your new home before moving day to go in and clean the house. This way when you finish unpacking, you won’t have to worry about cleaning for a little while, and you can relax and enjoy your new home.
- Hire Professionals if Needed
If you don’t have access to bigger vehicles for moving, or have enough people to help you, it may be a good idea to hire movers. Call around to local companies to find out their schedules and compare pricing.
- Use What You Have
Before going out any buying more moving boxes than you will actually need and end up recycling after, look around your house for items you may already have. You can use laundry baskets, hampers, totes, and suitcases to store your belongings in while moving.
- Gather Packaging Supplies
Before starting the packing process, make sure you have plenty of packaging supplies. This includes boxes, tape, labels, plastic wrap, garbage bags, and Ziploc bags for small parts and pieces.
- Pack a Go-To Bag with Essentials
It’s important to have one bag or box set aside for all of your essential items you may need during the moving process. This can include items like a jacket, toothbrush, pajamas, phone charger, wallet, etc.) That way you don’t need to rush to unpack the second you get everything moved in. You’ll still have your essentials nearby to rely on.
- Label, Label, Label!
Labeling your moving boxes will make your life so much easier during the moving process. Every box, bag, or tote should be labeled with the items inside of it and what room it will be going to. You can even get more creative and color code the labels differently for each room.
- Protect Your Breakables
Wrap breakable items in packing material such as paper or bubble wrap to protect them. If you don’t want to spend money on the packing supplies, you can even wrap your breakables in clean clothing, towels, or blankets to provide a cushiony layer of support.
- Practice Safe Lifting
Make sure when you’re moving heavy boxes around, that you are practicing safe lighting techniques. The last thing you want on moving day is an injury for you or someone else helping you. If need be, look into renting ramps, carts, and dollies to assist with moving things in a safe way.
- Bring Water and Snacks
Moving day typically ends up being a really long day with not a lot of time for breaks. Make sure to pack a lot of water to keep yourself hydrated, especially if it’s a warmer day. Packing small snacks such as granola bars, crackers, and sandwiches can also be a quick fix to your hunger cravings throughout the day.
- Reward Others for Helping
Whether it’s your family members, friends, or hired movers helping you all day, it’s a good idea to show your appreciation for them when the day is over. You can offer to give them money towards helping, pay for a meal, or even thank them by giving them a small gift once you are all settled.
- Plan Ahead for Food
After a day full of moving, most likely you are not going to want to cook a meal afterwards. You might not even want to cook for a few days after, until you settle in. Use these couple of days to try out local restaurants for take-out while you decide on your favorite places while unpacking.