Did you know that 15.3 million households in America move annually?
Moving day is a big day. And it would be best if you prepared to drive safely and efficiently.
Most of your preparation will depend on what type of move you’re preparing for. But there are preparations, regardless of action, that can help ensure you move seamlessly without missing or damaging your belongings or injuring yourself.
Follow this guide to learn how to prepare for moving day. Read on!
Gather Necessary Supplies
Preparing for moving day is an essential step for your big move. Gather necessary supplies before the day of the action. Stock up on box cutters, bubble wrap, and packing tape to quickly and efficiently pack your belongings.
Have some sliders or straps to help navigate heavy furniture downstairs or around corners. You’ll also want to ensure you have enough boxes of various sizes for all your items, markers, and labels to identify each package. If you have many fragile things, consider investing in mattress and furniture covers to protect them while they are in transit.
Finally, it’s helpful to take measurements of doorframes and hallways. It is to avoid any uncomfortable situations on the actual moving day.
Create Checklists and Timelines
Begin by creating a simple packing list, listing all items that need to be packed, loaded, and transported to the new address. Include boxes and packing material on the list, and label each box with its contents. Break the list into manageable items and allocate time frames for completing each task.
Put a timeline together, including all the expected stages of the move. All of this should be planned with enough time for any contingencies. Finally, enlist the help of family and friends, as you may need extra hands if bulky and awkward items are to be moved.
Start Ahead of Time
Start planning your move weeks to even months in advance. You can set a budget and research potential moving companies or rental trucks. Next, begin the process of packing. You can save a lot of time by making the appropriate labels and organizing and packing your items in enough time so it doesn’t rush you on the day of.
Make sure to organize your clothing, furniture, and items and sort through any documents and vital records that will be moved. If you’re hiring a moving company, get a complete written estimate as soon as possible and confirm the date and order of delivery.
Remember to plan for snacks, water, lunch, and some rest for you and the movers on the day of. Start ahead of time, and your move will go much smoother.
Get Rid of Unnecessary Items
Consider sorting what needs to be kept into piles of things to donate, sell, recycle, and discard. Start by listing what needs to be taken to the new home and what items can be discarded. Ask yourself, “Do I need this item?”
See if items such as clothes, furniture, appliances, and more can be given to needy people. Also, look for ways to recycle anything that cannot be donated.
For the items that cannot be given away or sold, look for local recycling centers or donation centers that accept those items. Staying organized while disposing of things can help the moving process go much smoother.
Plan for Disassembly
Disassembly should be a part of this plan. Begin by making an inventory of all of the items that require disassembly. This way, you can plan to have the proper tools and enough people to help to complete the task efficiently.
Label all associated parts and mark with tape or stickers where each item should be reassembled for later. Unhook any electrical or audio/visual cables, and safely store the things that do not require disassembly.
Recruit family and friends to help with the heaviest items, and be sure and give yourself plenty of time for disassembly. Taking the time to plan for disassembly thoughtfully will help alleviate stress and make moving day much more accessible.
Use a Professional Moving Company
Using a professional moving company is wise to ensure a smooth transition. Before the move, inventory all the items being moved and provide the moving company with exact measurements and weights of furniture and boxes. This will help ensure that everything gets done on time and with little effort from you.
While the local movers pack and transport your belongings, double-check closets and drawers to ensure nothing is left behind. Research the proper way to prepare fragile items for transport. Establish a timeline of the day’s events with the crew supervisor.
When the movers have finished the job, do a final walk-through to ensure your items were moved correctly. Utilizing a professional moving company is the most efficient way to plan and execute a successful moving day.
Secure Documents and Valuables
To help make the transition smoother and safer, secure important documents and valuables before the day of the move. Start to box up essential items you’ll want to carry in the car, such as birth certificates, passports, and other critical documents. Wrap them up securely for more valuable items such as jewelry and artwork to stay protected during the move.
Store all valuable items in a secure place, like a safe, until they can be moved. During the move, watch all essential items so they don’t get lost or misplaced. Consider taking a picture or video of the item if you’re unsure of the contents.
Research Your New Neighbourhood
This should be done beforehand to ensure you understand the area you’ll be living in. Start by researching online through Yelp and Google Maps, which often contain relevant local information. You can also visit the neighborhood to understand local resources better or speak to current and former residents to learn more about the area.
Good preparation is critical to executing a successful move, so taking the time to research the future neighborhood will be an invaluable part of the moving process.
Plan Your Moving Day Today
Overall, moving day is a big hassle, but with the proper preparation, it can be a lot smoother. A successful moving day requires proper planning and the right help.
Try to prepare and organize so everything is ready on the day. If you enjoy this article, check out our blog for more exciting content.
