Our Best Tips for a Smooth Move

Moving to a new residence can be a smooth and quick experience with a little planning. Skip the stress by being focused and organized.  

If you’re not a naturally organized person, don’t worry. We have some easy steps to recommend to keep you organized throughout your move. Follow these tips to keep the process smooth with a minimum of stress. 

1. Make Lists

The first step to getting organized is to begin writing down the mental checklists you have going on in your brain. Once you write it down, it’s easier to prioritize. Plus, you’re less likely to forget 1 or 2 tasks.  

In addition, keeping a list lets you keep track of how much you have accomplished and how much is left to do. Set due dates and prioritize the tasks based on when you can get them done. Keep a list of things to do prior to the move and a separate list for the actual moving day. Some people prefer written lists. If that’s not for you, establish a checklist on your smartphone. Create a checklist and give yourself the satisfying feeling of checking items off as you go. 

2. Hire Movers Early

This is so important whether you are moving cross town or cross country. Hire the mover early. This involves some time and effort, so plan ahead. Plus, if you are moving during a busy season, many movers will already be booked. Movers can be in high demand at certain points in the year, particularly during the summer months and on weekends. If you schedule them early, you’re more likely to get to move when it’s best for you. They’re also more likely to have the truck, equipment, and personnel you need. 

Starting early here means you can take your time to read reviews and hire the best mover for you. Decide what services you want such as packing or debris removal. Full-service movers will bring the supplies, pack your boxes, disassemble your furniture, and load everything on the truck. On the other side, they’ll unload, reassemble, unpack, and take all of the packing materials away with them. Some moving companies will offer their services a la carte, so you can pick and choose what’s best for your situation. 

3. Schedule Service Disconnections 

Moving is a busy time. It’s easy to forget things like calling your utility providers and cancel service. Call your utility companies and schedule your service cancelations. Ask how they’ll determine your final bill. If it’s the water or electricity and they check the meter, take a photo before you leave so you have a record of the final reading.  

This is also the time to schedule new utility service at your new home. You don’t want to arrive and have no electricity or water. And, it’s a great time to submit a change of address to the Post Office. 

4. Pack Last, Open First

You don’t have to wait until the day before to pack your clothes. You can pack out-of-season clothes early. Just be strategic about it. This pertains to other items as well.  There are plenty of things you don’t use every day. Pack those first.  

As you begin packing, make sure you are sensible about how you fill your boxes. Be sure to pack by room. You’ll want to be able to understand where the boxes go in your new home and find a place for the stuff you pull out as you go through your boxes. 

Pack your off-season clothing, lesser-used items, and other items you won’t need before you leave. As you get closer to the day, you’ll pack more relevant things. Essentially, you’ll end with essentials last. This included towels, bed linens, pajamas, day clothes, medications, the coffee pot, and other essentials.  What you use the most goes in last, and will come out first on the other side. 

5. Label Clearly

Sorting and packing are half of the task. You also need to clearly label the boxes. You may not remember which bedroom box goes where. And, you can’t expect the movers to know either. Be specific about the contents in each box. 

Start with labels by room and contents. Write your labels in quality, waterproof markers. This will make sure the labeling you’ve made withstands any weather or friction they encounter along the way. Label the boxes on multiple sides and the top. Things tend to shift and turn while they’re being shuffled, so make sure you can tell just what is where no matter their orientation. 

6. Make Space for Packed Boxes

Packing early is great, but you will also need to designate a space for your packed boxes. Whether you designate a spot in your house to collect boxes or you have a corner of each room, make a space to keep the things that are packed. As you pack your things, move them into their designated spot to await the big move. 

The easiest way to make sure your move goes well is to hire Alliance Relocation Services. We will give you a free quote with no obligation. Contact us first for more information.