So, you finally scored your dream job or landed that amazing promotion. Congratulations!
Not as amazing? The daunting task that lies ahead of you: packing up and moving to a new city.
Americans are among the most geographically mobile people on the planet. In fact, one in four of us makes a move at least once every five years.
Still, just because we get a lot of practice—the average American will move over 11 times in their life—doesn’t mean it’s easy. What you need are some expert moving and packing tips to expedite the process.
If you’re looking for the best tips for moving, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll outline everything you need to know about packing up and moving house.
Before you stock up on cardboard boxes and bubble wrap, read on!
Moving and Packing Tips and Tricks: The Ultimate List
Whether you’ve got months to plan your move or only a few weeks, remove the word “procrastination” from your vocabulary. The sooner you get started, the smoother your moving day will go.
Let’s break your tasks into 3 sections: before you begin, packing tips, and moving tips.
Before You Begin
The moving process begins long before you’re loading boxes into your car. Follow these steps ASAP.
1. Calculate Your Moving Budget
Even a short move across town can come with sticker shock. Sit down and figure out how much you’ll need (and how much you actually have to spend) to ensure the numbers add up.
Here are some items to include in your budget:
- Professional movers
- Packing materials
- Truck/equipment rental
- Fuel costs & lodging (if moving long-distance)
- Rental deposit or mortgage downpayment
- Cleaning, repair, or home inspection fees
- Utility setup and deposits
- Temporary storage costs (if applicable)
It’s also helpful to create a timeline so you can stay organized in the weeks and months prior to your move.
2. Notify Relevant Companies & People
As soon as you know your new address, it’s time to update everyone with the new information.
Be sure to notify:
- Friends, family, & neighbors
- Your employer (if relevant)
- Utility companies
- Post office
- Bank & credit card companies
- Your doctors
- Insurance companies
Taking this step now ensures you won’t miss any important communication during or after the move. If you plan to hire a professional moving service, make arrangements ASAP to ensure you get the date you need!
3. Lighten the Load
How long has that lime green coat been hanging in your closet? You haven’t worn it in eight years, so do you really need to take it to your new home?
Before you start packing, take some time to declutter your life. Set aside items to donate, sell, or otherwise get rid of. Once you do, you’ll be able to focus on packing up the things you truly need and want to keep.
Packing Tips
How do you fit your life into a stack of boxes? Here are some tips to help you feel less overwhelmed.
1. Focus on Saving Space
Why empty your dresser drawers when your clothes are already neatly folded inside? The same goes with your clothes on hangers—leave them as-is and wrap them in a bag or fold them into a box.
What about your kitchen pots, suitcases, and storage bins? Don’t move them empty—utilize that space! Place heavy items (like books or serving dishes) in your suitcases so they’re easier to transport.
2. Make Good Use of Soft Items
Your towels and sheets can easily double as packing material, so don’t fold them up and stuff them in a box. Use them to protect fragile items like lamps, vases, or plates.
Socks made terrific padding for smaller breakables, like cups or perfume bottles. Bonus tip: Wrap your knives in your dish towels and secure them with rubber bands. Easy!
3. Start Early with Non-Essentials
Some items you’ll need to use until moving day, but others you can pack weeks (or even months) in advance.
Are you moving in the dead of winter? You can safely pack up those tank tops and shorts until next summer. The same goes for other seasonal items, like sporting goods, or things you rarely use (all that stuff in your attic or basement).
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed by the thought of packing, hire a company to come in and help. They’ll make sure the job is done right!
Moving Tips
Your house is packed and you’re ready for relocation. Here are a few final tips to remember for moving day.
1. Color Code Everything
If you haven’t already, be sure to color-code each box with a marker or string. You might choose blue for the bathroom, yellow for the kitchen, and green for the master bedroom.
This will make your life much easier when you get to your new home, as you’ll know exactly which boxes go where.
2. Pack a Cooler
The hours will pass fast on moving day, leaving you little time to think about eating or drinking. Plan ahead the night before by packing a cooler with plenty of water and hydrating beverages.
Include some easy-to-eat items like sandwiches, granola bars, fruit, or nuts. This way, no one will get dehydrated or (even worse) “hangry” during the move.
3. Make Plans for Kids & Pets
Before moving day, make sure you know what you’ll do with your kids and pets. The last thing you want is your dog getting loose or your toddler tripping the movers as they carry heavy furniture!
If possible, arrange for someone to watch your kids and/or pets. This will let you focus on the move and getting their new home ready to go.
Looking for Moving and Packing Services?
True, there’s no way to remove 100% of the stress that comes with a big move. But by using the moving and packing tips outlined above, you’ll soon be on your way to a (much less stressful) move to your new home!
Of course, sometimes it’s wiser to hire professional movers rather than trying to DIY. The trick is finding the right company for the job.
Are you making a move in Minnesota or Wisconsin? Our friendly, professional team is ready to help with all your packing, moving, and storage needs.
Click here to get in touch or make an online booking. We’ll see you soon!