Everyone dreams of moving somewhere more comfortable, more convenient or more spacious, but people are often intimidated by the idea of making that move with a household of people and things. While moving will always have an element of stress to it, that stress can be minimized by following a few best practices.
Organize, organize, organize
Flying by the seat of your pants might work for last-minute vacations, but things won't go so well if you try to move in the same way. The key to an easy move is a high level of organization.
To start with, the American Moving & Storage Association suggests you start sorting through your household six weeks in advance. This gives you time to donate, throw away or sell things you don't want to take with you. The AMSA also suggests that you start packing any nonessential items four weeks in advance.
There is a right way to go about packing, of course. All packing should be done with the process of unpacking in mind. Common strategies for organizing packing includes taking an inventory of your household goods, numbering or color-coding your boxes and keeping track of what you put in each box.
Conveniently, there are now apps on the market that can help you organize your move. These apps include tools for keeping track of what you've packed and where it's gone, your to-do lists, marketplaces for selling your unwanted goods and comparison tools that can help you choose a reputable and affordable moving company.
Create move-out and move-in kits
There are certain items you won't be able to do without on move-out and move-in days. Thus, it's essential to create kits or go-bags that are kept separate from the rest of the packed goods to help make your days go as smoothly as possible.
Your move-out kit might include tape and marking pens for yourself and your helpers if you're moving yourself. It should also have sufficient cleaning supplies for you to tidy the house before you leave. This is especially important if you're hoping to get the cleaning deposit back from your landlord. Other tools in your move-out day kit could include snacks, a change of clothes, your wallet and ID, a copy of your rental agreement (if applicable) and a to-do list of important errands that must be run before you depart town.
Your move-in day kit may contain similar items to your move-out kit. It will be easiest to wipe down surfaces and clean floors before boxes fill up your house, so you'll want cleaning supplies on hand. Other essentials will likely include toilet paper, hand soap, a couple changes of clothes for each person in the family, easy-to-prepare food and paper plates and utensils.
Pack your kits either in clear plastic bins or overnight bags and stash them in the car, and not the moving van, if possible.
Go 'green' with your packing materials
Moving costs pile up quickly and can sour an otherwise exciting step toward the next chapter of your life. Going green with some aspects of your move could be good for the environment and your pocketbook.
To begin with, Lifehacker.com says, "Buying boxes is simply unnecessary when there are so many ways to get them for free." Ask at the office or the grocery store for boxes that are going to get thrown out anyway. You could also ask around with friends or acquaintances who have moved recently. They would probably be thrilled to have you take some boxes off their hands. After you move, be sure to either pass on or recycle your boxes.
Another option that won't leave you with a garage full of flattened cardboard is to invest in plastic bins for items that will likely be stored even after you move. They'll hold up better during the move and after.
You can dispense with bubble wrap and newspaper if you'd like, as well. Instead, try wrapping fragile dishes with clothes, though be warned, you may end up with a pile of laundry when you've unpacked.
Don't forget your change of address
You don't realize how important your address is until you go to change it. Besides getting your address changed at the post office, you'll have a plethora of other changes to make, including at the bank, your driver's license, magazine subscriptions, utilities, cable and internet, voting registration, not to mention letting your friends and family members know what your new address is.
Of course, all the hustle and bustle is worth it when you're finally settled into your new home. If you're ready to face moving day, contact the Trumm Team today and start looking for the house you've been dreaming of.
