Moving is a stressful time for anyone, but there are some things you can do to make the process more manageable. Follow these 7 essential tips for a stress-free moving day to make your move as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Start by packing the rooms you use less frequently. This includes the guest bedroom, bathroom and storage rooms.
1. Start Planning Early
It’s important to start planning early to avoid last-minute stress. You’ll want to ask friends and family for help well in advance and begin organizing a timeline of tasks.
Begin packing up items you don’t use regularly – go through drawers, cabinets and storage spaces to sort out items you can donate or throw away. Prepare an essentials box that contains toiletries, medication and a change of clothes for the first few days in your new home.
Also, familiarize yourself with your community if possible by visiting parks, restaurants and malls. This will make settling in much quicker and easier for you and your family.
2. Create a Moving Checklist
It can be easy to lose track of all the tasks associated with moving, so creating a checklist is an essential step in staying organized. Store it online (Google Drive or Dropbox) and update it as you complete each task.
Make a list of all items you need to pack and start accumulating supplies like tape, bubble wrap and permanent markers. Find free boxes from friends and prowl Gumtree for used ones to cut down on costs.
Inform everyone involved in the move, including children and pets, of the date and time of your move.
3. Label Boxes Clearly
Clearly labeling boxes is one of the best ways to streamline the unpacking process. It’s important to make sure the removalists know what room each box is going into and that the number system corresponds with that room (blue for kitchen, green for bedroom etc).
Also, don’t forget to clearly mark any fragile items inside your boxes. This will help the movers be careful when handling them and avoid any accidents. If possible, put the word fragile on all sides of the box so that if it gets flipped during transit, the movers are aware that the box needs extra care.
4. Pack an Essentials Box
On moving day, you don’t want to spend the evening rifling through boxes in search of your toddler’s favorite blanket or where the bath towels are. That’s why it’s important to pack an essentials box (sometimes referred to as an Open First Box).
This should contain items that you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. It’s best to sort through your belongings and identify what should go in the box from Day 1. This way, you can keep it separate from the other boxes that will be loaded into the truck by the movers.
5. Pack an Overnight Bag
If you’re moving with a professional mover or on your own, it’s important to pack an overnight bag. This way, you can keep important items with you, such as medication, cash, personal documents and a phone charger.
Request wardrobe boxes from your movers to make transporting clothing easy. They are specially designed to fit hanging clothes and are an efficient way to clear out closets.
Start packing early by doing a little bit every day or every couple of days. This will ensure that you don’t overdo it on moving day.
6. Hire Professional Removalists
When you hire professional movers, they alleviate a lot of the physical burdens that come with moving house. They also take care of the logistical tasks that might not be easy to manage on your own.
Ask friends and family members for help, whether they can offer a hand with packing or simply give you a ride to your new home. Make sure to have plenty of food on hand for anyone helping you on moving day – pizza and beer is always welcome!
Clear pathways and remove any obstacles that could cause a trip-and-fall for movers. This will ensure safety for everyone involved.
7. Be Prepared
During the process of moving, it is important to remember to stay hydrated and take care of yourself. Having snacks on hand can also help you maintain your energy levels throughout the day. If you have kids, consider hiring a sitter for the day so you can focus on the task at hand.
Before packing your belongings, it is a good idea to sort them into keep, donate, or throw out piles. This will save you from having to pack and move items that you no longer use. It is also a good idea to measure the stairways and doorways of your new home, so you know what size furniture will fit through them.
By following these 7 essential tips, you can keep moving day under control, take your stress levels down a notch and know that whatever moving day throws at you, you are prepared for it.
For more tips to keep your move stress-free, check out the infographic below!
Infographic provided by Master Movers, a residential moving company
