{"id":10328,"date":"2013-11-20T18:43:14","date_gmt":"2013-11-20T22:43:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/?p=10328"},"modified":"2022-04-18T03:05:45","modified_gmt":"2022-04-18T07:05:45","slug":"34-moving-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/34-moving-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"34 Moving Packing Tips That Will Make Your Move Way Easier"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"moving<\/p>\n

Relax. There is still some time to prepare for the move. See the 34 illustrated moving & packing tips that will make your life way easier:<\/p>\n

1. Prepare an open first box<\/h2>\n

\"open<\/p>\n

Pack all your valuables, expensive stuff and things you will need first at the new place in a single box and carry that with you.<\/p>\n

2. If moving by yourself call for help a week in advance<\/h2>\n

\"call<\/p>\n

You need to prepare your friends way before the moving day so they won’t be able to come up with excuses why they can’t be there. Organize as many people as possible. This is in the case that you’ve decided to move by yourself.<\/p>\n

3. Organize your move on the go<\/h2>\n

\"smarphone<\/p>\n

Download a moving app<\/a> to your smartphone to make the whole organization process even easier. Track your progress and stay in control. Some mobile apps provide built in moving checklists so you don’t forget anything.<\/p>\n

4. Moving in the city? Obtain a parking permit<\/h2>\n

\"parking-permit\"<\/a>In big cities like New York and Boston it could be really hard to navigate a moving truck and even harder to find a parking spot. Having a reserved parking space makes the move a piece of cake.<\/p>\n

5 Hunt for free moving boxes<\/h2>\n

\"free<\/p>\n

Go the the local liquor store or supermarket and ask for free boxes. Save yourself a fortune. Buying new boxes might cost you as much as the move itself.<\/p>\n

6. Protect what’s valuable with custom crating<\/h2>\n

\"custom<\/p>\n

Some very expensive pieces of furniture, art collections or expansive wine collections may require custom crating to ensure safer transportation. Be prepared to pay extra for that.<\/p>\n

7. Make it a family thing<\/h2>\n

\"family<\/p>\n

Involve the whole family and especially the kids in the packing and moving process. Make it as a fun game and keep them involved into the process.<\/p>\n

8. Use a lot of blankets while packing<\/h2>\n

\"moving<\/p>\n

Secure your furniture with blankets and tape. This will prevent scratches during transportation. But if you own one of those expensive couches, you may want to reconsider packing by yourself and let the professionals handle the job.<\/p>\n

9. Use Packing Paper For Your Glasses And Dishes<\/h2>\n

\"packing<\/p>\n

Pack all glasses individually. If you have expensive china, pay extra attention. Packing the kitchen is the most time consuming thing from the whole relocation process so start early.<\/p>\n

10. Label all the fragile boxes<\/h2>\n

\"fragile<\/p>\n

Make sure you label all boxes in detail. This will help you unpack and settle faster at your new place and save you the trouble of cleaning broken dishes.<\/p>\n

11. Start Packing Two Weeks In Advance<\/h2>\n

\"start<\/p>\n

Start with the things that you are not using that often. By starting early, you will leave less work to do as the moving day approaches.<\/p>\n

12. Reserve The Elevator For The Moving Day<\/h2>\n

\"freight<\/p>\n

If you are moving from or to an apartment building, ask the building management to reserve the elevator for the moving day (or at least for a couple of hours). Some buildings have freight elevators, but most of them will just cover one them with blankets for protection.<\/p>\n

13. Get mattress covers<\/h2>\n

\"mattress<\/p>\n

Protect your mattresses and box springs with plastic mattress covers. If you are using a professional movers, they might be able to sell you some on the moving day, but usually the price will be higher.<\/p>\n

14. Explore all your transportation options<\/h2>\n

\"explore<\/p>\n

You can hire a rental truck<\/a>, do the move by yourself<\/a>, move with a portable storage<\/a> container or hire movers<\/a>. See what suits you best.<\/p>\n

15. Read the paperwork twice before signing<\/h2>\n

\"movers<\/p>\n

Demand for a copy of the contract (called Bill of Lading) as well as all the other paperwork several days before signing. Doing that will give you time to read it and react. Never sign blank documents.<\/strong><\/p>\n

16. Watch out for hidden moving costs<\/h2>\n

\"hidden<\/p>\n

Some movers may add hidden costs<\/a> to your final bill. Research all the options before signing to avoid bad surprises.<\/p>\n

17. Assemble your bed first<\/h2>\n

\"bed<\/p>\n

When arriving at your new home unpack the bed first so you can get a good rest and have some sleep before doing the rest of the unpacking.<\/p>\n

18. Emptying the fridge<\/h2>\n

\"fridge<\/p>\n

Do not buy a lot of food the week before the moving day. However, make sure you have some food and beverages for the moving day itself. The day before your move, defrost the fridge completely.<\/p>\n

19. Rent a moving dolly to carry the heavy furniture<\/h2>\n

\"furniture<\/p>\n

Make sure you have a hand truck and a furniture dolly on the moving day especially if you are moving by yourself. The alternative is caring everything by hand and that is no fun at all.<\/p>\n

20. Walk around the new neighborhood<\/h2>\n

\"neighbourhood\"<\/p>\n

.. and check where important institutions and places are located \u2013 schools, post offices, supermarkets, etc. Get to know your new city before you move in. This will help you settle faster and will make your transition smoother.<\/p>\n

21. Take photos of the electronics wiring<\/h2>\n

\"take<\/p>\n

Make sure you take a lot of photos and save yourself the troubles when connecting everything back again. (photo source<\/a>)<\/p>\n

22. Pack your clothes in garbage bags<\/h2>\n

\"packing<\/p>\n

The most efficient way to pack your clothes is in special wardrobe boxes, but you could also use regular plastic bags. (source<\/a>)<\/p>\n

23. Pack with the rooms in mind<\/h2>\n

\"boxes<\/p>\n

Avoid mixing multiple items from different rooms in the same box. This will increase your unpacking time by a lot.<\/p>\n

24. Get rid of excess stuff<\/h2>\n

\"garageThis is the time to give away or throw everything what you won’t need. You can also organize a garage sale a week before the move itself to cover some of the expenses.<\/p>\n

25. Read the manuals before moving appliances<\/h2>\n

\"moving<\/p>\n

For larger appliances make sure to check the owner\u2019s manuals to see if there are special moving instructions.<\/p>\n

26. Leave your pets with a friend on moving day<\/h2>\n

\"moving<\/p>\n

If moving locally, leave your pets with a friend on the moving day. Animals can become frightened and\u00a0confused during the move.<\/p>\n

27. Request a written estimate from your movers<\/h2>\n

\"movers<\/p>\n

A written estimate<\/a> where a company representative comes to your home is one of your best safeguards against overcharges and other potential issues. Verbal estimates over the phone or email are non binding estimates. (Source<\/a>)<\/p>\n

28. Have kids? Hire a babysitter for the moving day<\/h2>\n

\"babysitter<\/p>\n

\"reputable<\/p>\n

29. Research for reputable movers.<\/h2>\n

If you decide to go with a moving company, make sure you do your homework.<\/p>\n