Moving can be a great thing: a new home, new faces, new places to explore and call your own. But how about the act of moving. Look around your house. Do you want to pack, organize, lift, and move all that yourself? Whether you're hiring movers, DIY, or a little combination of both, here's a moving checklist from your favorite moving company, Budget Movers. Successful moves can take a little planning ahead! Read ahead to avoid moving mistakes and cut out as much stress as possible!
Why should you follow a moving checklist?
Following a checklist during your move will ensure that everything is in order before, during, and after your relocation. Remember to stay positive during your relocation. A lot can happen.
Many moving tips will focus on arranging services or how to prepare your house. Some will go into detail about pet care during a move. Different moves will have different needs. If you have specialty items, look for guides for those items—such as how to move a grand piano or how to safely move old antiques—but this general list of moving tips and tricks will help the average move.
Many things can go wrong during a move, including unexpected storms and delays. Plan and prepare for anything that can happen during your move!
Moving tips, tricks, and advice
1. Get rid of unwanted items
Make your life easier by throwing away or giving away any old, unwanted items. Packing everything for your move can get overwhelming, not to mention costly. Before you even pack, consider what can go. Pack less and start your new life with less to unpack!
2. Make a moving folder
Record every detail you can! Make sure to list everything you are moving on an inventory list. Make sure to print out any hard copies of your moving folder on your computer. Having records, receipts, and agreements on hand will save you a lot of time during your move.
3. Pack as soon as you can
If it's July, pack and organize everything in the winter. Just because you're not moving soon doesn't mean you cannot get started. You'll be happy you had a head start when you are two weeks away from moving.
We suggest booking 2-3 months in advance. Moving is a busy industry. You don't want to get left behind with a contractor or a not-so-credible moving company.
4. Book early
Book at least 2 to 3 months in advance if you want the smoothest move possible. If you can book earlier, do it! Hiring movers or contractors for an immediate job can cost you more. Also, you are rushing your provider to offer services faster than usual. The moving season, during the spring and summer, is hectic. Consider moving in the fall or winter months for cheaper rates,
5. Schedule utilities for your new place
Once you finalize your moving dates, contact your utility providers to schedule service at your new place. Don't arrive at your new home, tired and dirty from the move, only to find that none of your utilities are on. Schedule any changes ahead of time, and keep records of your requests in your moving folder. Don't forget to stop your current services on the day you move out.
6. Keep the essentials with you
Create an easily accessible box with everything you need during your move. Having all the essentials ready will be great when you need hygienic items like deodorant and toothbrushes or a warm blanket when it gets cold. Don't forget to pack any necessary items for your kids or pets.
7. Invest in Equipment
Do you have all your moving supplies ready? Packing correctly involves quality moving boxes, labels, markers, moving blankets, hand-trucks, box cutters, scissors, Bungie cords, foam peanuts, garbage bags, and more! Stock up on supplies before you even consider packing. Also, don't forget to keep any receipts. There's a big chance you won't use everything.
If you hire professionals like us, you won't have to worry about purchasing supplies. Budget Movers will only charge you for what you use!
8. Consider a rental truck with a loading ramp
Utilizing a truck with a ramp will make your life 100 times easier if you're moving by yourself. It's definitely cheaper to rent a truck without one, but loading every box and piece of furniture manually will add a lot of time and effort to your relocation.
Packing tips
1. Use strong boxes
You can use any old boxes, such as old moving boxes or the ones sitting in your attic or crawlspace. However, if you don't use industry standard moving supplies, you risk damaging your possessions. When you pack, make sure to put all the heavier items in small boxes. Loading up heavy items in a big box can cost alot of shifting during your move.
2. Keep everything heavy on the bottom
If you're doing it everything yourself, make sure to load all heavy boxes items first. Not only will it make unloading easier, you're alot less likely to get movement or shifts when your heavier items are closer to the center of the vehicle.
3. Fill any empty spaces in the boxes
Movers are reluctant to move loose boxes. If a sudden shift occurs, those boxes can shift. Let's fill up those boxes with blankets, foam, or insulation to secure the items inside the container.
4. Don't mix match your possessions
Make sure to keep items from each room together. Keep everything organized to make your life easier when you finally unload and unpack.
5. Label and categorize all your items
Organize and label every box to know exactly where it's going and what is in the box. Don't forget to provide this information with the moving company of your choice, so they know where everything is going as well!
6. Tape your moving boxes well
Use proper packaging tape to secure your moving boxes. Avoid using light weight options, such as scotch tape or painter's tape. Doubling up on take can save you a lot of money! Just wrap around a couple times and ensure nothing will come out!
7. Ask about specialty crating and list any expensive art
Make sure the company you hire understands the worth of the pieces you are moving. If you are moving any special mediums, make sure to research best practices for transporting different types of art. For example, oil paintings will stick to regular paper. Don't go cheap with the bubble wrap and crating for any items significant to you.
8. Give special attention to your glassware
Packing anything in the kitchen involves a lot of protection. Make sure to have all the insulation and security you can to protect your fine china, fancy vases, figurines, and anything else fragile. Try not to overpack anything, especially glass.
9. Utilize wardrobe boxes or corrugated boxes for clothes
Move all your clothes easily from one closet to another quickly and easily. The average wardrobe box has a bar that can hang all your clothing.
10. Pack your TV correctly
To avoid any risks moving your television, request moving boxes specified for flat screened TVs. Many movers will cover the TVs with a moving blanket, but you need specialized packages to ensure the safety of the screen. If you do not have access to television boxes, we suggest double boxing a TV and insulating the box with blankets.