Finding your new home is awesome. You get to envision what your new living space will look like, explore the new neighborhood, and decorate your new pad. But there’s one little part of finding a new place none of us can overlook (although we certainly would like to) and that’s moving.
Moving, especially a long distance move, is unarguably the most exhausting and stressful part of finding a new home, but it’s part of life and your belongings have to be moved from your old home to your new one somehow. While you may want to drag your feet and groan just thinking about it, there are ways to make the moving process easier on everyone with these tips and hacks.
Start Planning
First things first, make a checklist before your move to avoid any unexpected surprises. You’ll want to make sure you notify your utility companies to transfer or cancel your service, set a budget for your move, reserve a moving truck, and gather up packing supplies. If you’re not able to move heavy items from your space, consider shopping around for a professional moving company to help load your items on the truck. Here are some great tools you can use to help you start planning:
- How much packing supplies will you need? Use the handy Packing & Moving Calculator to find out
- Get an accurate budget for your move with the Moving Cost Calculator
Start Packing
Now that you have an idea of how to plan for your move, let’s discuss how to smooth out the process with these helpful hacks and tips.
Packing Clothes
Don’t take clothes out of drawers and pack them into boxes. Instead, remove drawers with the clothes still inside and wrap them up with plastic wrap or use a garbage bag to protect the items. You can do the same thing with clothes in your closet, keep them on the hangers and simply cover them with a plastic covering.
Don’t Buy a Ton of Packing Paper
Not only is packing paper not environmentally friendly, but it can also be a financial burden if you’re on a tight budget. Instead, use your linens, towels, and other cloth items to wrap around breakable items like your glassware and lamps.
Use Suitcases
If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on moving boxes, use your suitcases to pack your belongings instead. Many suitcases come with several compartments which are perfect for smaller items like toilet trees. For kitchen items, use your pots to hold your spices or silverware.
Secure Spillable Items
Nothing is worse than cleaning up a sticky mess of syrup or hair gel because the container leaked during the move. To avoid this, wrap your spillable items in plastic wrap to make sure they don’t leak.
Label or Color Code Boxes
Take the guesswork out of which box goes to which room by labeling or color-coding your boxes so you know exactly where to drop boxes off when you get to your new place.
Take Breaks
Even if you cut corners with these packing hacks, moving can still wear you down. Set aside some time throughout the day and take a break. If you’re worried you’ll put off packing by taking a break, set a timer so you know when to get back to it.
Moving is hard, but it doesn’t have to be. Use these tips and hacks to lighten up the workload, you might be surprised at how much easier and efficient moving can be!
