There are a lot of little things that can add up to a stressful move. Switching your utilities in advance, deep-cleaning your house before the move, and other small tasks can make a big difference come moving day.
Thankfully, there are some moving hacks to help you stay organized and reduce stress during your relocation. Here are seven of them:
1. Organize your belongings
Whether you are moving across the city or to another state, there are many ways that you can reduce the stress associated with the move. One way is to organize your belongings as you pack them. This will ensure that all your items make it safely to your new home. It will also help you avoid any misplaced items during the move.
Start organizing your belongings at least a month out from the move, sorting through what you will keep, donate, and throw away. Schedule a charity pickup for any unwanted items prior to your move. This will save you time and money on disposal fees.
When packing, use vacuum-sealed bags or compression cubes to reduce the amount of space you need for your belongings. This will also save you on box costs. Make sure to label all your boxes with their contents and the room they belong in. It will make unpacking much easier and faster once you get to your new home.
On move day, be sure to give the movers a walkthrough of your house or apartment. Point out all the fragile items and any furniture pieces that may need to be disassembled. This will ensure that no items are left behind and will help the movers get to work quickly.
2. Start early
The first step to a stress-free move is getting started early. This is especially true when it comes to packing. Often, people wait until the last minute to start and find themselves rushed and overwhelmed when it’s time to pack up everything for the move.
This can lead to mistakes and even more stress down the road. By starting to pack your things well in advance of the actual move, you can avoid any pitfalls and give yourself more time to complete other moving tasks.
It’s also a good idea to price compare different moving companies and storage containers so that you can make the most informed decision for your situation. This will ensure that you get the best possible price and don’t overpay for services.
Another way to save money on your move is to take advantage of all the free boxes you can get. Many people post old boxes on Craigslist and Letgo, so start searching early! You can also use paper bags to keep your clothes organized and protect them during the move. Also, consider using a mattress bag to protect your mattress from dust and other debris during the move. This is one of the most underrated packing hacks and can really help to make your move a lot cheaper.
3. Pack your essentials
Whether you’re moving to a new home or simply to a different room in your house, it can be hard to know what to pack and how much. While it isn’t always possible to avoid the stress of packing, there are some tips and tricks that can make it a lot less stressful.
One of the best hacks is to pack your essentials first. This includes items like toiletries, clothing, and bedding. This will help you stay sane and allow you to focus on the more important parts of the move. It’s also a good idea to request wardrobe boxes, which are specifically designed to transport clothing on hangers. This will save you a lot of time and hassle when it comes to packing up your closet.
Another tip is to label everything. This will help movers find the right box and ensure that nothing gets lost along the way. It’s a good idea to write on all sides of the box, including the top and bottom, to make it easier for movers to read. If you want to take it a step further, consider writing the room number on each box so that you can easily determine which rooms they belong to at the new location.
4. Pack for the long haul
One of the most time-consuming parts of moving is packing. Luckily, there are a few packing hacks that can save you time and make your move go a bit smoother.
For example, you can use a utility knife to cut up boxes and wrap them around larger items like furniture to protect them during transit. Similarly, you can add extra padding by using plastic grocery bags to keep breakables from shifting during transport. You can also stuff shredded paper into empty toilet paper rolls to keep cords and other small items organized.
Another great packing hack is to pack a weekend kit for the first few days in your new home. This can include things like blankets, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies. This way, you’ll have everything you need in case your move gets delayed or your house isn’t ready for immediate occupancy.
Another important tip is to label everything. This can help you find what you need quickly and reduce the chance of misplaced or lost items. Write a number on each box and label it clearly, especially on the sides. This will ensure that you can read the labels even if the boxes are stacked or crushed.
5. Label everything
Labeling is a simple task, but it can be overlooked during the hectic process of moving. This is a big mistake, as it can lead to confusion later when you’re unpacking your boxes. Always label everything clearly and make a corresponding inventory list. This will save you a lot of time and headaches later on.
There are many different ways to label your boxes, so pick the one that’s best for you and stick with it. If you’re using second-hand boxes, inspect them for any previous inscriptions or markings, and mask them if necessary. This will help avoid confusion between you and your movers.
Another way to minimize confusion is to number your boxes. This will allow you to line up your boxes by room, and make it easier to find what you’re looking for.
Also, don’t forget to clearly label any boxes that contain fragile items. This will ensure that they’re handled with care and don’t get damaged during transit. Finally, be sure to label any essentials that you’ll need immediately in your new home, such as toilet paper or cutlery. This will make it easy for you to locate these items and reduce the risk of panic or stress during your first night in your new home.
6. Make a checklist
It’s important to keep an eye on the big picture, but also break down your move into manageable parts. It can help to create a moving checklist that will guide you and give you a sense of accomplishment as each task is checked off. This is a great way to stay on track and prevent missing any crucial steps, such as notifying your post office and updating your address for subscriptions, utilities, etc.
If you’re able to, start packing off-season items weeks or even months in advance. This will save you a lot of hassle and stress on moving day and it’s a good opportunity to rid yourself of stuff you no longer use or need!
A simple hack to make your move easier is to keep all of the hardware for any furniture that needs to be disassembled in one place. This will help you find the right piece when it comes time for reassembly, and it will make the process much smoother.
Another quick hack to make your move less stressful is to label all of your boxes with a number and the contents on the top. This will help you if something gets lost or damaged in transit.
7. Take a break
Moving is a stressful life event and can easily make you lose your cool. But there are ways to avoid it. It’s important to take a break from packing and focus on your mental health. This will help you feel more prepared for the process and give you a clear mind to tackle it head on.
It’s also a good idea to coordinate with your new landlord to see if you can do a walkthrough of the home before you move in. This will help you find any repairs and make sure everything is cleaned before your move-in date.
One of the most underrated packing hacks is using trash bags to pack clothing. This helps to protect your clothes during the move and unpacking, and it’s much faster than taking them off hangers.
By following these packing tips and hacks, you can guarantee a stress-free move to your new San Francisco dream home. If you want to make the whole process even easier, hire professional movers. They’ll help you save time and money, and ensure that your move is as smooth and seamless as possible. For more tips and tricks on how to prepare for your big move, check out this article.