Who said, “I love moving all of my things when I buy a new home?” No one. Ever. Moving possessions to a new home is a necessary and monumental task (unless you are a really, really, really hardcore minimalist). But never fear: moving tips are here. It’s likely that some apply to your situation and some don’t. But they are worth a quick read.
Tips for hiring pro movers to pack and move:
- Get multiple quotes (mid-week moves are usually less expensive)
- Read moving company reviews
- Bring cash for tipping movers. A general tipping rule is five dollars per mover, per hour
- If you are moving a long distance, pack a fully charged tablet inside a box, and use a phone finder app to track where your stuff is at all times
- Carefully read a copy of the moving company’s insurance policy. As questions to ensure you understand it.
Tips for moving yourself:
- Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if they cover possessions you move. If they don’t, or if you need to fill in gaps, get moving insurance
- Figure out the size of truck you need
- Get bungee cords and rope to tie stuff down
- Price buying or renting a hand truck (aka dolly) if you have a lot to move. Upgrade to the one that converts to roll on four wheels if you have heavy furniture.
- Go overboard on supplies. You can never have too many boxes in a variety of sizes (find free boxes at recycling drop-off locations). Load up on bubble wrap, cartons, blankets, cushions, and packing tape. Don’t forget a few tape dispensers.
- In general, plan for packing up one room per day. Don’t forget the garage and kitchen.
- Pack TVs, mirrors, and framed artwork in adjustable TV boxes
- Wrap small items in bright tissue paper so they aren’t accidentally thrown out
- Don’t overload boxes. They should be sealable with one piece of packing tape.
- Wrap pieces that go together with stretch wrap
- If space is an issue, use vacuum storage bags for bulky items like sweaters and blankets.
- Speaking of blankets, you can also use blankets and pillows to wrap or cushion framed art and other fragile items.
- And speaking of breakable items, be sure to mark boxes with big “FRAGILE” notations as needed
- If you are in a hurry, use plastic drawstring trash bags. Pull bags up and over your hanging clothes and cinch on the hanger.
- Pack liquids like detergent and lotion in zip lock bags
- The heavier the item, the smaller the box you should pack it in.
- Instead of wrapping and taping each plate or glass, buy foam pouches and just slip breakables in those
- Carry less and make more trips.
- Like mama used to say: Bend at the knees!
Hiring movers OR moving yourself:
- Get organized. Come up with a labeling system so you can quickly see
what room a box goes to: user color coded tape, or print labels ahead of time. Trust us, you’ll be glad when each box at least lands in the right room. - If you are moving out of a rental, get a copy of your lease and read it carefully. Do exactly what it says—if you want your deposit money back.
- Rekey the locks in your new home ASAP. A locksmith can do it in a couple of hours.
- Keep a list of passwords secure and easily accessible
- Bring a broom and dustpan or a handheld vacuum
- Transfer or cancel utilities
- Don’t forget new tags and licenses
- Hire a company to deep clean your old and new homes.
- Pack two clear bins and keep them with you. One with commonly needed supplies like a hammer, screwdriver, measuring tape, pencils, packing tape, scissors, box cutters, paper, and markers, and another with toilet paper, paper towels, over the counter painkillers, bandages, wipes, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen.
- Protect your mattress with a mattress bag
- Have lots of water bottles on hand
- If you have pets to board, arrange a month in advance and board them before moving day
- Bring a door stopper
- Schedule pick ups for items you’re donating to charity (and keep the receipts)
- No packing on moving day! Get it done before.
- Did you forget? Like mama used to say, bend at the knees!
