There’s no doubt about it; moving can be one of the most exciting yet frustrating experiences a person can go through. So understandably, people begin to search for ways that can make the entire process that much easier. Although there are certain things you simply cannot ignore, such as needing to pack, other areas can become easier. To accomplish that, the following list of 10 moving life hacks has been compiled for your convenience.
1. Get Rid of Items You Don’t Use
As stated above, packing is something that you are simply not going to be able to get out of. However, you can do certain things to ensure that the packing process is much quicker and efficient. One of those includes getting rid of as many unused items as possible. For example, if you have old clothes that you don’t want, donating them to your local shelter is highly encouraged. In addition, if you have larger items such as a mini-fridge or old desk, selling them online or scheduling a trash pick-up can drastically decrease your workload come moving day.
2. Research & Hire a Moving Company Early
Those looking to move large distances will certainly need the aid of a moving company. However, one of the most common mistakes homeowners tend to make is waiting until the last minute to research and hire a moving company. This is because the services of companies such as the MoveDay moving company are so sought after that their schedules can fill up fast. Thus it is highly recommended to begin researching and scheduling a moving day at least a month prior to the actual date.
3. Connect Utilities in Advance
After a long day of gathering your kids and making sure you are not leaving anything behind, the last thing you want to deal with is a new home with no power. This is why homeowners are highly encouraged to connect their utilities ahead of their move. This will ensure that movers have enough light to place your items within your home and that you can rest and relax in an air-conditioned area.
4. Pack a Moving Survival Kit
One of the best pieces of advice by moving companies and those who have moved before is that everyone should create and carry a moving survival kit with them. This should include items such as your phone charger, laptop, snacks, drinks, and medicine, to name a few.
5. Create a Timeline
Packing, speaking with real estate agents and a moving company can be exhausting. Thus it is critical that you create a timeline of when things are going to be done. This will allow you to not only tackle what needs to be done but also helps to eliminate items from overlapping.
6. Take the Time to Record & Remember
Although moving can be hectic, it should also be a time to reflect and remember all the happy memories you’ve had within that home. Taking pictures or video is a great way to keep a little something from your old place. In addition, it may even help you provide evidence to your insurance company if you ever need to file an insurance claim on a lost or damaged item.
7. Search Around for Moving Boxes
Moving boxes are not too expensive to purchase. However, you’re quickly going to find out that you are going to need a lot of them, and after a certain amount, it can become a financial burden. Fortunately, there are ways that you can get free moving boxes. One of the best ways is to simply ask a store manager for leftover boxes. Most large grocery stores have tons of leftover cardboard boxes, and they rather give them to you than spend the time breaking them down and placing them into the dumpster.
8. Label Anything & Everything
After a long day on the road, you want to ensure that you can unpack as quickly as possible and take a rest. This can be difficult if you don’t know what’s in each of your moving boxes. By simply taking the time to label each one, you can help not only yourself but the movers as they will understand which box goes into which room.
9. Transport Important Items Yourself
Certain things should not be left to the moving truck. Important items such as a family heirloom or vital documents (birth certificates, ID cards, etc.) must be transported to your new location via your vehicle. This can drastically reduce the stress of thinking they are going to be okay during the moving process.
10. Communicate & Be Kind to the Movers
Movers are people, too, and should be treated as such. Allowing them to rest or offering them water can not only make the process that much smoother, but you can bet that they are going to treat your items with much more care.
Moving, especially long-distance, can be a very frustrating and daunting experience. Thus it is highly recommended that you utilize the life hacks listed above to help make your moving day that much easier and stress-free.