How to Prepare for a Move

Moving from your residence or office may seem as simple as packing up a few items, throwing them into a vehicle, and unpacking on arrival. However, there is a lot more involved than gathering some boxes and borrowing your friend’s truck. Preparing for your move in advance will make the experience much smoother.

Hiring a professional moving company is the best way to avoid mishaps and keep your sanity. They will help you with everything from wrapping items in protective packaging, performing the heavy lifting, and providing storage for objects that don’t fit in your new space. To figure out what you need and where to start, contact your moving company to get an assessment of the job ahead. Here are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for a move.

8 Tips for Moving

Once you have chosen a moving date and moving company, you need various size boxes and self-adhesive labels. Pack your items systematically room by room so all your kitchen stuff and bedroom things end up in the proper place. By labelling what is in each box you will have an easier time organizing it all into your new space when the time comes.

Pack Light – Try to put only the number of items you can carry in one package rather than overstuffing the boxes. This will prevent you from injuring your back when moving the boxes around. Less is more when it comes to the weight of your moving cartons.

Checklist – Put together a checklist of items you need to pack and what room they belong in. Start with one room then move to the other. Making a list ensures you don’t forget to take items with you. Moving can put you out of sorts, so lists help you remember to take things like rakes and shovels in your garden shed or remove your favourite picture or mirror from the wall.

Sell What You Don’t Want – Are there items you haven’t used in a year or more? It may be time to let these things go. Instead of just dumping them, try selling them to help you make some money. You can host a weekend garage sale or place ads on Kijiji to get rid of a lot of stuff. This will prevent you from having to waste time packing up things that you no longer need. If you can’t sell some stuff, contact local charities or organizations to donate the items. There are lots of people who need household goods but can’t afford to buy them.

Cushion – Remember to use blankets, towels, and even newspaper to wrap items in and cushion objects to prevent damage during the move. Doing this extra step helps ensure everything stays secure on the road and arrives at its destination in one piece. Double and triple wrap your prized possessions for extra security or carry them by hand, one at a time for even more protection. When hiring a professional moving company, they know how to protect your belongings and have the resources to do so. Delicate items may require bubble wrap, Styrofoam, or tissue to keep everything safe.

Keep A Suitcase – For those things you need up till the last minute before your move, pack them in a suitcase that is easily accessible. This may include items like a phone charger, an extra pair of clothes, and a toothbrush. Suitcases are also perfect for transporting all your clothing and small personal belongings.

Permits and Permissions - You may require a permit to park in front of a building or permission to use the elevator for a move. Make sure you get proper authorization at least a few weeks in advance so no issues arise on the day of the move.

Creative Eating – Find ways to use the food in your fridge and freezer. It’s probably not a good idea to do a huge grocery shopping trip before you vacate your old premises. Create new recipes using what you have left over so you don’t have to move food that may spoil if left out of the fridge. You might be inspired to make this dish again.

Prepare Snacks and Drinks – Take some thirst quenchers and small bites with you on the move. You will get hungry mid-day, and a move can take a while. This will give you the energy you need to keep going.

After A Move

Finally, after everything is done and you are all moved into your new home or office, you deserve a rest, and your body will want one. If you hired a great professional moving company, you can just sit back, relax and be thankful all the work was done for you. Make sure to rave about your movers on Google and tell your friends so they know who to use when it comes time for them to move.