Moving Tips
Plan Ahead
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Book Early:
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Whether you’re hiring professional movers or renting a truck, booking early ensures you secure the date and time that works best for you, especially during peak moving seasons (spring and summer).
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Create a Timeline:
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Start by making a moving timeline that includes all key tasks: when to start packing, when to change your address, and when to transfer utilities.
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Declutter First:
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Reduce the volume of items to move by donating, selling, or recycling items you no longer need. This will make packing easier and can even lower moving costs.
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Pack Like a Pro
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Use High-Quality Supplies:
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Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. While it may seem cost-effective to reuse old boxes, new boxes provide better protection for your belongings.
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Label Boxes Clearly:
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Label each box with the room it belongs in and a brief description of the contents (e.g., “Kitchen – Pots & Pans”). Consider using color-coded labels for each room to make unpacking easier.
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Pack a “First-Night” Box:
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Include essentials like toiletries, chargers, a change of clothes, and basic kitchen supplies in a box that stays with you. This ensures you’ll have what you need without rummaging through boxes on your first night.
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Keep Valuables Safe
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Pack Valuables Separately:
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Keep personal documents, jewelry, electronics, and other valuable items with you during the move. Consider using a lockbox or a separate suitcase that stays with you throughout the moving process.
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Inventory Your Belongings:
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Create a detailed inventory of your items, either with a moving app or a spreadsheet. This is especially important for high-value items, as it will make claims easier if anything gets damaged or lost.
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Maximize Efficiency on Moving Day
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Disassemble Furniture Ahead of Time:
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If possible, disassemble large furniture pieces like bed frames and desks the night before the move. Keep screws and bolts in labeled bags to make reassembly easy.
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Prepare Appliances:
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Defrost your fridge and freezer at least 24 hours before moving day to avoid leaks. Secure doors and any loose parts with tape or padding.
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Clear a Path for Movers:
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Make sure there is a clear pathway from your home to the moving truck to avoid delays and potential damage to your belongings or property.
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Stay Organized with Utilities and Services
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Transfer Utilities Early:
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Schedule your utility transfers (electricity, gas, water, internet) at least two weeks before moving day. This ensures everything is up and running when you arrive at your new home.
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Change Your Address:
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Update your address with the post office, banks, credit cards, and other essential services. Don’t forget to update your driver’s license if required in your state.
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Protect Your Items in Transit
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Use Moving Blankets and Padding:
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Protect furniture, mirrors, and other delicate items with moving blankets or bubble wrap. This minimizes the risk of damage during transit.
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Avoid Over Packing Boxes:
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Heavy boxes are more likely to break or cause injury. Keep box weight manageable (under 50 lbs) and distribute weight evenly.
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Make the Most of Professional Movers
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Communicate Special Requests:
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If you have fragile or high-value items that require extra care, let your movers know in advance. Provide any necessary instructions to avoid issues.
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Check Moving Insurance:
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Ask your moving company about their insurance options. If you’re transporting valuable or irreplaceable items, consider purchasing additional coverage for peace of mind.
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Consider Temporary Storage
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Use Storage for Staggered Moves:
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If your new home isn’t ready by the time you move out of your current one, consider renting a storage unit. This can be especially useful for long-distance moves or relocations with timing gaps.
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Plan for Kids and Pets
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Make Arrangements for Pets:
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If you’re moving with children, pack a separate bag with toys, snacks, and activities to keep them occupied during the move. Alternatively, ask a family member or babysitter to help out on moving day.
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Keep Kids Entertained:
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Update your address with the post office, banks, credit cards, and other essential services. Don’t forget to update your driver’s license if required in your state.
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Don’t Forget to Tip Movers
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Gratuity Guidelines:
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If you’re happy with the service your movers provided, tipping is a great way to show appreciation. A standard tip is around $4-$5 per hour per mover, or 10-20% of the total bill, depending on the complexity of the move.
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Bonus Moving Hacks
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Photograph Electronics Setups:
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Before disconnecting electronics, take a picture of the setup. This will help you remember where all the cables go when it’s time to set everything back up.
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Pack Plates & Picture Frames Vertically:
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Pack these items vertically, like records, instead of stacking them. This reduces the chance of breakage.
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Use Towels and Linens as Padding:
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Save money and space by using towels, blankets, and linens to wrap fragile items.
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Keep Hardware Organized:
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For furniture that needs disassembling, place screws and small parts in plastic bags and tape them to the item they belong to.
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