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Moving is something most of us have to do at one point or another, and it’s rarely fun. It’s often seen as a chore that we dread. While there may not be a way to make moving an entirely enjoyable experience, a little planning can make it more efficient and, hopefully, less stressful. Below are some hacks that might make the moving process a little easier.
Preparing for the Move
Call Utility Companies
As soon as you know you’re moving, get your utilities in order. Cancel any utilities at your old location and set them up at your new home. This small task, which only takes a few phone calls, can save you a lot of grief when settling into your new residence.
Measure Everything
You may have a general idea of where you want your furniture to go, but it’s crucial to measure everything beforehand. This ensures that your bulky furniture fits perfectly in the spaces you’ve envisioned, avoiding surprises on moving day.
Collect Boxes Early
Start accumulating boxes as soon as you know you’re going to move. Many places, like U-Haul, offer free boxes if you ask. The earlier you start, the less stressful packing will be.
Create a Packing Essentials Station
Before you start packing, gather everything you might need, such as tape, scissors, plastic wrap, and markers, and place them in one box. This portable packing station ensures you have everything in one place and can move it from room to room as needed.
Make Some Handles
Make carrying boxes easier by cutting triangular holes on two opposite sides of the box to create handy handles. This simple hack can make lifting and moving boxes much more manageable.
Packing Efficiently
Protect Fragile Items
Before spending money on packing peanuts and bubble wrap, consider using items you already have, like crumpled magazines, newspapers, plastic bags, or old towels. These can protect your breakables just as well.
Keep Clothes Where They Are
Save time by leaving clothes on hangers and in drawers. Simply wrap hanging clothes in a garbage bag and secure drawer items with plastic wrap to keep everything in place.
Keep Hardware in Plastic Bags
Disassembling furniture? Keep all the small screws and hardware in a plastic bag, and tape the bag to a larger piece of the furniture it belongs to. This way, everything stays together for easy reassembly.
Label the Boxes
Marking boxes before moving them can save a lot of time. Consider creating an inventory list of each box’s contents or color-coding boxes by room. This will streamline the unpacking process.
Label Your Cords
Avoid confusion by looping cords through toilet paper rolls and labeling them. Take a picture of the back of your TV or computer setup for easy reference when reconnecting everything in your new place.
Secure Toiletries
When packing your bathroom, place a piece of plastic wrap over the opening of toiletries and then screw the cap back on. This will prevent spills during the move.
Make Heavy Items Portable
Use suitcases or large rolling bags to pack heavy items like books. This reduces the strain of lifting and moving heavy boxes.
Take a Picture or Two to Remember the Old House
Moving can be emotional. Before leaving, take a few pictures to remember the home by. These photos will be a cherished memory in the future.
Unpacking in Your New Home
Unpack Boxes by Room
If you planned ahead and grouped boxes by room, now is the time to take them to the correct room and unpack them.
Use Rubber Bands to Prevent Getting Locked Out
When unpacking, loop a large rubber band from the knob on one side of the door to the knob on the opposite side to avoid getting locked out.
Take a Breather
Moving can be stressful. Remember to take breaks if you feel fatigued. Taking care of yourself is just as important as getting everything unpacked.
Need help with moving?
Get help with moving from one of our CB Preferred Providers.
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