Moving out of your home is one of the biggest, most daunting tasks and can be extremely overwhelming. With a bit of planning and effort, you can prepare for your move well in advance and alleviate much of the stress and exhaustion that can happen before, during and after moving day.
Here are 20 tips to help you avoid chaos on moving day:
- Get organized early
- Figure out your moving strategy and make arrangements
- Collect free boxes for packing and newspaper for artwork and dishes to cut costs and be environmentally conscious.
- Have open communication with your movers
- Pick the right size of transportation vehicle to avoid multiple trips
- Make time to sift through your belongings. Purge and donate as much as possible to local charities
- Unwanted furniture can be sold or given away on websites such as Craigslist in advance of moving day.
- Change your address two weeks prior to moving
- Put together a packing kit and an overnight bag
- Pack the first items you need in a clear container
- Label all boxes with everything it contains including what room it belongs in
- Check with your insurance companyto confirm your possessions are covered during transit
- Protect your valuables and gather personal and family records for safe keeping
- Hook up utility services prior to move in
- Avoid scheduling furniture deliveries, etc. on moving day
- Find a child and/or pet sitter for moving day
- Have cash on hand for moving day for movers, unexpected expenses and quick purchases
- Provide food and snack breaks on moving day, and plenty of water.
- Check your possessions carefully as soon as possible and note any damaged items
- Treat your movers, friends & family that helped you move
