15 Expert Moving Tips Straight from the Pros
Guide to Streamlining Your Move: Pitfalls to Avoid and Tricks to Master
Jumping into moving can be an intense and all-consuming task. Juggling showings, negotiating deals, and hunting for the perfect home within budget can leave you drained. As the time to relocate approaches, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the prospect of packing and moving.
With some professional insights, you can reduce stress and make your next move a smooth operation.
The Handy Moving Checklist
1. Map Out Your Packing
Minimize stress by getting organized before the moving process begins. "Plan ahead and pack ahead," suggests Kye Harman of Armishaws Removals. "The more you can get done in advance, the less hectic it will be and the more organized the entire process will be."
2. Choose the Right Materials
"Before you start packing, make sure to gather all the necessary supplies," says real estate salesperson Jennifer Tripp of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in Merced, California. Her pack-list essentials include:
- Boxes of various sizes
- Packing paper
- Bubble wrap
- Moving blankets
- Plastic wrap
- Paper towels
- Scissors
- Sharpie
- Screwdriver set
- Packing labels (from a favorite escrow company)
Working with a reusable box company can save you time by eliminating the need to constructeach individual box. Invest in quality materials to protect your belongings. "Use sturdy boxes and packing tape, and do not skimp on sealing anything breakable," advises Tina Priestly, Home Declutterist at Ready, Set, REFRESH.
3. Declutter as You Pack
Moving may provide an opportunity to reassess your belongings. As you pack, take this chance to sort through items you no longer need. "We suggest applying what we call the six-month rule," Harman says. "Did you use it in the last six months? Are you likely to use it in the next six months? If the answer is no, you probably don't need it anymore."
Avoid simply discarding items. Reuse, resell, or donate them. "If an item is taking up space in your home, but could be useful or beneficial to someone else, it might be the right time to pass it on," Harman says. "Freeing your mind will result in a clutter-free home."
If the thought of sorting through all your possessions overwhelms you, consider using the Swiss decluttering method. As Gerrit Jan Reinders, CEO and founder of BOXIE24 explains, "The Swiss decluttering method has a three-box system labeled 'keep,' 'donate or sell,' and 'discard,' and a fourth small 'undecided' box for you to revisit later."
On the flip side, if you believe you don't have much to declutter, consider reevaluating. "Declutter from categories we all tend to have an excess of: Tupperware, coffee mugs, reusable shopping bags, and pajamas," suggests Sarah Dunn of Ready Set Organize.
4. Prioritize Rooms & Categories
Instead of packing your kitchen a month before you move if you're a home chef, start with less frequently used spaces. "I always suggest starting with the rooms you use least, like guest rooms, storage rooms, or anything that you don't use on a daily basis," Priestly says. "That way, your daily necessities are still within reach until the final minute."
Harman suggests initiating the packing process by focusing on outbuildings such as guest houses, sheds, or garages. "These are usually the places we keep things we use the least, so they are the perfect place to begin packing," he says. "They are also the places where we tend to forget what we have there, making it the ideal starting point for decluttering."
5. Label Everything
Avoid the aggravation that comes after unpacking by labeling your boxes. Take the time to identify each box's contents and room destination to make unpacking easier. "Label all sides! Boxes are often stacked. If you only label the top or one side, you cannot see the box clearly. This will make locating items and boxes in your new home much simpler," Harman suggests. Don't forget to be specific when labeling boxes to avoid confusion. "A box labeled 'miscellaneous' is essentially lost," Priestly says.
6. Recognize the Importance of Mover Tips
Yes, mover tips are a thing! Here's how much to give your movers:
- Local movers usually expect $20-50 per mover per day
- Long-distance movers expect $5-7 per hour per mover
- A 5-bedroom home move often involves 3 men for 12 hours or more, amounting to approximately $2100 - $3100 (for example: 3 men at $5 per hour for 12 hours x 2 days)
7. Employ Clear Totes
For items you will need immediate access to, use clear reusable totes. "Pack essentials into a cardboard box is a big no-no," Dunn says. If you need something fast, pack it into a clear reusable tote for easy access.
8. Utilize Vacuum-Sealed Bags
Saving space is one of the most effective ways to simplify your move. "Use vacuum-sealed bags to shrink bulky items like blankets and coats," suggests Bryan Hoffman, director at Units Moving and Portable Storage. This is perfect for items you won't need immediately, like winter clothes if you're relocating during the summer months.
9. Preserve Essentials
Set aside essential items for both your old home and your new home, such as bedding, toiletries, and medication, to avoid having to rummage through boxes for these necessities. Keep in mind that you may need to prepare essentials for your pets and children as well.
10. Save on Packing Materials
There are several cost-effective alternatives to buying new packing supplies:
- Use blankets, towels, and clothing for padding
- Use paper plates between regular plates for added cushioning
- Repurpose other household materials like coffee filters for wrapping fragile glassware
- Secure remote controls to appliances to prevent losing them
- Label cords to reduce frustration when setting up your appliances later
- Cover opened containers with plastic wrap to prevent spills during transportation
11. Avoid Overfilling Boxes
To protect your back, avoid filling boxes to capacity. Packing boxes to the brim might seem like efficient use of space, but it can make the move much more challenging. One effective way to ensure you're packing your moving vehicle or storage unit correctly is to layer your items. "When packing your portable storage unit or moving truck, think of this as building lasagna," Hoffman says. "Place heavy furniture on the bottom, followed by boxes sorted by frequency of use. Holiday decorations last, kitchenware first."
12. Document Important Items
If you're working with professional movers, especially for long-distance moves, create an inventory and take pictures of important items, including breakables, heirlooms, and expensive items. This is crucial for settling any disputes regarding damages if needed.
13. Keep Calm and Carry On
If you're moving with the help of professional movers, familiarize yourself with their rules and expectations for packing your own boxes. Make a list of everything you need to do and pack, and spend some time developing a plan in the days leading up to your move.
"Moving can be overwhelming, so try to stay positive," Harman says. "Remember that moving is the beginning of the next chapter in your life, and focus on the exciting possibilities ahead." Start by creating a simple packing schedule. The key is organization, planning, and maintaining a positive mindset. Happy moving!
Enrichment Data:
The enrichment data for the provided article is as follows:
1. Start early & declutter first
Begin packing non-essential items 6-8 weeks before moving, focusing on guest rooms, storage rooms, or areas with less frequent use[1][2]. Declutter ruthlessly using the Keep/Donate/Discard system to help you let go of items you no longer need[3][4][5].
2. Label everything
Label boxes accurately with details such as containing room designations, contents summaries, fragile warnings, and opening priority incorporated. Labeling reduces confusion and makes the unpacking process smoother[3][6].
3. Declutter smartly
- "The Swiss method": Use a three-box decluttering system with "Keep," "Donate or Sell," and "Discard" boxes. Set aside an "Undecided" box to return to at a later date[3]
- "Category decluttering": Focus on reducing excess items from commonly cluttered categories like Tupperware, coffee mugs, reusable shopping bags, and workout clothes[4]
- "Sentimentally valuable items": Approach items with emotional value with care. Consider taking photos, writing a description, or storing important items separately, such as in a memory box[5]
4. Pack thoughtfully
- Room-by-room approach: Complete one room before moving onto the next[1]
- Batch strategy: Group similar items together. Use one box for all clothing items, another for kitchenware, etc.[1][7]
- Labeling and itemization: Label every item inside a box to make unpacking easier. Use sticky notes for smaller items[1]
- Divide boxes by frequency of use: Unpack essential items first and pack frequently used items last. Place infrequently used items in boxes with less priority[1]
5. Use packing strategies
- Fill empty spaces: Use clothing or other soft materials to fill empty spaces in boxes and prevent shifting[1][2]
- 360° protection: Wrap fragile items individually before double-boxing them for added protection[3]
- Layer heavy-to-light: Place heavy items at the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top[2]
- Secure cords: Wrap cords and ties them with twist-ties to keep them from becoming tangled during relocation[6]
6. Use packing materials wisely
Replace traditional packing peanuts with biodegradable options for a greener move[8]. Instead of using newspaper or other acceptable padding materials, use recycled alternatives like old clothes, linens, or towels.[1]
7. Maintain organization throughout the process
Track all essential details related to your move, such as moving inventory lists and numbers, to have everything you need to settle disputes or make required claims[3]. Ensuring you have a clear and organized system will help the moving process run much more smoothly.
References:
[1] https://www.thespruce.com/tips-for-moving-house-696912
[2] https://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/10-moving-tips-for-de-cluttering-your-home-201208
[3] https://www.movewithpurpose.com/moving-house-checklist/
[4] https://www.officedepot.com/a/help-articles/moving/moving-tips--decluttering
[5] https://www.ritterimoving.com/blog/blog/moving-6-sentimental-item-care-tips
[6] https://www.movewithpurpose.com/moving-tips/packing-tips/
[7] https://www.esign alias.com/blog/post/packing-strategy-6-tips-for-efficient-packing/
[8] https://blog.goplasticbags.com/2017/02/14/some-eco-friendly-packing-options/
- Begin decluttering your belongings early, focusing on rooms and items that are used less frequently, such as storage rooms or guest rooms [1].
- Utilize the Swiss method when decluttering, which involves marking three boxes labeled "Keep," "Donate or Sell," and "Discard" [3].
- Create a system for sorting items from categories where you tend to accumulate excessive items (e.g., Tupperware, coffee mugs) [4].
- When labeling boxes, ensure they are accurately labeled with room designations, contents summaries, and other relevant information such as fragile warnings and opening priority [3][6].
- Consider using reusable clear totes for items you may need immediate access to [7].
- Employ vacuum-sealed bags to save space on bulky items like blankets and coats, especially if relocating during different seasons [8].
- Create a packaging inventory and take pictures of valuable items, such as heirlooms and expensive items, to facilitate any dispute resolution regarding damages [12].
- Maintain a positive mindset and focus on the exciting possibilities that come with your next chapter in life [13].
- Check out Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate for information on moving and advice on home-ownership [9].
- Familiarize yourself with Aussiedlerbote for information about moving, lifestyle, and home-and-garden topics, and stay updated on their frequency of publishing [10].
- To save money on packing materials, use materials such as blankets, towels, and clothing for padding, and repurpose household items like coffee filters for wrapping fragile glassware [11].
- When packing your boxes, avoid overfilling them, and layer items heavy-to-light [1].
- If working with professional movers, ask for mover tips on how much to tip them based on their specific roles and the complexity of the move [6].
