Just the idea of moving is stressful, but actually going through a move can push many people to the brink. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the enormity of it all since moving to a new home means many aspects of your daily life are changing, from your commute to work to the location of your favorite grocery store. But don’t worry, we are here to help make your moving experience run as smoothly as possible so you can focus on being excited about your new home. Read on for common moving mistakes and how to avoid them.

Packing Tips for Moving

It’s no secret that many of us have a lot of stuff. Chances are that you’ve accumulated a ton of possessions if you’ve lived in your home for many years (or even decades). So when you are preparing to move, contemplating the colossal task of packing everything can seem daunting. No matter if you are a self-proclaimed ‘packrat’ or consider yourself to be a minimalist, it’s helpful to assess all of your belongings before starting to pack. Why? Because you probably have not used many of those items in years and don’t need to move all of it. Start by making two separate piles – one for keep, one for donate or sell – and sort all of your belongings. You may find that you have duplicate items that friends and family can use, but didn’t realize it until you pulled everything out storage. Tackling this first before starting to pack will save you money on your move because you will end up with fewer boxes.

Your next step is to begin packing. It’s tempting to get started right away, but we assure you that it’s not a good idea! Packing too far in advance means you’ll probably pack something that you will need before the move and will end up unpacking the box anyway. Moving professionals will tell you that most two-bedroom homes take three days to pack, while three-bedroom homes take about five days to pack. You’ll have to add on additional days for extra bedrooms and for homes with large basements.

Once you start packing, stay organized. Grab a notebook and catalog its contents. Assign each box a number and copy the number down in your notebook. The numbering system is also helpful when making sure all of your boxes made the move to your new home. If the numbering system seems like too much, attach each box’s list of contents to the outside of the box. While you are packing, don’t forget to set aside items you will need right away, on your first night in your new home, such as clothes, toiletries, cleaning supplies, dishware, etc.

Helpful Moving Advice

Asking your friends to help you move instead of hiring a moving company can seem like a great idea at first. It works if you don’t have much stuff, are not moving far, or don’t have the budget. But if your budget allows, hiring a moving company will provide peace of mind and cut down your stress considerably. Professional movers know how to pack delicate items, offer furniture disassembly, and packing services to save you time.
Start with research before choosing a moving company. Read referrals and reviews, and then get estimates so you can compare prices. Ask each moving company if they are licensed, inquire about the insurance coverage they have, and find out what insurance they may offer to you in case your belongings are lost or damaged. Finally, make sure to review the contract thoroughly before you sign it and keep an eye out for extra fees.
Not giving yourself enough time to plan a move can be a huge mistake. By pairing down your belongings and staying organized while packing, you will save money and settle into your new home faster.
Choosing a reputable mover will also make the transition to your home a smooth one. Contact Fuller Moving for an estimate today!