No matter how many times you’ve done it, moving can be stressful, especially if you jump into it quickly and without preparing. At Move-tastic! in Chicago, we know that, and we also know a thing or two about the moving process. That’s why we want to share with you our top moving hacks for a stress-free move, packing tips, and some great planning advice. After all, a successful move comes down to how well you plan and pack.
Preliminary Steps for a Hassle-Free Move
The process of packing should start well before you fill up any boxes. Avoid the pressure of packing up everything you own by first taking some time to plan. For an organized and efficient move, start planning a few months before. This will ensure nothing is forgotten as the moving day approaches.
Creating Your Moving Checklist: Everything You Need To Consider
For the first step, create your very own checklist for packing and moving. A detailed checklist should include everything you need to prepare for the move, including a timeline for when each task needs to be completed. You can find several customizable checklists for packing and moving online that can be adjusted to meet your personal needs. Checklists will ensure everything important is remembered during the hustle and bustle of the move, and that steps, such as booking a moving company, are done at just the right time.
Decluttering Before You Pack: Tips for a Lighter Move
It doesn’t make sense to move things you don’t need from one home to another, so it’s always a good idea to spend some time decluttering your old home before you pack. Purging unnecessary items will help reduce the number of boxes needing to be filled. Walk through each room and identify everything you could do without in your new home.
Choosing the Right Packing Supplies: Boxes, Tapes, and Alternatives
Make sure you plan what supplies you’ll be using and stock up on those before you start packing. Whether you prefer boxes, totes, or a combination of the two to store all your items, planning ahead will allow you time to purchase them or ask friends and family to save you any large boxes they no longer want. Also, ensure you have enough tape and markers to seal and label your boxes.
Setting Up Utilities and Services in Your New Home Ahead of Time
Be sure to contact all utility services before your move. Utilities might include cable and internet, water and sewer, gas and electricity, satellite, security systems, trash, and telephone companies. Similarly, you’ll want to contact your current service providers to let them know when their services will no longer be needed.
Innovative Packing Strategies and Hacks
When the time to pack finally arrives, the following tips and tricks will ensure everything gets packed safely and correctly.
The Layered Approach to Box Packing: Heavy Items at the Bottom
It’s important to store heavier items first, at the bottom of the box, and lighter items on top. This will help prevent things from getting crushed and help balance the box for easier carrying. On the same note, pack your heavier boxes in the truck first, leaving the lighter ones to go on top.
Utilizing Space: Packing Suitcases and Baskets and Using Clothes as Padding
Make sure you use every inch of free space by filling items such as suitcases and baskets before packing them into other boxes. For delicate items, you can use your clothes as padding or place them between pillows or cushions instead of using bubble wrap. This will waste less space and eliminate unnecessary trash.
Preventing Leakages: Practical Tips and Tricks
If you’re packing any liquids, place them in a sealed plastic bag to prevent leakage and staining. Many household items will fit in a Ziploc bag, but for larger items, consider grocery or garbage bags sealed with tape
Labeling for Efficiency: Color Coding and Detailed Descriptions
Labeling each box with a description of contents using a permanent marker is a tried-and-tested option that always works well. However, an even more efficient alternative is using color-coded tape or stickers to place on boxes. Each room gets a designated color, and you simply place the appropriate color tape or sticker on the box to identify where it should go.
Crucial Last-Minute Moving Tips
While the majority of your packing should start about three weeks before your move, there are some last-minute essentials that you need to consider.
The Essentials Bag: What To Pack for the First Night
When you arrive at your new home, you’ll likely be exhausted and ready to settle in for the night, leaving the unpacking for the next day. Therefore, it’s a great idea to pack a bag with things you might need on that first night, such as clothes, toiletries, electronics and chargers, and prescription medicines.
Cleaning the Old Place: A Quick Guide on Leaving Things Tidy
Before you close and lock the door of your old home for the last time, take out all the trash, sweep the floors, and wipe down the countertops. A final quick clean will help ensure you haven’t left anything behind.
Moving Hacks Conclusion
You can use all these essential packing hacks for a quick move. Giving yourself plenty of time to plan and pack can transform your moving experience from being a heavy weight on your shoulders to something enjoyable and memorable.
Even with all the tips and tricks, we know moving can still be a daunting task. That’s why here at Move-tastic! in Chicago, we’re happy to step in and help you through any part of the moving process. Don’t hesitate to call our team of professional movers. We’re ready to help you every step of the way.
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