Moving is a lot of work. It’s also stressful, frustrating, and overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. There are so many questions that pop up during the process: Where do you start? Do you have enough boxes? What about movers? Should you rent a storage space? These questions can make moving seem like an impossible task for the uninitiated. But with a bit of planning and forethought (and a few helpful tips from people who have done it before), you can make moving day a little less daunting and much more enjoyable!
Set a Budget
You’re going to need money, and you should use this money wisely so that you don’t spend more than necessary on your move! Here are some tips for keeping within budget:
- Set aside a specific amount of cash for moving supplies and storage rental costs. This will help keep things organized when shopping and prevent overspending.
- If you’re using a moving company, ensure they provide all the supplies. If not, buy everything yourself, so you don’t have to pay for any extras.
Make a Checklist
Make a list of everything you want to pack and take with you. This can often be overwhelming when it comes to moving, but try not to get stressed about it. You’ll have plenty of time for packing and organizing in the weeks leading up to your move.
Another great way to simplify this process is by making sure that everything that might be useful at some point during your move has been put together into a single folder or box. This could include essential documents such as identification cards, car ownership details, and a map.
Hire a Mover
Professional movers are not cheap, but they will save you time and energy in the long run. A good moving company will pack everything for you, load it onto their truck and unpack it at your new place—all while keeping an eye on fragile items, so they don’t get damaged in transit. They also know how to move furniture down narrow staircases or up flights of stairs without breaking anything, so it’s best if you just let them do their job!
One of the most important questions to ask is whether the movers offer insurance coverage, especially when traveling abroad, where accidents happen more frequently due to unfamiliar terrain conditions and longer routes.
Packing
Packing glass with other breakables, such as dishes and cups, is typical. But unless you have an extremely sturdy box and packing materials, this isn’t a good idea. Instead of packing them in the same box as other breakables, place them in their own separate container and label them accordingly.
Always pack heavy items first! Items like books can be stacked on top of each other to save space. Make sure that heavier items are placed at the bottom so they don’t shift when lifting or stacking boxes on top of one another during transport. This will save you from having to repack later!
Storage Units
Storage units are a great way to save money and make your moving process more manageable. You can look into modern storage options that will hold your belongings while you are living somewhere else, such as an apartment or dorm room. Storage units allow you more convenience by allowing you to store extra items at a separate location instead of keeping them at your new place.
The amount of space available in the storage unit and how close it is to where you need it will determine how much it costs per month. If there’s not enough space in the closest one, look at other options further away.
Research Moving Laws and Regulations If You’re Moving across State Lines
The laws governing moving companies and movers can vary from state to state, so make sure you understand what needs to happen before you hire a company, such as how much of their insurance coverage applies under different circumstances. For example, some states require them to carry liability insurance for $100,000 per accident or injury. Other states require it only if they’re transporting hazardous materials. If a mover is unavailable or not licensed in your state, ask them if they have any recommendations for reputable licensed and insured companies.
We hope after reading this article, you feel more confident about your upcoming move. Remember that things don’t always go ideally, even with the best of plans in place. Don’t let a minor hiccup derail your moving experience! With these tips and tricks at your disposal, you will be well equipped to tackle whatever comes up on moving day.