12 Simple Tips for Easy Moving and Packing
Much like enduring a long drive on empty highways or sitting in the dentist’s chair while a drill works on your tooth, moving is a universally experienced chore. It’s never the most thrilling process, but fortunately, you can plan ahead to ensure a smooth experience. The better prepared you are, the easier the process goes, especially if you’re working with professional moving companies in NJ to help streamline the logistics.f
Fortunately, there are literally thousands of moving tips to aid in the process. A thorough checklist ensures nothing is forgotten before, during, and even after the move. Staying organized and maintaining a positive mindset will make all the difference when challenges arise. Some advice focuses on the practical aspects of moving—like how to efficiently pack a truck or where to go for utility services. Other tips dive deeper into specifics, like handling pet transportation or dealing with movers who arrive late. While no single guide can cover everything, these tips will leave you more prepared for a quick and easy move.
Moving Hacks and Advice
- Declutter Before Packing
Do this before you start packing a single box — declutter your stuff!! Streamline: Ditch things you no longer want, need or use so you reduce your moving load.
- Create a Moving Folder
Gather important papers including contracts, your new address and utility information, or any other necessities. If you can’t get digital copies during the move, a physical folder is an excellent backup.
- Start Packing Early
Once you realize that you will be moving, begin by packing your non-essential items. You can start by packing seasonal clothes and items you rarely use, doing this before that monumental final week.
- Book Services in Advance
The same goes for movers, truck rentals, or any professionals such as cleaners who are in high demand during the moving season. Plan this ahead to ensure you have those things set and don’t face ridiculously high rates at the last minute!
- New Home Utilities
Make sure to set your utilities up at your new place. At the end of a long move, the last thing you want is to arrive at your new home without water or power.
- Keep Essentials Close
Prepare a go-bag with clothes, medications, important documents, and your child or pet needs so you know where to find them during the move.
- Stock Up on Moving Supplies
Get your supplies ready (box cutters, markers, packing tape, trash bags) a few days before the move. The moving equipment that you find to be the most helpful on a day in which you move.
- Get a Truck with a Ramp
If moving… At least a truck with a ramp if you’re solo. Although it may be a more expensive option, it will save you the hassle of trying to single handedly muscle heavy loads onto your roof.
- Measure Ahead of Time
Check the size of your furniture against the doorways of your future house to make sure everything fits. Doing this one simple thing can save you hours of headaches when moving furniture on the fateful day.
- Take Photos for Documentation
On your old and new place, take pictures before you leave them. These may act as evidence of the condition of the property in case there is a security deposit.
- Unpack with a Timeline
Unpack with realistic goals. Whether that is five boxes a day or one room at a time, making a plan will help you avoid getting lost in clutter.
- Recycle Packing Supplies
And after you unpack, spiral your space down into a mass of boxes and packing materials. Then, give them to your closest neighbors or any organization in your area that may have a use for them.
Packing Hacks For An Easy Move!
- Use the Right Size Boxes
If you are packing a lot of books, put them in smaller boxes so they are easier to lift. Lighter items such as linens, pillows, etc., fit comfortably in larger sized boxes. Big boxes weighed down by heavy parts will likely end up smashed as the moving companies work to siphon them in.
- Utilize Suitcases
Make your suitcases work for you by adding anything in great bulk but can be heavy and store it in your luggage with wheels, and the smaller labor intensive weekend bags can take all of the softer items like soft home furnishings such as linens or clothes then again move on taking advantage re-packing into your larger weekend bags with a effortful object that is also light. You can also use laundry hampers or baskets to move around lightweight objects.
- First, do not forget to place heavier items at the bottom.
Besides using small boxes for heavy items, try to have heavier things at the bottom, and lighter items on top for balance. When loading the truck yourself, try to pack the heavier boxes towards the front for stability.
- Don’t Leave Empty Spaces
Stuff any holes in your boxes with towels, clothes, etc. Professionals are less likely to move boxes that are loose or unbalanced.
- Keep Items within Different Rooms apart.
Keep either similar items or from the same room in one box. This saves you time when unpacking and makes things more organized.
- Approach for Labeling Boxes by Room and Contents
Label every box with the room it is going to and a small description of contents. It is also advisable to catalog and number the containers in order to protect against any losses during shipping.
- Secure Your Boxes Properly
Use the bottom tape on the top and tape up the sides for extra reinforcement. The less likely your boxes are to collapse, the level.
- Handle Artwork with Care
If you are moving valuable art, definitely ask about special crates or other materials. Never wrap oil paintings in paper, as it will stick. Masking tape in an X over glass to prevent shattering and bubble wrap/cardboard for added protection.
- Pack the Kitchen with Care
The kitchen can be a tough one to tackle. Place each dish in packing paper and bundle together 5-6 dishes. Place dishes vertically with the heaviest items at the bottom, and make sure to pad the top and bottom of the box. Use boxes with dividers and packing paper to pack your glasses.
- Grab a Cooler for Food
A cooler is more than adequate for transporting perishable fridge and freezer items a short distance in town. Reduce the stock before moving day, however pack anything that is left over last and unpack it first. If necessary, tape the items in the pantry to stop them from spilling.
- Organize Your Wardrobe
Tightly pack unfolded clothes into boxes and suitcases and leave in your dresser if possible. For clothing that is hung, invest in wardrobe boxes — which also keeps hangers organized. Wrap shoes individually to keep them from getting scuffed, packed socks inside shoes so they maintain their shape.
- Pack Your TV Properly
TV packing Tip—If you have too much cash or can afford more, buying a new TV may not be expensive in terms of extra padding. When possible, double-box your snug screen protector box into an effectively cushioned second box. Resource: Plasma televisions should never lay flat, and the use of custom crates can sometimes be essential if you do not have the original box.
- Wrap Furniture Carefully
Professional movers usually place blankets and tape, if you are moving yourself use old blankets or rent moving pads. Wrap items in blankets and seal with tape which you consider to be valuable, such as marble or wood furniture.
To sum it up, packing and moving is overwhelming, but with the proper tools and strategies, you can make this a smooth experience! Through utilizing fitting packaging substances, organizing stuff with labels, and handling sensitive as well as expensive items carefully, you can lessen probable issues and get yourself ready for your new home. Whether you’re hiring movers or doing it yourself, adhering to these tips will help get your possessions to your new home in one piece and make the moving process a smooth one for all involved. Keep in mind, the more you plan ahead the easier your move will be.
