Prepping for a residential move? Whether you’re moving long distance or around the corner, the more prepared you are, the better. We’ve got 25 time-tested tips for before, during, and after your moving process that will help ensure that you are prepared for a smooth move. The team at The Padded Wagon is here to help you mitigate the moving stress so you can focus on enjoying your new home and start making great memories.
How to Have a Stress-Free Residential Move
1. Start planning earlier than you think you’ll need to. Several weeks before your move if possible, print out a moving checklist and make sure you do your research based on the tips listed here and get a strategy in place. This will keep you feeling in control, help make sure loose ends are tied up, and will help you have more energy to knock out your big move.
2. Communicate with your movers and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Make sure you are on the same page with your moving crew and you will feel empowered and know what to expect during your move. Sharing your needs and expectations for your move will help them serve you better.
3. When in doubt- toss it, donate it, or sell it. Purging will save you money, time, stress, and could help you afford more moving help. Selling off big ticket items like furniture or appliances that you don’t need or want in your new place could be money you can invest into better supplies, and more comprehensive moving services so you can take even more off your plate.
4. Put together a moving day “Go Bag.” fill it with important things you want to take with you like medications, toiletries, snacks, electronics and other essentials that you don’t want packed away on the moving truck.
5. Consider a clear plastic container to hold important files, documents, medical/veterinary information that you may need if you’re on a long distance move.
6. Pack it tight enough so things aren’t shifting around. Put socks, scarves and newspaper in between open spaces to keep things secure.
7. Label the sides of your boxes instead of the tops. You can use an index card or post-it note and packing tape over the top in case you want to reuse the boxes later. Color coding them based on where they will go in your new home will simplify the process.
8. Post it notes are great for labelling where you want things to go in your new home or apartments. This will make it easier for whoever is helping you move to know exactly where to unload your belongings.
9. Get techy and get QR code stickers for your boxes and totes. If efficiency is your love language, this is for you. Download the app, put the sticker on and scan QR code. snap a picture of what’s in the box and add description. You can manage which room of the house it belongs to and whether it’s a box that can be tossed in the back of the closet, or if you need to open ASAP.
10. Have a specific box just for cleaning supplies. It’s the last box you’ll want to pack when you are moving out, and one of the first to unpack when you’re moving into your new home.
11. Bag it. Put screws and bolts and other small items in labeled baggies. You can tape them directly onto the back of the furniture it goes to so you can easily reassemble.
12. Use drawers and suitcases as makeshift moving boxes. You can take the entire drawer out and cover it with your clothes still tucked safely inside, and your suitcases can carry your belongings and easily roll right to where you want them.
13. If you have kids to keep occupied, pack the tv and electronics last so you can focus on keeping things running smoothly.
14. Mirror boxes are a great, less expensive alternative to pack away your LCD TVs.
15. Press ‘n seal and shrink wrap can be your friend when it comes to jewelry, toiletries, makeup and other small items. Shrink wrap is also a good idea to cover up liquid items and protect other items in the same box.
16. Shrink wrap is also great to cover couches, roll rugs, and wrap around other items too and make sure they are protected in the moving truck and all the way into their space in your home.
17. Consider a hybrid move. A lot of people want to DIY their move until they realize they just don’t have the man-power to move the beds, couches, and appliances safely. If you are on a tight budget, you can haul some of the things on your own, and hire trusted movers to deal with the heavier, more complex items.
18. Books go in small boxes. Pillows in big boxes. It’s really common for people to try and put books into large boxes. It’s easy to mis-judge how heavy a box of books can be, but a good rule of thumb is keep small heavy things in small boxes so there’s no struggle to move them. Lighter items can go into bigger boxes since they will be much easier to move and your movers will know how to stack them appropriately in the truck.
19. Plastic trash bags are great to cover and move clothing while they are still on their hangers. Push the top or the hanger through the base of the bag and your clothes will be easy to put right back into the closet in your new home.
20. Put it in storage. Find a moving company that offers storage services. If your move-out and move-in dates don’t align, you’ve got a place to store your belongings in the meantime.
21. Check the elevators! If you’re moving into a higher floor in an apartment, make sure you have access to a functioning and unlocked elevator beforehand to make it easier for movers to get your large furniture upstairs.
22. Always do your research. Hire movers who are legit, licensed and insured. Your belongings deserve to be protected.
23. Take plugs and cables out of your electronics beforehand. Take a picture of wiring and cables behind your tv, computers, and gaming consoles to make sure you can put them back together easily.
24. Need hoisting? If you have a large and valuable piece of furniture that won’t fit through your front door, or needs to be placed on a higher floor, consider hiring a moving company that offers hoisting and cranes to expertly move your big items into tight spaces with ease.
25. Make your bed once the movers have assembled it. When all is said and done, it will have been a long day and you might be ready to fall right into a cozy, made bed.
Having an uncomplicated moving experience is all about preparation. From planning to packing to storage to assembly, it’s all about starting early, staying organized, and learning from the pros. Follow The Padded Wagon on Instagram for more tips and call for a free estimate when you are ready to work with our pro moving team.