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Tips & Tricks
This page provides essential tips and tricks for preparing for your move when hiring a professional moving company. From decluttering and organizing your belongings to understanding what to expect on moving day, you'll find practical advice to ensure a smooth, stress-free relocation. Whether you're packing, labeling, or communicating with movers, these helpful insights will make the entire process more efficient and less overwhelming.
Tips & Tricks for your move
Pre-Moving Checklist
This checklist is designed to help you stay organized and ensure everything is in place well before moving day. Start preparing at least 4–6 weeks in advance for a smoother transition.
4–6 Weeks Before the Move:
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Hire Your Moving Company: Research and hire a professional moving company that fits your needs and budget. Confirm the move date and ensure the company is licensed and insured.
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Create a Moving Budget: Estimate costs for the move, including packing supplies, any additional services (like packing or storage), and potential tips for movers.
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Sort and Declutter: Go through each room and decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Reducing clutter will not only save time on moving day but also reduce moving costs.
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Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you don’t need immediately, such as seasonal clothing, books, and decor. Label boxes clearly for easy identification later.
2–3 Weeks Before the Move:
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Notify Change of Address: Update your address with the post office, banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, and other important institutions. Don't forget to inform friends and family.
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Transfer Utilities: Contact your current utility providers (electricity, gas, water, internet, etc.) to schedule the disconnection. Set up utilities at your new home, ensuring services are active by move-in day.
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Begin Packing Essentials: Start packing items you'll need for the next two weeks, leaving just the essentials until the last minute.
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Create a Moving Inventory: Make a detailed list of your belongings, especially valuables. This helps keep track of everything and ensures nothing gets lost in transit.
1 Week Before the Move:
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Confirm Moving Details: Double-check with your moving company about the scheduled date, time, and any special requests. Confirm your payment and tips for the movers.
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Pack an Essentials Box: Set aside a box or suitcase with everything you'll need on moving day and during the first few days in your new home (clothes, toiletries, medications, important documents, snacks, etc.).
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Take Photos of Electronics: If you're disassembling electronics (TV, computers, etc.), take photos of the wiring setup for easy reassembly at the new location.
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Prepare Your Payment: Organize the payment method for the movers, including any tips.
The Day Before the Move:
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Finish Packing: Pack up everything except for the last-minute items (such as your bed linens, toiletries, or items you use in the morning).
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Defrost the Fridge/Freezer: If you're moving a refrigerator, empty it and defrost it the night before.
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Plan for Pets/Children: Arrange for a friend or family member to watch your pets or children on moving day to keep them out of the way and safe.
Packing Tips & Tricks
Packing for a move can be overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can make it more manageable and ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new home. Follow these tips to pack efficiently, save time, and minimize stress.
4–6 Weeks Before the Move:
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Gather Packing Materials: Get plenty of boxes in various sizes, bubble wrap, packing paper, packing tape, and markers. You can often find free boxes at local stores, or purchase them from your moving company.
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Use Wardrobe Boxes for Clothes: Instead of folding clothes, use wardrobe boxes to hang them. This will save time and prevent wrinkles, especially for items like suits, dresses, or coats.
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Create a Packing Plan: Start by packing non-essential items first (decor, out-of-season clothing, books, etc.) and leave essentials for the last few days. Prioritize fragile or valuable items.
2–3 Weeks Before the Move:
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Pack Room by Room: Begin packing one room at a time to keep things organized. Label each box with the contents and the room it belongs to, making it easier to unpack at your new home.
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Use Clothing and Linens as Padding: For fragile items, like dishes or glasses, use soft clothing, towels, or blankets to wrap them instead of buying extra packing materials. This helps save money and keeps things eco-friendly.
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Protect Furniture: Wrap furniture with moving blankets or old sheets to prevent scratches and damage. For large items like couches and mattresses, use plastic covers to keep them clean during transport.
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Disassemble Furniture: Take apart large furniture pieces, like beds and tables, before the movers arrive. Keep screws, bolts, and other small parts in labeled plastic bags and tape them to the corresponding furniture.
1 Week Before the Move:
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Pack Fragile Items Carefully: Wrap fragile items (glassware, electronics, artwork) in bubble wrap or foam sheets. Use sturdy boxes and mark them as "fragile" so movers handle them with care.
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Seal Liquids and Cleaning Supplies: If you're moving cleaning supplies or liquids, seal them in plastic bags to prevent leaks. For liquids, consider pouring them into smaller containers to reduce the risk of spills.
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Label Boxes Clearly: Use large, bold labels on each box to indicate both the contents and the room it belongs in. Color-coded labels can also help movers quickly know where to place boxes in the new home.
The Day Before the Move:
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Pack an Essentials Box: Prepare a separate box with everything you'll need during the first 24 hours in your new home—items like toiletries, important documents, a change of clothes, snacks, medications, and chargers.
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Double-Check Your Packing: Ensure that all items are packed securely. Use any remaining time to finish up packing and check off your list.
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Take Inventory: Create a final inventory of packed boxes, especially for high-value or important items. You can cross-check this later to ensure everything has arrived.
Managing Your Moving Budget
Moving can be expensive, but with careful planning and organization, you can manage your costs effectively and avoid surprises. Here’s how to estimate, track, and control your moving expenses.
4–6 Weeks Before the Move:
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Get Multiple Quotes: Request quotes from several professional moving companies to compare prices. Be sure to provide the same details to each company (distance, size of the move, special requirements) to get accurate estimates.
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Understand the Pricing Structure: Moving companies often charge in different ways: by the hour, based on the weight of your items, or a flat rate. Clarify the pricing structure to avoid unexpected charges. Ask about any potential extra costs, such as for stairs, elevators, or long carries.
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Factor in Additional Services: If you need extra services like packing, disassembling furniture, or storage, ask the moving company for detailed pricing. These additional services can quickly add up, so it’s important to include them in your budget.
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Estimate Moving Supplies Costs: Packing materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, etc.) can add up. Determine how many boxes you'll need and budget for supplies. Consider whether you can use free boxes from local stores or online marketplaces to reduce costs.
2–3 Weeks Before the Move:
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Consider Insurance Options: Movers typically offer two types of insurance: basic liability and full-value protection. Full-value protection may cost extra but offers more comprehensive coverage for any damage to your belongings. Include this cost in your budget and decide what level of coverage you need.
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Plan for Tips: It's customary to tip movers for their work, generally 10–15% of the total moving cost, depending on the complexity of the move. Factor this into your budget ahead of time so you’re prepared on moving day.
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Account for Travel Expenses: If you’re moving long distance, consider the cost of travel, including gas, hotels, food, or transportation for yourself and your family. Make sure to include these in your overall budget.
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Prepare for Unexpected Costs: Set aside a small portion of your budget (around 10%) for any unforeseen expenses, such as last-minute packing supplies or additional moving time.
1 Week Before the Move:
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Review the Final Moving Estimate: Confirm the final estimate with your moving company. Ensure there are no hidden fees and that all charges are clearly outlined. Double-check that any additional services or special requests are included in the final price.
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Pay Attention to Fees: Be aware of any fees for changes or delays (e.g., if you change your move date or need last-minute adjustments). Review the cancellation policy in case something unexpected happens.
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Budget for Food and Snacks: Moving day can be long and tiring. Set aside some money for meals, snacks, or drinks for yourself, your family, and the movers. Some companies may provide snacks or drinks, but it's always good to have your own backup.
The Day Before the Move:
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Review Your Budget One Last Time: Double-check your moving expenses to ensure everything has been accounted for. Have a breakdown of your budget ready, including the moving company’s cost, insurance, tips, and any last-minute expenses.
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Prepare Payment: Make sure you have the correct payment method available for the movers (check, cash, or credit card). Have enough cash for tips and small expenses, and keep a record of your expenses for future reference or reimbursement purposes.
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Keep Track of Receipts: During the move, keep all receipts for moving-related expenses. You might be able to claim some of them on your taxes if your move is for work purposes or if your moving expenses exceed a certain threshold.
Managing Your Moving Budget
Moving can be expensive, but with careful planning and organization, you can manage your costs effectively and avoid surprises. Here’s how to estimate, track, and control your moving expenses.
4–6 Weeks Before the Move:
-
Get Multiple Quotes: Request quotes from several professional moving companies to compare prices. Be sure to provide the same details to each company (distance, size of the move, special requirements) to get accurate estimates.
-
Understand the Pricing Structure: Moving companies often charge in different ways: by the hour, based on the weight of your items, or a flat rate. Clarify the pricing structure to avoid unexpected charges. Ask about any potential extra costs, such as for stairs, elevators, or long carries.
-
Factor in Additional Services: If you need extra services like packing, disassembling furniture, or storage, ask the moving company for detailed pricing. These additional services can quickly add up, so it’s important to include them in your budget.
-
Estimate Moving Supplies Costs: Packing materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, etc.) can add up. Determine how many boxes you'll need and budget for supplies. Consider whether you can use free boxes from local stores or online marketplaces to reduce costs.
2–3 Weeks Before the Move:
-
Consider Insurance Options: Movers typically offer two types of insurance: basic liability and full-value protection. Full-value protection may cost extra but offers more comprehensive coverage for any damage to your belongings. Include this cost in your budget and decide what level of coverage you need.
-
Plan for Tips: It's customary to tip movers for their work, generally 10–15% of the total moving cost, depending on the complexity of the move. Factor this into your budget ahead of time so you’re prepared on moving day.
-
Account for Travel Expenses: If you’re moving long distance, consider the cost of travel, including gas, hotels, food, or transportation for yourself and your family. Make sure to include these in your overall budget.
-
Prepare for Unexpected Costs: Set aside a small portion of your budget (around 10%) for any unforeseen expenses, such as last-minute packing supplies or additional moving time.
1 Week Before the Move:
-
Review the Final Moving Estimate: Confirm the final estimate with your moving company. Ensure there are no hidden fees and that all charges are clearly outlined. Double-check that any additional services or special requests are included in the final price.
-
Pay Attention to Fees: Be aware of any fees for changes or delays (e.g., if you change your move date or need last-minute adjustments). Review the cancellation policy in case something unexpected happens.
-
Budget for Food and Snacks: Moving day can be long and tiring. Set aside some money for meals, snacks, or drinks for yourself, your family, and the movers. Some companies may provide snacks or drinks, but it's always good to have your own backup.
The Day Before the Move:
-
Review Your Budget One Last Time: Double-check your moving expenses to ensure everything has been accounted for. Have a breakdown of your budget ready, including the moving company’s cost, insurance, tips, and any last-minute expenses.
-
Prepare Payment: Make sure you have the correct payment method available for the movers (check, cash, or credit card). Have enough cash for tips and small expenses, and keep a record of your expenses for future reference or reimbursement purposes.
-
Keep Track of Receipts: During the move, keep all receipts for moving-related expenses. You might be able to claim some of them on your taxes if your move is for work purposes or if your moving expenses exceed a certain threshold.
Post-Move Tips
Moving can be stressful, but the good news is that the worst part is over! Here are some post-move tips to help you settle into your new home smoothly:
1. Unpack Strategically
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Start with the essentials: bedding, toiletries, kitchenware, and basic cleaning supplies.
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Prioritize unpacking your daily-use items before diving into non-essentials.
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Take your time: It’s okay to not unpack everything in one day. Spread it out over a few days or weeks.
2. Clean Before Unpacking
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If you haven’t already, do a quick cleaning of your new space before unpacking. It’ll feel more fresh and organized.
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Wipe down counters, floors, and bathrooms, and give appliances a once-over.
3. Check Utilities and Appliances
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Make sure your electricity, water, heating/cooling, and internet are working properly.
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Double-check the fridge, stove, washer, and dryer to ensure everything is in good condition.
4. Organize Your Space
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Arrange furniture in a way that makes the most sense for your daily routine.
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Don’t feel pressured to set everything up at once; live in the space for a bit before finalizing where everything goes.
5. Update Your Address and Contact Info
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Update your address with the post office, banks, insurance, and any subscription services.
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Don’t forget to change your address on your driver’s license or other identification if required.
6. Meet the Neighbors
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Take a walk around your new neighborhood and introduce yourself to your neighbors. A friendly hello can help you feel more at home.
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Consider exploring local spots like grocery stores, restaurants, parks, etc., to get familiar with your surroundings.
7. Tackle Any Maintenance Issues
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Check for any immediate repairs that may need to be done—leaky faucets, loose doors, etc.
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If renting, contact your landlord or property manager for repairs, and if you own the home, start a list of things to address.
8. Settle in With Personal Touches
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Hang up artwork, set out your favorite decorations, and add plants to make your space feel more like “you.”
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Familiar smells (like candles, essential oils, or cooking your favorite meal) can also help create a cozy, familiar environment.
9. Take Care of Your Mental Health
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Moving is physically and emotionally draining, so be sure to give yourself time to relax and decompress.
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Don’t feel like you have to have everything perfect right away. It’s okay to take breaks and ease into your new home.
10. Explore the Area
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Once you’re settled, take time to explore your new neighborhood. Check out local parks, restaurants, coffee shops, and hidden gems.
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If possible, get to know the community and look for local events, farmers' markets, or clubs you might want to join.
11. Take Photos
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Capture moments of your new home as you start to settle in. It’s fun to look back at how things transformed over time.