Moving can be quite hectic and stressful, especially if you’re doing all the work alone. This is an exciting time because moving means starting a new chapter in life, saying goodbye to the old home, and getting ready to get to the new one. However, before you can enjoy the new place, planning every step preemptively will make the process hassle-free. Read on to learn more about 8 hacks and tips that can make the moving experience easier, smoother, faster, and stress-free.
Avoid Peak Seasons
Moving during peak seasons will be harder because it’s the busiest time of year. It will also cost you a lot more because peak seasons always have very high rates. Choosing the best time to move can be a little tricky because it depends on several factors. However, deciding to move in the spring or fall will be easier because you will save time and money. Most movers charge high rates in the summer because everyone moves usually at that time. The chances of getting a lower rate from moving companies will be a lot higher when they aren’t busy with too many clients.
Do Your Research
Doing your research thoroughly will save you a lot of money for the move. Picking a moving company can be a little tricky because of the numerous choices, having different companies with several quotes and deals. Washington has several companies available, and if you’re moving locally, then you should start getting quotes that are worth it. Advice from the local Bellevue moving company suggests that carrying out research will ensure that the chosen movers are trustworthy and reliable. Consider visiting their office building since they’re local and check different online reviews for feedback. Doing these steps will make you feel comfortable when you leave your belongings in reliable hands.
Get Enough Boxes
Before you can start packing your belongings, you need to get enough boxes to help your movers carry them properly. Take a look around your rooms and list the items you intend to pack, helping you decide how many boxes you’ll need. Don’t forget to get enough of the essential supplies that will help you pack. Having enough padding, packing tape, markers, and bubble wrap will keep your belongings safely secure during the move. These supplies will help you label your boxes, protect your fragile items, and prevent boxes from tearing. Consider getting different shapes and sizes to accommodate your needs, having the right box for all the items you own.
Have Special Boxes for Important Items
To prevent any important documents from getting lost or misplaced, pack everything with sensitive information or work-related documents in a specially labeled box that you know. Try to take that box yourself for extra safety. Also, the first week will be quite messy at your new home during the unpacking phase. Consider having a special box for your PJs, work clothes, self-care products, toothbrushes, combs, and anything else that you will use until you’ve unpacked everything. You won’t have to waste time, and it will save you the hassle of going through tons of boxes later.
Call Service Providers and Banks
You will change addresses soon, and you need to make sure that all your credit card and mailing addresses are updated. Call your bank and let them know that you’re moving soon, making all the changes necessary to your accounts and credit cards. If you’re subscribed to several services, you need to change your subscriptions or cancel them until you move. Calling your TV network and internet service provider early will always be beneficial, making the services ready for you when you get to your new home. Consider notifying them of your new address and move-in date instead of canceling to save time.
Call Utility Providers Early
Never leave anything to the last minute, especially when it comes to your utilities. Contact your utility companies about your move and let them send in a representative for a final meter reading. This saves you the hassle of going back and paying any remaining bills for a home that’s not yours anymore. You must coordinate with your utility providers and pick a time for them to set up several services at your new home. This step will take time and effort, but it’s better than moving to a home that doesn’t have any electricity, water, gas, and even proper sewage systems.
Take Photos
Taking photos of all your belongings, furniture, boxes, and devices will be smart because it will help you know if something is missing or damaged. Also, the moving phases will always keep you busy, and you might forget a few details. Taking pictures of your cables and wires that connect your TV and other devices will save you time when you get to your new home. If you have flat-pack furniture, then pictures will help you know where every screw goes. Arranging your shelves and the items or accessories in them will be a breeze when you follow the photos you’ve taken.
Leave Perishable and Old Items
Time is very valuable during a move, and you shouldn’t waste it by packing old or perishable items. Frozen food, eggs, dairy products, meats, and even fruits or vegetables should be eaten or disposed of before the moving phase. These items will not survive long-distance moves. Also, if you have old clothes or devices that you never use, then you shouldn’t pack them either. Consider giving it all to charity, family members, or just throw them away if they won’t be used. Having a garage or yard sale will get all of the useless old items off your hands quickly.
