You’re about to move and with every box you begin to pack, it feels like there are a hundred more you have to pack. After working with people moving for 10+ years, we’ve acquired a few tips of our own and borrowed a few from our friends to compile a list of 30 Tips for a Seamless Move. Hopefully, our 21 tips for a seamless move will help make your move a little less stressful…
1. Get a clear plastic bin.
Pack all of the things that you’ll need first in your clear, plastic container. There are certain things that you need to have easy access to, i.e. paper towels, phone chargers, and toilet paper… This will help you get to those items quickly!
2. You’ll need an overnight bag.
If you don’t get all your clothes unpacked on your first day of “move in” – chances are you’ll need your essentials within easy access. Include a change of clothes, toiletries, and items like your laptop.
3. Hire a babysitter/petsitter.
Honestly, it will just make things easier. You don’t need to be worrying about losing track of your kids or pets on this stressful day.
4. Plan out grocery shopping a few weeks in advance of the move.
The more food you end up using before moving, the less you’ll have to throw out. Have the mindset of cleaning out your pantry.
5. Consider numbering your boxes.
Although it might take a little more time on the front end, the unpacking will make it so much easier. You won’t forget boxes and you’ll know what’s in the boxes by the number instead of listing out everything on the side of the box. You’ll want to make a detailed corresponding list of what’s in each box by number.
6. Two words: Liquor Store.
Beer boxes are the best for books because they have handles on the sides and can easily hold lots of weight. So be sure to hit up your local liquor store. Plus, the boxes are free! And, if you can snag some bottle boxes with the inserts still inside, you’ll have the perfect transportation system for all your glasses.
7. Clean socks are great for extra padding
Keep them around for your breakables. And really, clothing in general is great for your breakables – and you’ll save on bubble wrap!
8. Label what room your boxes will be going into.
This way, if you have people helping you move, they’ll know where to place the boxes. Also – labeling boxes on the sides of the boxes instead of the top of the boxes will help you identify the boxes even if they are stacked on top of each other.
9. Baskets, Laundry Bins, and Suitcases can be used too!
Why not pack them with stuff? Your wheeled suitcases are great for heavy things like books.
10. It’s a good idea to pre-clean the bathrooms and showers, if possible.
If you can get into your new place a few weeks early, you can put up a new shower curtain liner and stock some new bath towels and toilet paper. A hot shower will feel good after a long day of moving!
11. Stretch Wrap is essential.
Stretch Wrap works like Glad’s Press’n Seal – but on a bigger scale. You can group items together, and it will help to protect your furniture from getting scratched.
12. Saran Wrap works great for toiletries!
Using saran wrap for the lids of your toiletries will keep your toiletries from breaking and leaking all over your stuff during the move
13. Make sure you have sandwich bags handy.
There are always small parts of things you may have to disassemble – using sandwich bags will keep you from losing all the nuts, bolts, and cords.
14. Keep drawers intact by covering them with Press’n Seal.
Dresser drawers can act like their own moving boxes. You’ll avoid having to unpack and re-fold their contents. Additionally. moving the dresser will actually be much more manageable.
15. Packing plates vertically will make them less likely to break.
16. Take pictures of how your electronics are connected. This will help you remember where all the wires plug in.
17. Just keep your clothes on the hanger.
Seriously, it makes it so much easier. Literally, take the clothes out of the closet, transport them to your new place, and put them in their new home. You can thank us later.
18. Don’t underestimate the color-coding system.
In addition to numbering, picking a color code for each room and labeling that room’s boxes accordingly will help the movers know where to place the boxes.
19. If you’re renting, take photos of your cleaned-out old home and your new home before moving in.
This is something that will help you get your deposit back! It will save you major headaches with difficult landlords who charge you cleaning and repair fees unnecessarily when you are moving out.
20. You should change your address at least 2 weeks prior to moving.
This might seem like a no-brainer for important things like utilities and cable but don’t sweat the small stuff. You’ve also got Amazon, PayPal, credit cards, your bank, magazine subscriptions, and your mail to worry about.
21. Remember to defrost your refrigerator at least a day before moving and wipe up any liquid.
Otherwise, you are going to have a stinky wet mess when you get to your new home.