Moving is tough and with so much to do, it is hard to know where to begin. Because we care, we came up with a list of moving tips to help make the process a little less overwhelming and hopefully one that is enjoyable.
1. Hiring friends to help you move is always the cheaper way out. However, if your belongings are heavy, bulky and valuable, consider hiring professional movers. Friends do not always show up but we do at CK Movers.
2. Inform family and friends of new address. Notify utility companies, etc.
3. If you own items that you need to get rid off, consider giving them away to family and friends. Donating them is also a good idea. Have a yard sale if time permits. For valuable items, trying selling online.
4. Contact charity organization to pick up bulky items.
5. Hire someone to help with small kids as kids can get in the way and slow the movers down. Plus we do not want them to get hurt.
6. Defrost refrigerator one day before your move and wipe any liquids to avoid a stinky mess in your new place...Yuk!
7. Purchase a small canister of drywall mud to fill holes in the walls.
8. If you're moving out of a rental property, be sure to clean up. Take photos of the cleaned space for proof.
9. Don't do heavy grocery shopping two weeks or so before your move. Buy only what you need to avoid throwing out food.
10. Pack a suitcase or small bag for each family member with the necessities needed for the first few nights in the new place.
11. Pack a first-night-box with essentials like coffee, snack, pet supplies, bedding, toiletries, disposable cups, plates and utensils.
Being prepared and organized are the two keys to a successful and stress-free move. We've put together a list of simple packing tips to ensure that your belongings are well-protected and also to make your move a little easier.
1. Pack in advance to avoid scrambling at the last minute. Start by packing the items you can live without and leave your necessities for last.
2. Boxes stack very well. Box as many items as possible.
3. Use the right size boxes. For example, pack books, glassware etc. in smaller boxes. Save the bigger boxes for things like clothes, linens etc.
4. Make sure boxes are tightly packed to prevent items from shuffling around.
5. Tape boxes to ensure your belongings and valuables do not get lost or misplaced during the move.
6. Add extra tape to the heavier boxes for added protection.
7. Label boxes and mark its contents. This will let your movers know where in your new place the boxes belong. Unpacking by room will also make the process a little more manageable.
8. Pick a color code for each room and label the boxes accordingly. Label the door of each room with the corresponding sticker/tape so that movers know where to place the boxes.
9. Label sides of boxes --- not the tops. By doing so, if they are stacked, you will be able to identify them.
10. Mark “Fragile” on boxes which contains fragile contents so that your movers know to handle with extra care.
11. Cover the openings of toiletries with plastic wrap then put the top back on to avoid leaks.
12. Purchase sandwich bags for hardware like screws etc. Please be sure to label bags. For example, “Screws for kitchen table.”
13. Invest in wardrobe boxes for clothes hung in the closets.
14. Cut down on your boxes expense by making use of things already owned like suitcases, baskets, totes, etc.
15. As for dressers and the contents of the drawers, it is always a good idea to remove the contents beforehand. This will save you both time and money.
16. Pack TVs in original packaging. If not, wrap in moving blankets.