Some people seem to naturally just sail through their move experience without so much as a hair out of place. Others feel anxious and overwhelmed almost from the start. While a lot of this may be attributed to the unique circumstances and personalities of the individuals involved, it’s not too much of a stretch to assume that the amount of prep work —both physically and emotionally — done beforehand has a direct impact a move’s “survival” rate.
Let’s be honest: While moving is never going to be completely stress-free, being organized and prepared allows you to handle challenges with confidence. In this article, we’ll introduce a few tips and tricks designed to keep you sane and make your moving day as smooth as possible.
Set a Budget, Get Moving Quotes
Depending upon how and where you move, costs can vary widely. Therefore, it’s a good idea to set a ballpark budget for what you can afford before you start getting estimates. At Mayflower, we recommend you get your move quotes and set your move date at least two months in advance, even farther out during peak season between May and September. Most reputable movers, including Mayflower, will provide a quote at no cost. However, beware if a mover provides an estimate without a walkthrough or the price seems too good to be true. Get estimates in writing and make sure you understand exactly what’s included before signing any contracts. Here’s a help checklist to help ensure the mover you hire is honest.
Put a Moving Plan in Place
Moving without a plan is like traveling to a place you’ve never been to before without a GPS. The most successful moves don’t just happen; they’re planned weeks in advance. If you’re feeling stressed about how to get the move process rolling, take heart. We’ve put together what we call “The Only Move Checklist You’ll Ever Need,” a comprehensive eight-week checklist that breaks the entire moving process into a series of manageable steps. Whether or not you use Mayflower, it’s a great way to make the process seem less overwhelming.
Purge and Minimize Belongings
Keep in mind that not only does decluttering help you better organize your move, but also most move estimates are based on weight, i.e., the lighter your load the more money you’ll save. Go room by room and declutter. Ask yourself if each item is really necessary or brings you joy. Have a garage sale, donate, recycle or toss what you can. The less you have to move, the better.
Give yourself plenty of time. Don’t wait until the week before moving day to start – at least 2-3 weeks is a good rule of thumb. Pack room by room so you stay organized. Label each box with its contents and the room it’s going in. This makes unpacking a breeze.
If you have any non-perishable food items you don’t intend to bring with you, ask your mover if they take part in a food sustainability program such as Move For Hunger.
Get Packing!
We recommend you start your packing early — and by “early,” we mean about two months ahead of your scheduled move date. This will give you ample time to sort through belongings, stock up on packing supplies, and take on each task at a leisurely pace.
Usually, it’s best to label move boxes by the room the contents will go in at your new home versus what’s inside. This makes unpacking quicker since you can move all boxes for one room at a time. You can also number the boxes to show the order you want them unpacked. Set up a packing station in each room with these supplies at the ready. This allows you to efficiently pack one space at a time without having to search for materials.
And remember, not everything goes into the moving truck. And in addition to restricted items, you’ll also want to keep essentials like chargers, cash, medications, toiletries and valuables in a separate box or boxes you’ll move yourself. This ensures you have what you need to get by until everything else gets unpacked.
Dot Your I’s, Cross Your T’s
Sometimes it’s the little details that can throw a monkey wrench into an otherwise well-planned move. Examples of this can include not reserving parking spaces for the moving truck, running out of boxes and packing supplies or even forgetting to assign someone pet sitting duties on move day. This is why a full-service mover like Mayflower will typically provide you with a designated move coordinator who’ll check in regularly, remind you about any loose ends – and help you avoid potential chaos on moving day.
Take Care of Yourself, Too
In the scheme of things, moving is one of life’s most stressful events. Keep in mind that if you’ve planned things well, there’s nothing wrong with giving yourself some downtime and taking a moment or three for yourself. It could be something as simple as a walk around the neighborhood – or even one last special night on the town. Whatever you decide, remember it’s okay to pamper yourself a bit – and let others do some of the heavy lifting.
Planning a Move?
Let Mayflower®, the nation’s most trusted mover for nearly 100 years help you move. Mayflower offers a full line of customizable moving services and can help with moves of any size, no matter where you’re headed next. Get a no-obligation moving quote from Mayflower.
Want more tips and advice? Check out our state and city guides, decorating ideas and a wealth of other helpful, time-saving information.
We hope your journey to Finding Home is smooth and successful. And remember, no matter where you happen to be in the moving process, you can count on Mayflower to be with you Every Step of the Way®.
