Let’s face it—moving houses can be one of the most exhausting and stressful experiences you’ll ever undergo. There’s an endless list of things to plan, purchase, pack, and arrange before the big day arrives. The most nerve-wracking part: a lot can go wrong, even after the move begins.
Still, as long as you get a headstart and stay organized, there’s no reason to dread the process. While there’s no one-size-fits-all guide to suit every type of move, this general list of moving tips and tricks will help in most cases. Our biggest tip would be to hire local movers in Fort Worth if you are moving to or from Fort Worth or surrounding areas. Movers, in general, streamline the moving process and (literally) take a huge weight off your back.
Read on for more details on how to make your move as smooth, quick, and easy as possible.
Declutter
We know you’ve probably heard this a million times before, but decluttering truly is one of the most important parts of the moving process. Before you get your packing supplies out, do a merciless purge of all unnecessary or unused items–be as thorough as possible at this stage, and don’t let nostalgia hold you back! Yes, that old, scraggly pair of jeans might have been your best look back in the day, but if it’s no longer serving you, get rid of it.
Make piles of all your belongings, sorting them into “keep,” “trash,” “donate,” and “resell” piles. Remember, moving houses is almost like re-starting your life on a clean slate, and there’s no point in bringing old clutter with you. Plus, your items will also find new uses elsewhere—donate them to thrift shops and charity stores, gift them to friends or family, or sell them online to earn a quick buck!
While getting rid of items you’ve loved for so long can be upsetting, decluttering will make your move so much easier. There will be less to pack, less to transport, and less to unpack and set up in your new home.
Start Packing Early
This is another of the old-age golden rule tips for moving houses. Start packing as early as possible, ideally right after your move is confirmed. Begin with the items you rarely use, and slowly work your way through the house, leaving the essentials for closer to the moving day. When the moving day finally arrives, most of your items will be ready to go, giving you less to worry about.
Hire Professionals ASAP
If you’re renting supplies or hiring professionals, you’re outsourcing a big chunk of the work, which can make a huge difference. Professional movers, especially full-service moving, can make your move feel like a breeze.
However, book the service as early as possible. The availability of services depends on the season, day of the week, and other factors. So, get a booking as soon as your move is confirmed.
Waiting until the last minute could mean paying a higher price, or ending up without a booking at all, especially if it’s peak moving season. Do your research, find a reliable company in your area, and confirm your booking early on. You’ll also want to read our post on the appropriate amount to tip movers so you can keep some cash ready.
Invest in Equipment
If you’re not hiring professionals or your package doesn’t include moving supplies, you’ll have to arrange these independently. A few days before the big move, stock up on all necessities. The last thing you want to do is run to the store, scrambling to find supplies as the moving time draws closer.
Make a list of the essentials you’ll need, such as boxes, box cutters, packing tape, adhesive bandages, bubble wrap, garbage bags, paper towels, permanent markers, and so on. Even if you don’t use all these during the move, they’ll still be helpful later!
For larger moves, consider renting supplies from a moving company. If you’re hiring their services, they’ll likely bring their own–but for a big DIY move, arrange supplies like tie-down rope and furniture covers by renting, purchasing, or borrowing.
Take Inventory
Take a thorough inventory of all your belongings. This will help you keep track of what is packed and transported, and identify if any items are damaged or missing during the process.
Taking inventory is especially important if you’re hiring moving services. Keep an itemized spreadsheet with the contents of each box and assign numbers to the boxes to help you identify them.
Arrange Utilities for Your New Place
Once your moving date is finalized, contact your utility providers to arrange utilities for your new home. You don’t want to show up at your new place, exhausted from the move, and find no electricity, gas, or heating! Schedule utility setup beforehand to ensure you have a comfy place to crash in after all the hard work of moving.
Closing Thoughts
Moving homes can be a major undertaking. By preparing in advance and working with professionals, it can be a walk in the park. For more expert moving advice and tips, check out our other posts or call us today for your free quote!
