Table of Contents
Dos for Moving Day
Moving day is a milestone. While it’s pretty exciting to think about your new start, it’s important to know what you should do to make the most of the occasion. Follow these proactive steps to keep your move easy and efficient:
1. Start Early and Stay Organized
Want a stress-free move? Stay organized. Moving often comes with unexpected delays and challenges, so give yourself ample time between when you schedule your move and when your movers actually show up at your doorstep.
Creating a moving day schedule or checklist is an excellent way to stay organized. Break down your tasks into manageable chunks and assign estimated time frames for each. Your schedule serves as a roadmap and ensures that no task is overlooked or rushed.
When you’re creating your moving checklist, be sure to include all the necessary steps – not just what needs to be packed into which box. You should also set a date and a reminder for when you have to transfer your utilities, change your address, and let everyone know you’re moving.
As you progress through your checklist, cross off completed tasks, and adapt as needed. Having a visual representation of your progress will give you a sense of accomplishment, and it’ll keep you motivated as you get close to moving day. Remember to build in some buffer time for unforeseen circumstances, such as traffic or last-minute errands.
By starting early and staying organized, you’ll be able to approach moving day with a clear mind and a sense of control. Taking a proactive approach really alleviates stress, and it’ll give you the wiggle room you need to navigate any unexpected challenges that may arise.
2. Pack Essentials and Valuables Separately
If you’re doing the packing yourself, be sure you separate your essentials and valuables from the rest of your belongings. This will give you easy access to any items you’ll need immediately, and you won’t have to scramble to find those important documents, either.
We always recommend preparing a separate box, backpack, or suitcase containing your must-have items. Include toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, phone chargers, and anything else that you typically need on a short vacation or mini-trip. This “moving day survival kit” will keep essential items within reach, and you won’t have to go digging through a dozen boxes to find some underwear.
In addition to keeping essentials on hand, it’s a good idea to keep your valuables within reach. Any jewelry, heirlooms, or electronic devices should be kept with you during your move to minimize the risk of loss or damage. Consider placing them in a small bag or backpack that you can keep under your supervision throughout the journey.
Packing essentials and valuables separately means your most important items are secured and easily accessible. It’s a strategic approach to moving day, and you’ll enjoy much greater peace of mind.
3. Communicate and Coordinate with Movers or Helpers
Clear communication is key, whether you’ve hired professional moving companies or enlisted the help of friends and family. Establishing effective communication channels will keep everyone on the same page, and it’ll really cut the guesswork out of the whole process.
Before moving day, communicate the details of the move to your movers or helpers. Provide them with essential information such as the time of arrival, the destination address, and any challenges they may need to navigate (such as elevators, stairs, gates, or driveways). Check if they have any questions on their end, too.
If you’re working with friends and family, be sure to thank them for actually helping out. Then, assign specific tasks and responsibilities to each individual involved in your move. Clearly communicate who is responsible for packing certain items, loading the truck, or coordinating logistics. This will help streamline the moving process and prevent any confusion or duplication of efforts.
When it comes to the actual move, maintain open lines of communication. If anyone has any questions or concerns, keep yourself available to answer them and provide info. Now’s the time to really work together if there are any challenges, so keep everyone in the loop about the different steps.
Communication and coordination translates to a smooth and efficient move. Keep everyone on the same page, make sure everyone knows what everyone else is doing, and you’ll really cut down on the chaos.
4. Take Precautions for Fragile Items
Take extra precautions to protect fragile items from potential damage. Fragile belongings such as glassware, china, or delicate electronics all require special attention if you want them to arrive at your new home intact.
It’s a good idea to start by gathering packing materials. Bubble wrap, packing paper, foam, sturdy boxes – even your extra clothes if you’re trying to save money. Wrap each fragile item individually, and provide ample cushioning to absorb any shocks during transportation. Don’t forget to fill in any empty spaces within those boxes to prevent shifting around during the move.
Once you’ve boxed up your fragile stuff, mark the boxes clearly. Use red or brightly colored markers to mark them as “fragile” and instruct your movers or helpers to handle them with care. It’s a simple precaution, but it goes a long way.
If you have some really fragile or sentimental items, you might want to transport them yourself. If you have space for some heirlooms and valuable artwork in your own vehicle, take them with you to keep them as safe as possible.
Fragile items are tough to move, but with a few precautions and careful consideration you can pack and haul them without any major hiccups. Just be sure you mark those boxes clearly, and tell your movers what items need extra care.
5. Document and Take Photos
If you’re working with professional movers, it’s a good idea to take photos of your belongings. This gives you visual evidence of the pre-existing condition of your items, and ensures a smoother claims process in the rare instance that anything is damaged, destroyed, or lost in transit.
Before packing, capture clear photos of your valuable or fragile items from various angles. Focus on any existing damage, scratches, or marks. If possible, photograph any serial numbers or unique identifiers on electronic devices or appliances. You may also want to consider creating an inventory list detailing the condition and value of significant belongings.
Remember to save these photos in a safe location, preferably in a cloud storage service or on a separate device. This way, you can access them easily and securely during or after the move. It’s rare to experience loss or damage during a move, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Make sure you look into insurance coverage, too!
Don'ts for Moving Day
Moving day is an exciting time, but don’t let the excitement get to your head. You’ve seen the ‘dos’ – now, let’s dive into the ‘don’ts’ of moving day and see what you should avoid:
1. Don’t Procrastinate or Rush
We can’t stress this one enough: Don’t procrastinate or keep any big tasks waiting until the last minute. You’ll want to starting moving day with a clear plan, and you shouldn’t have to make any last-minute decisions. Procrastination means unnecessary stress, mistakes, and overlooked details.
Creating a detailed moving schedule or checklist is the best way to manage your procrastination streak. This will help you stay on track, and it’s a good way to make sure that every task is completed in a timely manner. Break down the bigger tasks and allocate specific time slots for each one.
Rushing through the moving process can result in accidents, damaged belongings, or overlooked items. Hasty packing can cause breakage or loss. Take the time to pack items carefully, ensuring they are properly wrapped and secured in your moving boxes.
Avoid procrastination and rushing as much as possible. You’ll set the stage for a smoother and less stressful moving day, and you won’t break as much stuff.
2. Don’t Overlook Safety Measures
Moving day is exciting, but you need to remember that safety comes first. Take steps to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to your belongings.
Start by wearing appropriate clothing and footwear for comfort and protection. Avoid wearing anything that’s super loose, since it can get caught on objects while you’re carrying heavy stuff. Also, wear closed-toe shoes for stability and support.
When lifting heavy items, use proper lifting techniques. Lift with your legs, keep your back straight, and avoid overexerting yourself. You family, friends, and professional movers are there to help, so always ask for assistance when needed. You can unpack your ego when you get to your new place.
When you’re putting everything in the truck, secure everything properly. Use straps, ropes, or bungee cords to secure larger furniture or appliances in the moving truck. This will prevent shifting and any potential damage during transportation.
Don’t forget to prepare your space, too. You’ll want to make sure walkways and pathways are clear of obstacles to minimize the risk of tripping or falling. You should also mark any potential hazards (such as uneven surfaces or steps).
Prioritizing safety measures can really reduce the chances of accidents and injuries during the moving process. Taking these precautions will not only protect you and your helpers, but they’ll also safeguard your belongings during transit.
3. Don’t Forget to Update Contact Information
In the flurry of your moving day activities, it’s easy to overlook the crucial task of updating your contact info. However, failing to do so can result in missed communications, interrupted services, and important mail being sent to the wrong address.
The last thing you want is a dry faucet when you want to take that post-move shower. Take the time to update your contact information with relevant parties well in advance of moving day. Notify your utility companies (including electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable providers) for a seamless transition.
While you’re updating your info, don’t forget your bank, credit card companies, and insurance providers. Tell them about your change of address to prevent any delays in receiving statements or important communications. This will also keep your financial and insurance records up to date.
Remember to update your address with government agencies such as the post office, tax authorities, and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Again, you don’t want any important mail being sent to the wrong address – especially if it’s about your car’s registration or your taxes.
By updating your contact information, you can avoid the inconvenience and potential complications that may arise from having outdated details on file. Taking this step will help you settle into your new home smoothly.
4. Don’t Leave Cleaning for Later
As you navigate the chaos of the moving day, cleaning up may be the last thing on your mind. However, postponing cleaning can result in unnecessary stress and delays in settling into your new space.
To avoid this, allocate some time to clean each room before the moving process really begins. Start with the least-used areas, such as your basement or attic. Then, gradually work your way toward the main living areas. This approach allows you to tackle cleaning tasks systematically and ensures that no area is overlooked.
As you pack, clean as you go. Wipe down surfaces, sweep or vacuum floors, and take care of any minor repairs or touch-ups. This will save you time and effort when it comes to the final cleaning before handing over the keys. Cleaning also helps you do a final sweep (pun intended) for anything you may have forgotten.
If you rented your old apartment, your security deposit is on the line. Make sure you clean thoroughly, and keep everything tidy during your move.
5. Don’t Neglect to Check Inventory
Before leaving your old home, take some time to cross-check your inventory list. Make sure your belongings have been loaded onto your moving truck, and make sure you know where everything is. This is your final step before heading to your new place, so don’t forget to check and see that everything is accounted for.
You made your inventory list for a reason, but there’s always the possibility that you forgot to write something down in the first place. Do a final sweep of your old place just to be safe. Then, get to your destination, and start marking off everything as you unpack.
Keep Your Move Manageable, and Get Packing Today
Moving day can be stressful, but you can keep yourself stress-free, sane, and (almost completely) relaxed with a bit of advance planning and organization. Start early, keep your moving checklist close at hand, and communicate with your moving team as much as possible – whether they’re the pros or just your family and friends.
Ready to get started with your move? Get in touch with some of our recommended local and long distance movers, and get started with your checklist today. And don’t forget to check back in with the team at Pricing Van Lines for more tips, tricks, and insider info to make moving day even easier!
