Post By: Alex Berger
Everyone could probably use some moving tips, especially if you are packing up your entire life and headed for a brand new home. I bet you are so excited!! If this sounds like you, then you are in good company because I have moved countless times – and I have the best tips (at least, I think I do). It can be a stressful time, but the process does not have to be frustrating. Here’s how to get your life and possessions organized to make the packing and moving process easy:
*This post is sponsored by New Jersey Transport Inc. Moving Company.
Make a List
Write everything down and then pat yourself on the back and thank yourself later. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record-keeping system: make a list! Create a numbered list that specifically names the contents in each numbered box. You can designate a spiral-bound notebook for the job or generate the list on a computer. Make sure you put a number on every single box that you pack. When describing the box contents, be specific—”Office Files” is better than “Office” and “Fragile China Dishes” rather than “Kitchen.” Never put the list down unless it’s where you keep all of your packing supplies. This way, you never lose it!
Have Plenty of Supplies
You will need tons of boxes—probably more boxes than you think that you will need. Having them on-hand, before you start packing will make your life so much easier. I mean, imagine having to stop packing when you get in the groove, just because you run out of boxes. That is not the life for me! You could always check with your moving company to see if they sell boxes. Or, you could hire a professional moving company such as New Jersey Transport Inc Moving Company, to pack everything for you instead. If you are packing yourself, don’t forget to leave about 10 boxes set aside to use for last-minute items on moving day, such as bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies.
Color Coordinate
Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for the kitchen, orange for the dining room, and so on. Apply colored stickers on the box near the box number. In your new home, put a matching sticker on the door to each room. The movers will know where to put everything when they arrive at the destination. It’s also helpful to post a big sign on the wall in the room where you want boxes stacked, such as “Boxes Here Please” to keep them out of furniture and traffic areas. Do you know why I like this tip? Because you can re-use the boxes over and over again for upcoming moves. If you write something along the lines of “Downstairs bedroom,” in big letters on the box, then you will not be able to use it again if you do not have a downstairs bedroom in your next house.
Keep Things Together
Insist on keeping things together when you or the movers are packing boxes. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances. Small, loose parts can be attached to the item they belong to with tape or placed in small envelopes. Keep picture hooks with pictures, shelf brackets with the bookcase, and a special wrench and bolts with the wall unit. Keep larger corresponding items (such as a cable TV cord) in resealable bags, and tape these to the underside or back of the item.
As a backup, have a “Parts Box” open on the kitchen counter and fill it with cables, cords, parts, pieces, brackets, or nails that are removed from any items of furniture. Keep this box with you, or mark it well with a rainbow of colored stickers so it can be easily located on move-in day.
Use Your Personal Containers
Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. If it’s summer, get your winter clothes out of the way. You do not need multiple TVs around your house for the last few days there. Box up your shampoo and extra toothpaste and use items out of a travel cosmetic case for the last week or two. Pare down cooking utensils and food supplies to the bare essentials.
Wastebaskets can also be packed (put things in them) while you switch to using plastic grocery bags for trash collection.
Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods. Even for local moves, you’ll be able to quickly spot your suitcase holding your favorite sweaters.
Don’t Forget About Cleaning
If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags. Clean ahead of moving day, such as the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows. Leave the vacuuming for moving day—vacuum each room as the movers empty it. Or, just hire a cleaning company and be done with it!
Safeguard Valued Items
It’s a good idea to keep valuable possessions, such as silverware, collections, or antiques, with you. If you have a long move and no room in your car, bury the items in an intentionally mislabeled box “Misc. Kitchen Pantry.”
Check your homeowner’s insurance to see how you are covered during the move, and if you need additional insurance from the mover. Also, find out what paperwork (receipts, appraisals, and photos) you might need to file a claim in case of loss.
Keep important papers with you: birth certificates, school records, mover estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, maps, and more. Don’t leave these with the mover. Keep them with you.
Hire A Moving Company
Last but not least, if you are wanting a stress-free, easy move, I recommend hiring a moving company. That way, you won’t even have to think about all of these steps yourself. Let someone else do the hard work for you! For example, if you are looking for piano movers in NJ, call up New Jersey Transport Inc Moving Company. They can help with local moving, long distance moving services, storage solutions, door-to-door delivery, packing and crating, and more. “New Jersey Transport offers honest and reliable moving services for residents living in the north east. Our focus on transparency and honesty helps us provide stress-free moving and transport services. Check our reviews and see why we are the best in the north east!” Worried about breaking an item, especially a large appliance or fragile piece? Don’t be when hiring New Jersey Transport! Your items are important to them and they always treat them with the utmost care and respect. They pad and wrap all furniture, they make sure to secure all boxes properly, and bulk items are crated accordingly. They are the most professional and honest moving company in NJ!
Planning ahead will help you in the long-run when it comes to your move. You’ve got this!