Moving can feel like a marathon, but with the right strategy, you can turn a daunting task into a manageable journey. To help you navigate the chaos and ensure a seamless transition to your new home, EZ Moving has put together the ultimate list of moving do’s and don’ts. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be unpacking with a smile in no time!
The Essential Moving Do’s
- Do Start Early: Procrastination is the enemy of a stress-free move. Begin planning weeks, or even months, in advance. This includes decluttering, gathering supplies, and booking your movers.
- Do Declutter Ruthlessly: Before you pack a single box, go through everything you own. If you haven’t used it in a year, don’t need it, or it doesn’t bring you joy, donate, sell, or discard it. Less stuff means less to pack, less to move, and less to unpack.
- Do Create an Inventory: Keep a detailed list of all your boxes and their contents. This helps with organization, makes unpacking easier, and is crucial for insurance purposes if anything goes missing or gets damaged.
- Do Pack an Essentials Box: Prepare a separate box with everything you’ll need for your first night in the new place. Think toiletries, medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes, basic tools, and snacks. Keep this box with you, not on the moving truck.
- Do Label Boxes Clearly: Label each box on at least two sides with its contents (briefly!) and the room it belongs in. Consider color-coding for extra efficiency. This saves immense time for movers and for you during unpacking.
- Do Inform Utilities and Services: Schedule disconnect dates for your old home and connect dates for your new one well in advance. This includes electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable.
- Do Hire Professional Movers: Seriously, this is a game-changer. Companies like EZ Moving have the expertise, equipment, and efficiency to handle the heavy lifting, navigate challenges, and ensure your belongings arrive safely. It saves you time, effort, and potential injury.
The Critical Moving Don’ts
- Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute: This applies to everything from packing to booking movers. Last-minute scrambles lead to forgotten items, overspending, and high stress.
- Don’t Overpack Boxes: While you want to maximize space, don’t make boxes too heavy to lift. This risks injury for you or your movers and can cause boxes to break. Mix heavy items with lighter ones.
- Don’t Mix Items from Different Rooms: Keep items from one room in their designated boxes. This prevents confusion and makes unpacking logical and faster.
- Don’t Pack Flammable or Hazardous Materials: Movers cannot transport items like aerosols, paints, propane tanks, or cleaning chemicals. Plan to dispose of or move these safely yourself.
- Don’t Forget to Defrost Your Refrigerator: If you’re moving a fridge, defrost it at least 24-48 hours before the move to prevent water leakage and mildew during transit.
- Don’t Leave Valuables Unsecured: Personal valuables, important documents (passports, birth certificates, financial records), and jewelry should always be transported by you personally, never on the moving truck.
- Don’t Ignore Your Pets (or Kids): Moving is stressful for everyone, including furry friends and little ones. Plan for their comfort and safety. Arrange for pets to stay with a friend on moving day, and keep kids occupied or with a sitter.
By sticking to these moving do’s and don’ts, you’re well on your way to a perfectly organized and manageable relocation. Remember, a smooth move starts with smart planning.
Ready to make your move a success? Contact EZ Moving today for a free quote and let our professional team handle the heavy lifting!
