Our final ten tips and life hacks for making moving less stressful and a bit easier!
- Make sure you understand the rules/regulations of the moving company you hire. Some movers will only move items in boxes, for example, so you’d be paying extra for boxes that you don’t need because you cleverly packed your suitcases with books! Also, some movers won’t be held responsible for damage to electronics not packed in original boxes.
- If you are renting, take photos of your cleaned-out old home and your new home before moving in. This is essential towards getting your security deposit returned, and can prove invaluable for an unscrupulous landlord who may charge necessary cleaning and repair fees.
- If you are moving cross-country and you don’t need your items right away, consider shipping “slow-ship” via Greyhound. It’s an inexpensive shipping option for large items. Just remember to pack items really well — boxes aren’t necessarily handled with kid gloves.
- Submit change of address forms at least two weeks prior to moving. This may be obvious for utilities and cable; don’t forget Amazon, PayPal, credit cards, banks, magazines and all your mail.
- Six weeks before moving is time to begin selling items on Ebay or Craigslist. It’s a great way to make money to pay for the move, and makes packing that much easier.
- Arrange for charity pick ups at least a week or two before moving. This means as soon as you know you are moving, begin sorting through possessions and make purge/donate/sell piles.
- Begin using all your pantry and freezer items two or three weeks before moving. The more you use up, the less you will have to throw out.
- Consider hiring a sitter for children and pets the day of the move — keep them out of the mover’s way and away from the stress of the move. Don’t forget to retrieve them before you head to the new home :}
- If moving large appliances, remember to defrost refrigerators, unhook ducts, and clean for the move.
- Enjoy your new home!