Moving is a daunting task. You must pack boxes, haul furniture, talk to movers, and adjust to a new environment when you reach your destination. All of these can quickly turn into a stressful and overwhelming ordeal. But with some planning and implementing efficient strategies, any move can become manageable. A small move hire is more suitable for moving items weighing under 2,000 lbs. You don’t need to hire a full-size moving truck. If you’re only moving from a small dorm to a new apartment down the road, that is considered a small move. Sometimes, you can skip hiring movers and haul your belongings yourself.
With only a few boxes to haul or with it being a short distance, most people mistakenly think that a small move is more straightforward and involves less hassle and stress. However, the world of compact moving solutions can be just as challenging. This article will help you prepare for your upcoming move and give smart tips for a smooth sailing moving day.
Preparing for a Small Move
Many companies now offer tailored services with many people moving at some point across states or the next town. Additionally, many tried and tested moving tips are out there to help you make the entire process easier. The key to a successful and stress-free move is planning. Make a moving checklist and follow that checklist to ensure everything is in order during the whole process, from before the move, during the moving process, and when you’re settled in your new place. Remember that even with the most careful planning, things can still go wrong during the move. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions to moving, so don’t stress out over the most minor details.
Tips and Tricks to Help You on Your Moving Day
Declutter Properly
Be ruthless when decluttering before moving. It will not only help reduce your moving costs but also allow you to start fresh and get rid of items you don’t need. Inspect all your things and ask yourself if you have used them in the past year. Things you haven’t used for a long time might need to go. Discard items with no practical use or ones you can easily replace in your new home. You don’t even have to throw things if you don’t need them anymore. You can sell them online or do a garage sale. You can donate some to charity. If you’re working with a reliable moving company, they can even offer advice on what’s worth taking based on weight and space, making your move more efficient and cost-effective.
Pack Like a Pro
Since moving involves a lot of planning, you should pack in advance. Pack as many things as you can, especially items you won’t need or use while waiting for the final day of the move. For example, books you won’t read or clothes you won’t wear can be packed first. After packing, make sure to label everything. Indicate in the label what items are in the box and the room destination. This will make unpacking easier, as you won’t have to spend countless hours digging through your boxes to find the necessary items.
If you have existing containers, use those so you don’t have to buy extra packing boxes. Baskets, laundry hampers, and suitcases can all be used to pack your things. In addition, you can follow some space-saving techniques when packing, such as rolling clothes, packing cubes, and using vacuum bags. If you have smaller items that risk going missing or are concerned about spilling during the move, consider utilizing screw top plastic containers for added security and organization. These containers are excellent for packing smaller belongings, ensuring they’re protected and easy to access when you reach your new home. For clothes, especially costly ones, leave the hangers and pack them neatly in wardrobe boxes so they won’t be wrinkled. That way, you won’t need to iron them at your new place. Simply hang them, and you’re good. The less expensive clothes can be packed in clean trash bags.
Moving Day Tricks
The best way to tackle a small move is to be strategic about it. You can save money by scheduling your moving day around off-peak dates. These are usually cheaper since the mover will not be stuck in traffic. Leave the job to your movers on the actual day of moving, but take care of the team. Prepare some snacks and drinks for everybody. Moving is always physically taxing, and they will need some food to recharge.
Talk to your movers and establish a clear communication line to ensure you are on the same page with the entire process. Make sure to inspect and take note of the state of your moving boxes. After the move, recheck the items for potential damage. If you are moving furniture, make sure to take photos. When unloading your boxes, instruct the movers to unload them in each room or area accordingly. This will make for a seamless unpacking and settling in.
Settle into Your New Space
Now that you are in your new place, make sure to unpack mindfully. Start unpacking the essential items and gradually work through the rest. Remember to maintain order to avoid accumulating clutter when you’ve just moved. If you think an item doesn’t fit your new place, don’t hesitate to let it go. Transform and personalize your new home by adding decorative touches like artwork, photos, and plants. Use cozy rugs, functional shelves, and warm lighting to make the place inviting and homey.
Do You Need Moving Services?
There are three options for small moves: DIY, asking for help from friends or family, and hiring a mover. We all know the first two are the best choice if you’re on a tight budget. However, you should hire a moving company if you want safety and efficiency. Hiring professionals makes more sense if you have no moving experience and limited time to do the move yourself. They will handle the entire move for you, from loading and unloading to logistics. Some movers can even pack for you for an additional fee.
It’s best to find a team specializing in small moves to get an appropriate quote. Also, check the company’s profile and read reviews from previous small move clients. This will give you an idea of the quality of service they offer.
Don’t Make It Stressful
Moving, even if it’s just a minor or short-distance move, can be stressful, and getting caught up in its chaos may be inevitable. But with careful and thoughtful planning, you can easily enjoy settling into your new place.
