Best Moving Hacks to Make Your Life Easier
Did you know that the average American changes home 11.7 times in his lifetime? With such frequency of relocations, it’s safe to say that moving plays a significant part in the life of every US citizen. You’ve probably stumbled upon a few life hacks on the Internet, but no less important are the moving hacks. You will need to master them if you want to actually enjoy the process of transferring your entire life to a new city or state and adapting to an unfamiliar environment.
The course of relocation, especially a long-distance one, is often unpredictable, and it can get pretty overwhelming for some. To avoid that, create a checklist that will help you track your progress and remind you of the tasks that await you. If you are tackling the whole thing on your own, you will have to find the right materials, safely box everything up, and clean the old house or apartment. When you unload all the stuff in your new home, unbox everything like a boss.
Thorough Preparation Is the Key to a Smooth Relocation
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
Let’s say that the relocation process is like solving a jigsaw puzzle. You need to be patient and have all the pieces fit into their designated places in order to get the perfect final picture. There are many parts to it. To not get overwhelmed while booking long-distance moving services, you should create a checklist. It will track all you should do, all you already did, and the task deadlines.
Depending on how much time you have until you move, your checklist will vary. If you have more than eight weeks until the relocation, you can take it easy and slowly organize everything, but a last-minute relocation can get pretty hectic. You have so many tasks to think about, like will you relocate on your own or hire a trustworthy long-distance moving company to assist you? Are you shipping your car or driving it?
Don’t Forget the Essentials When Relocating With Kids – What to Pack and Prepare Early
If you are relocating with kids, you will want to contact their school and notify them about the move. You have to think about gathering all the documents, changing the address, and finding a doctor. The bottom line is the earlier you start preparing, the less hectic everything will be.
Besides, go over everything because you would be surprised how many of the most commonly forgotten things to pack you use on a day-to-day basis. Personal belongings such as passports, IDs, and bank records shouldn’t travel in a truck. Instead, they should be in a folder that you will carry with you. One of the additional pro tips is – set aside items you will use throughout the whole relocation process. It will save you the trouble of going through your stuff when you need something.
Create a Useful Toolbox
Think in advance about all the things you will need and use when the big relocation day comes. One of the most common moving mistakes is forgetting to create a “toolbox” that will contain essentials that will come in handy during the whole process.
Regardless of whether you’re relying on cross-country movers and their professional packing services or doing everything on your own, you will probably need tools such as scissors, tapes, and screwdrivers. Get a special container for those items, because you will work with them until the last moment in your current house or apartment, and you will need them for unboxing on the first day in the new place.
You can also include markers, a hammer, a flashlight, and batteries in it if you think they can come in handy with disassembling and assembling furniture. Having this type of toolkit will be an inevitable factor for a stress-free relocation experience.
Donate and Lower Your Relocation Costs With the Long-Distance Moving and Car Shipping Company
Before you start wrapping and placing your belongings in containers, it would be smart to declutter. When living in one place for an extended period, people tend to hoard a lot of stuff they don’t need, and relocation is the perfect moment to get rid of it.
How to figure out what not to pack and bring with you?
Start by creating a list of all the double objects you have.
Go over those clothes, shoes, and furniture you don’t have a purpose for, and if they are in good condition, you can sell or donate them.
Organize things for donation on one side, and on the other, you can put everything that will be up for a garage sale. What is left are belongings you should take with you.
Moving Hacks That Will Help You Choose and Use Boxes the Best Way
Are you in a dilemma about how to choose the best-sized boxes? There are so many alternatives, so many crate sizes, and cardboard densities to choose from. Objects in your place vary in size and the level of fragility or durability. Your containers should, too. Purchasing supplies in bulk can be one of the perfect life hacks for moving. This solution is for all folks who don’t have the time or patience to go and get each supply individually.
Packing Services
Our moving teams are trained to pack your belongings in the most efficient manner possible.
Read moreStorage Service
Knowing what kind of surprises cross country move may hold, we offer 30 day free storage for belongings at the origin state.
Read moreAuto-Transport
If your first concern is having your vehicle transported safely and efficiently, enclose shipping is the way to go.
Read moreOverfilling Boxes Should Be Avoided
Let’s say you are thinking about packing your books and taking them with you. Consider putting them in several smaller containers. Avoid filling big containers with heavy items. Think about it practically; how will you load and unload those? You would require sufficient manpower and appropriate professional equipment, and if you are relocating on your own, obtaining that can be tricky.
To avoid complications, get big crates for lighter pieces such as pillows and blankets, while objects such as books can go in smaller ones. Keep in mind that those heavy containers should go on the bottom of the truck so that they don’t squish the lighter ones.
How to Safely Pack Fragile Items – Protecting Your Bottles and Glasses During the Move
Do you have some fragile objects that you would love to keep as safe as possible during the relocation? Maybe you are thinking about how to pack wine bottles for relocation or some other pricey liquor. To do so, you should get specialty crates. They will have additional dividers on the inside, fixing objects from both sides and giving them all the necessary protection. Bottles and glasses won’t bump against one another and accidentally break because there will be a carton wall between them. Here are other steps you need to take and protect your other breakables:
- Plates – Wrap and stack plates vertically in boxes, or place Styrofoam plates between them for added protection.
- Glasses & Stemware – Use clean socks or t-shirts to wrap glasses and stemware, saving on bubble wrap.
- Picture Frames & Mirrors – Protect frame edges with pool noodles or pipe insulation. Tape an X across mirrors to prevent shattering.
- Light Bulbs – Store bulbs in a Christmas ornament box or wrap them in bubble wrap for safety.
Make Relocation With a Long-Distance Movers Cheaper by Using Free Supplies
Thinking about your savings account and staying within the planned budget is something most people strive to do. Whether you are considering relocating out of state on a budget or relocating to another city, you will look for a way to save up. Start with obtaining free packing supplies.
Ask your friends if they have some boxes to spare or maybe some leftover duct tape, markers, bubble wrap, and padding materials. For extra stuff, you can check out local grocery shops or coffee places and see if they have some cartons you can use. Also, go online to websites such as Craigslist and Facebook groups and check if anybody is giving away free stuff you can find a purpose for.
Packing Hacks for Cross-Country Moving You Can Use
Many objects in your residence can have multiple purposes, and they can be used in the boxing-up process if you know how. Let’s go over some of the packing hacks for moving that have proven to be useful in the relocation process.
- Keep knives safe by placing them in potholders – This will prevent sharp blades from cutting through boxes.
- Use pots to store spices and small items – Fill larger pots with spice jars and cookware, and secure the lids with rubber bands.
- Organize screws in zip-lock bags – Tape these to furniture pieces after disassembly to keep everything together.
- Secure drawers with plastic wrap – Skip disassembling furniture by wrapping drawers to keep them closed and items inside intact.
- Roll clothes to save space – Rolling instead of folding not only conserves space but also prevents overfilling of drawers.
- Pack shoes in wine box dividers – This keeps shoes organized and allows you to stuff them with smaller items like socks.
- Leave clothes on hangers – Save time by slipping large garbage bags over hanging clothes and loading them directly into the truck.
- Organize cords with empty toilet paper rolls – Prevent tangling by placing cables inside rolls, and labeling them for easy setup later.
One of the Hacks to Make Moving Easier Is Color Coding and Labeling
Mastering labeling and color-coding will make unpacking much easier and help you stay organized during your move. Start by gathering materials like color markers, sticky labels, and tape. Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. If you’re reusing boxes, simply cover old labels with tape.
Color coding is another effective strategy. Assign a specific color to each room and mark the boxes accordingly, creating a color chart to avoid mix-ups. Be sure to coordinate these systems with movers or anyone helping you to speed up the loading and unloading process. If you partner with Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving, you won’t have to worry about a thing – we have many years of experience in the industry and will make your relocation a breeze.
Moving Tips and Hacks for the Relocation Day
Moving day has arrived, and with a few strategies, you can reduce stress and make the process smoother. Start by wearing comfortable clothes and setting up a babysitter for the kids. Create a no-pack zone for a quick breather when needed. If moving alone, a dolly will make transporting heavy items much easier and faster.
To protect your floors and carpets, use shoe booties and lay old blankets in high-traffic areas. Remember, relocating isn’t just about packing – don’t forget to change your address, switch utilities, and manage school changes for the kids. Lastly, make it fun by playing music to keep the mood light and enjoyable.
Clean Up Your Home Efficiently Before Moving and Auto Transport Company Arrives
When you are done with the long process of boxing up your belongings, it is time to clean up. You can do some of the more tiresome tasks around the house by using stuff from your kitchen. Here are some quick and easy tips to make the task a breeze:
- Fill nail holes with soap.
- Clean walls with warm soapy water, but avoid colored sponges to prevent stains.
- Remove crayon marks with WD-40.
- Use dryer sheets on baseboards to repel dust.
- Clean blinds with a vinegar-water mix, and tackle window mold with vinegar and baking soda using Q-tips and toothbrushes.
- Freshen the microwave and oven with lemon and vinegar.
- Shine stainless steel with cream of tartar.
- Remove kitchen grease with rubbing alcohol.
- Fix carpet dents by placing ice cubes on the dents, letting them melt, and lifting the fibers with a spoon.
Useful Tricks and Tips for Unpacking Like a Pro
Unpacking can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can make it a breeze. Although most people find packing the most stressful part of the move – around 60% of them, unpacking comes with some drawbacks, too. That’s why it’s essential to have a plan. Start by labeling boxes by room to stay organized, and unpack essentials first to avoid frustration. Also, taking breaks during the process can reduce stress and keep you energized. By following these simple tricks, you’ll unpack like a pro and settle into your new home faster.
Make Your Relocation as Easy as It Can Be With Moving and Car Shipping Company
With these moving hacks, your relocation can be smoother, more efficient, and less stressful. From packing smart to staying organized, these tips will help you tackle every step of the process like a pro. For a hassle-free move, let Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving handle the heavy lifting. Contact us today for a quote and experience a seamless relocation!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Hacks
How Do I Declutter and Organize My Belongings Before the Move?
Be ruthless in deciding what to keep and try to limit the number of items you bring with you to avoid clutter in your new home. When donating or selling items, make sure they are in good condition and consider having a yard sale or posting them for sale online.
How Do I Prepare My New Home Before Moving In?
Start by cleaning the space thoroughly, including floors, windows, and appliances. Consider painting or making any necessary repairs before moving in furniture to avoid having to move it later. Install any necessary fixtures, such as curtains or shelves, and make sure that all utilities are set up and working correctly.
What Are Some Hacks for Packing Electronics and Appliances?
First, take pictures of the cords and connections before disassembling them to help you remember how to reassemble them at your new home. Use original packaging whenever possible, as it is designed to fit the specific item. Finally, label each box with the contents and make sure to handle boxes containing electronics and appliances with extra care.