By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
With more than 40 years in the moving business, we've talked to many, many people who are moving, and we have compiled their favorite hacks to make moving less overwhelming. We understand that each move presents its own set of challenges and difficulties, but we've come up with a list of accessories, tools and techniques that have made the process less overwhelming.
As well as utilizing the suggested items below, we have discovered that adhering to a simple strategy is effective no matter where you are heading or what you are moving. To begin with, sell or give away anything that is an inconvenience (or exceedingly pricey) to move, including home furnishings or sizeable appliances. Everything you keep, pack with care-it requires time to seek out dependable and purposeful items. Moving is costly and also strenuous, and we have all used whatever free or inexpensive supplies work great for moving replaceable items, but safeguards for the belongings that matter warrants shelling out some money. And if it's within your budget to do so, employing professional movers is nearly always worth the expense: Your back (and your buddies) are going to thank you.
Have plenty of permanent markers on hand
You need to label each box, container, or bag so you recognize what is what throughout a move, and the most effective way to accomplish that is to have ample permanent markers readily available. They are affordable markers, so do not be hesitant to go crazy. Have a minimum of one for each person in addition to one per room. This way nobody is inclined to “label it later” or to tag not enough of the boxes’ sides to save ink, and you are more prone to have large, readable labels which say “hand towels, bathtub stuff, toiletries”-or at a minimum “bathroom”-instead of a pile of mystery cartons to decipher when you get to your new house.
Seal boxes faster with a tape gun
Look for a great tape gun for more efficient, heavy-duty packing and moving.
And speaking of tape.....don't get the cheap stuff
Get quality packing tape. Here's what one customer reported after buying inexpensive tape, "It was a total freaking nightmare. The tape was flimsy and would constantly tear down the center, so I spent more time trying to find the leading edge of the tape than I did packing."
Start saving your egg cartons now
Pack jewelry into empty egg cartons, so it doesn't get tangled. Just tape it shut after you're done and try to keep it upright during the move.
Color code your boxes
Use colored duct tape to keep your boxes organized. Designate a different color for each room and be sure to create a key that you can hang up at your destination so that the movers know which room the box belongs to!
Use your smartphone
Snap a picture of the back of your TV and other electronic devices. That way, you know exactly which wires go where when you're setting up in the new place!
Give liquids a wrap
To prevent spills mid-move, uncap all household liquids - everything from toiletries to cleaning supplies - then cover the top with clear plastic wrap, and tightly reseal the cap. And, be sure to talk to your movers about what liquids can go on the moving van and which ones you need to transport yourself.
Corral cords with toilet paper rolls
One way to cut down on the jumbled mess of extension cords is to wind each cord up in a 6-inch coil and insert each into its own toilet paper roll. You’ll have lots more room in the box, and no tangled mess to unpack later. Just remember to clearly label the box!
Think ahead
Put essential appliances (like your coffee maker) in a laundry basket so you can put them on your counter right away in your new place.
Unpack with a box cutter and gloves
Packing is merely fifty percent of the task-at the other end of the road, you will be unpacking everything. A quality box cutter, also known as utility knife, makes opening and breaking down many boxes much faster and simpler. And a pair of light work gloves is going to preserve your hands from the chafing, drying effects of touching all that cardboard; gloves made from breathable material, with grippy, rubbery fingers and palms, is perfect.
And when it's all over.... take a deep breath and allow yourself some "me time". Watch a movie, order some pizza, or do whatever you need to relax after a long day of hard work. You deserve it!!
Ready to find out how a professional mover can help make moving less overwhelming? Call A-1 Freeman Moving Group today!!
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