10 Top Tips to Get You Moving Like a Pro

Moving to a new place can be wonderful and exciting until you start to think of all the stuff you have to figure out to make your move fast and smooth, without closing down the bank.

Using the tricks below will make your move a lot less stressful and even enjoyable.

1. Start early:

It is a huge mistake to pack in a rush, it is ideal to start your packing weeks in advance, this way you avoid having your items damaged or even lost in the melee. Start going through your belongings at least five weeks ahead of your move date and pack things you don’t use often, things like decorations, season clothes, and that once in a while use dinner set

2. Secure your breakables:

You can get some bubble wraps for your breakables like dishes, glasses, and co but one good way to save money is to wrap these items in clothing. This way you are killing two birds with one cloth, you are packing your kitchenware and your clothes are at the same time.

3. Label your boxes:

You know how new neighbors will want to be helpful and end up placing your belongings in the wrong rooms giving you extra work, moving men and even yourself can make that mistake so label your boxes.

Label your boxes with your name, what is inside and the room it belongs to, this will also help people know which boxes have fragile contents in them and which can be lifted any which way. You can use colored packing tapes or a colored pen for this. 

4. Get rid of clutter:

The more unused and unnecessary stuff you do away with, the less you will have to pack, move, unpack and organize.

You can decide to hold a garage sale or better still, donate your unnecessary stuff to charity; or you might as well throw them away.

5. Take a picture of your electronics:

It is easier to put your electronics back together and get them working when you know how they were before so, take a picture of your electronics the way they are plugged in and connected before taking them apart.

Also, keep track of hardware cables and cords or any other electronic accessories such as DVD remote by taping them on the electronics it works for or placing them in the same box.

6. Use what you have:

Before rushing to buy, borrow or beg boxes, look for suitcases, laundry baskets, and duffel bags you definitely have lying around the house, this will save you some money and also minimize the trash you will have to get rid of in your new home.

7. Pack an overnight bag:

This is very essential, it wouldn’t do to start rummaging around in containers from room to room looking for stuff you will need the next morning.

Chances are you will be too tired to unpack, so get an overnight bag and put all your essentials like a change of clothing, toiletries, and even your laptop. Keep this within reach at all times so it won’t get shoved in with all the jumble.

8. Protect liquids:

Take an extra minute to secure your toiletry bottles and kitchen liquids with saran wrap or a Ziploc bag, unscrew the cap, place the wrap over the top and screw shut tight; this will prevent potential leaks and spills on your favorite clothes and this way avoid this cussing and crying.

9. Create a schedule:

Do your last grocery shopping at least two weeks before moving, this ensures that you use up all or almost all your food before moving and so the less you will have to throw out.

10. Defrost your fridge:

No one wants to wake up to a mildewy fridge in their new home so ensure you defrost, thoroughly clean and wipe away any liquid in your refrigerator completely the night before moving to avoid nasty smells and leaks.

11. Moving your furniture:

Your furniture is very likely some of the heaviest things to move so it will be a good idea to do it last, if you have to take it apart, make sure you take note of what goes where so that you will not end up having a bed that looks more like a closet in your new home.

Load your heavy furniture first into the moving van, then finish with lighter items. Furniture goes in first, comes out last.

And finally: Before you move in, find time to clean the bathroom and kitchen in your new home, the previous resident might not be very good with hygiene (if you are renting).

Here is a list of some things that might come in handy when moving:

• Moving boxes
• Bubble wrap
• Sandwich and Ziploc bags
• Packing tape
• Colored tapes and pens