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Moving may bring in a lot of emotions. Excitement for a fresh start, a dear goodbye for the comfortable life that’s going to be left behind, and paradoxical feelings of uncertainty and the least wanted necessity to move. Local moving may induce negative emotions, but a few self-help pointers and know-how about a few things can ease the process and reduce the fear attached to it. You are moving locally. This isn’t a long-distance move, but some checklists never harm.
One of the first steps for a smooth move is planning and planning early. Give yourself at least 4-6 weeks to prep for this. The further you can give yourself time, the easier it will be to cope with the inevitable. You would take one day to literally list everything you need to do and then list everything you need to purchase to set the pace right.
First and foremost, line up what day you are moving. Local moving services, such as PODS, will need to be scheduled in advance, especially during moving season. We love to have a PODS container sit outside our house for weeks because it’s a slow move. They are flexible, and you can always call the day before to schedule your delivery.
Next, collect all of your packing materials. You’re going to need a few kinds of things. Boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, and markers are the basics. If you go with PODS moving services, they have packing supplies you can buy or rent, which will mean one less trip for you.
You will also need specialized packing supplies. Mattress covers are essential to protect your bed from dust or damage as you move. Dish packs will provide a bit more cushioning between the delicate items in your kitchen. Things like wardrobe boxes make it easier to move clothes by allowing you to keep your clothes hung up so you can transport them without having to fold and pack them, which makes for fewer wrinkles and a faster unpacking process.
Use the right box for the job when you pack. Use the heavier, more durable boxes for things that need more support, like books. Smaller boxes are better for glassware and electronics. If you label each box as you go, you can make sure the boxes you’re sending along with the movers are going to the right place, so nothing gets accidentally left behind, and you’ll know what you’re looking for when you’re ready to crack boxes open as you unpack.
Another mistake that is often made during the process of moving is not informing the proper people and companies after you sign the paperwork. Most importantly, you will want to provide an address update to the post office, but you should not forget the banks, utility companies, insurance companies, and any other places where you have a subscription. Depending on where you are moving to, you may need to provide an update to your driver’s license and registration, so be sure to get in touch with the DMV to find out.
Also, be sure to have the utilities at your old home disconnected and the new home connected ahead of time; you will want the water, electricity, and gas ready to go when you arrive. Take it a step further and disconnect/internet, cable, trash, etc., ahead of time, so everything is taken care of on your first day in your new home.
Packing up your stuff doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal if you take it one step at a time. Put away things that you don’t use every day. Save essentials for the week or so before the move. As you pack, you’ll want to tell whoever’s helping with the moving process (whether it’s friends, movers, or you) what’s inside each box and where it will go in your new home.
There are no rules. But if you use color-coded stickers or markers, you quickly answer the question, “where do I put this box?” This is especially helpful if you have hired people to help you load a moving container like a PODS container. Our drivers make sure you have plenty of time to load and unload your container so you can work at your own pace and even take a packing break if you need it.
Once you see that hourglass start, you’re going to need a power play in place. if you’re using local moving tools (smart play), make sure you have it scheduled and a layout of where it will be parked at both your current home and destination.
On the day of, make sure to have your friends and family ready to muscle their way through this. If you’re using a local move, it won’t take as much effort, but anything you do on your own can save money. Also, don’t forget to keep that open-first box that you’ll need on day one or two at the new place with everything from toiletries to a change of clothes to your license, lease, and kitchen necessities.
Now that you are in the place, set into the space. Set aside a day or two to get your space and head into your new home. Make sure you get that kitchen and bedroom set up. So that, like we said, you can get out and get your stuff, see where you land, and try to make sense of your new world. Set up where you would like to be, what you would like to do, and how you will feel comfortable and happy…to stay in this space for a long time.
Take your take to get out of this space in your new home and make it home. You do not have to have it done in 1 day. You will take some time to get adjusted and have a little bit of fun. 1 foot in front of the other. Be methodical and have a plan!
When you have a plan, some organization, and the proper resources, like a local moving container from PODS, your move will go smoothly. When you follow the checklists above, you can make sure that you are staying ahead of everything. Making it the least stressful possible and, best of all, the smoothest part. Moving doesn’t have to be the biggest, normally stressful task! It is a fun time and a great way for you to start over, soon new beginnings. So just follow the list and take it step by step. You’ll crush it, as long as you have a clear idea what to do and how to prepare for it. Enjoy the process of your move!
