Getting ready for a move is often more daunting than you’d think. After all, when you moved in, you might have started with a blank slate or an empty space. After some time, you started to nest, decorate, and collect. Then, when you were ready to move on, you realized that you had a lot of stuff.
Not only does this make the moving process itself a bit more difficult, but it also makes packing quite the chore. If you want to save yourself some of the hassles on your moving day, you should follow some key packing tips that will get you ready for your next home.
Swap your services ahead of time.
If you know you have an upcoming move, you probably want to stop any monthly subscriptions or transfer your delivery services, so you don’t continue to receive packages as you’re trying to pack. Say, for instance, that you use a water delivery program that sends you packages from the top bottled water brands. You know that you’re moving in a few weeks, but you didn’t remember to give your new address to the water companies. Now, you have a case of bottled water headed your way that you have to factor into your packing plans. It adds undue stress that you don’t need when you’re getting ready for relocation.
Plus, that’s only talking about one service. If you rely on multiple subscriptions or delivery platforms, you either have to lug many products with you while you move or make trips back and forth between your old home and the new one. It creates a frustrating situation that you’ll probably want to avoid. Luckily, as long as you’re still within a company’s service area, you should be able to switch your address without much trouble. If there’s an option to do so through the brand’s website, try that first so that you can retain a confirmation email. Otherwise, call up customer service and speak to an agent.
Use self-storage to your benefit.
Do you have any belongings or keepsakes that don’t have a place in your home but you can’t bring yourself to get rid of? You’re not alone. Whether you have family heirlooms or historic furniture, sometimes it’s hard to let go of your prized possessions. That’s where a storage unit can help. A self storage rental allows you to tuck away some of your belongings until you have room to move them in or you’re ready to sell them. It’s a great way to hold onto some of your cherished items. On top of that, if you find the right self-storage facility, you can take advantage of added amenities.
Many storage facilities offer 24-hour access, climate control such as air conditioning, on-site managers, and security cameras. For larger items, you can look for self-storage that offers boat storage or RV storage. Before you sign a contract on a rental, you want to make sure you go over the fine print, especially if it’s your first time trying self-storage. Some storage facilities have extended contracts while others rent on a month-to-month basis. Whether you need short-term storage, or you’re looking for a longer lease, there are options all across the United States. You can discuss some of the specifics with the facility managers. Whether you choose public storage or private storage, the added space is sure to come in handy.
Hire movers.
If you truly don’t want to deal with the packing process’s stresses, your best bet is to turn to professionals. While some moving companies only transport your belongings from Point A to Point B, others have added packing services. As long as you group some of your belongings by room, a solid moving company can handle the rest. Plus, you can even discuss insurance options with your movers. That way, if any of your furniture or clothing is damaged while in transit, you can recoup those costs. While this is definitely more expensive than some of the other options, it’s the most stress-free. Essentially, you’ll be paying for convenience if you decide to hire movers.
If you’ve never worked with a moving company, you’ll probably need to do a bit of research beforehand. Start with Google or Bing. Search phrases that are location-specific so you can find the most relevant answers. For instance, if you live in Baltimore, you could search “moving companies in MD.” First, take a look at the reviews. Even brands with years of experience can have issues working with customers. Find companies that make you their highest priority. Whether it’s a local moving company or a long-distance brand, they should accommodate new customers.
Also, check out their price points. While excellent customer service is important, you also want to make sure you can afford a full-service moving company. Especially during the moving process, homeowners might not have a whole lot of extra money lying around. Luckily, many brands are willing to offer a free quote for their services. You want to know how much you’re about to spend on a local move or a longer one. Some brands offer new customers incentives and deals, so it doesn’t hurt to ask about this. Once you’ve nailed down some of the pertinent information and know the local movers meet your current standards, you can make a reservation.
It takes practice.
Nobody becomes a pro packer overnight. Especially with the coronavirus making moving more difficult, you might struggle a bit. That’s completely fine. As you get ready, look for the best price on movers, make sure that you’ve changed your address with any particular brands you pay for, and see if the storage experience works for you. By doing all of this, you’ll be able to get some much-needed peace of mind.
When you’re getting ready for a move, you should focus on what paints you’re going to buy for the lower level of the home and which water brands to keep on hand, not how you’re going to pack. By following some sage advice, you’re going to have a much easier time when you’re ready to relocate.
