Reducing Moving Stress: The Must-Know Hacks for Smooth Relocation

Moving can be fun but the logistics can be overwhelming. Without the right strategies it can quickly become stressful. But it doesn’t have to be, with these tried and tested tips to make it all smoother and stress free.

Here’s our guide to reducing moving stress. We’ll reveal the essential hacks for a smooth, efficient and stress free move. Expect to find practical tips to make your move less of a pain and more of the adventure it should be.

Moving Hacks to Make Your Move Faster, Easier, and Less Stressful

Moving is a part of life. Moving is a stressful experience that can even affect the most organized of people. Moving can be tough but there are ways to make it less tough.

Too good to be true? Find out how to make your move more efficient with our moving and packing hacks.

1. Prepare Yourself for Your Move

Start packing earlier than later. Before we get to the packing tips and tricks, let’s get to the moving hacks.

• Decide if you want to do it yourself or hire a professional:  Need help with moving tasks? Your first step should be to hire professionals or rent a truck for a DIY move. Use our resources to find reliable movers or the best rental company. Get at least three quotes and finalize your hire 7 weeks before the move. Next, create a moving checklist. Use our guide or make your own to stay organized and stress free. Your list might include tasks like transferring utilities, moving medical records and finding new schools if you have kids. Remember, being organized is key to a stress free move.
• Set your budget: You don’t need to be surprised by the cost of moving. Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate.
• Packing supplies are essential: Use our packing calculator to find out how many supplies you need. Then you’ll know exactly what to buy at the first store you visit.

2. Get Rid of Stuff

You can’t overstate how much easier the move will be if you sort everything and donate, recycle or toss what you don’t need. Here’s how.

• Room by room go through everything: Make sure you get into the drawers. Make a list of everything you have and what can be moved. Take stock of the furniture that’s not worth moving.
• Donation pickup: You can schedule a pickup in advance if you’re donating large items like furniture or rugs. This way the organization will pick them up. You can find a list of charities that will pick up your donation so you don’t have to worry about transporting it.
• Junk removal service: Cleaning garages, attics and basements can be a time consuming task. A junk removal service can do it for you. You keep what you want and get rid of the rest. They will dispose of the trash, clean the area and donate items to local charities. You don’t have to move heavy furniture like a sofa or mattress and can focus on other things.

3. Save Money When You Move

Moving can be expensive. Save your moving costs with these budget friendly tips.

• Get at least three quotes for moving services: You’ll get the best deal if you do this. Companies may lower their price if they want your business.
• Consider all your options when moving: To find the cheapest option, compare moving company costs with hiring a vehicle or a portable moving container. Compare moving company prices with renting a truck or using portable moving containers to find your best option.

4. How to Pack

Packing is the most time consuming. Our packing tips will save you time and protect your belongings. Here are some packing hacks to make your move easier.

• Set up a packing station: First gather your packing supplies. You’ll need boxes, tape and scissors, paper, bubble wrap, old towels and blankets. You’ll also want plastic bags in various sizes including garbage bags and small sealable bags. Set up your packing station on a flat surface. You could use a folding desk, the guest room or a dining table if you have one while you pack. You won’t have to search for supplies; you can use this station to label and tape boxes.
• Pack your suitcases: Packing heavy items in suitcases is easy because they have wheels. You can use suitcases for things like heavy books or serving dishes that you can’t fit in boxes.
• Put the destination rooms on the boxes: Each box can be labeled with the room it’s going to. The contents of the box can also be written on the label. But this might need to be clarified to the movers. We recommend doing it only when you’re moving yourself.
• Mark fragile boxes: This is especially important if your moving company needs to know how to handle some boxes.

5. Living Room Packing

Make a list of electronic items you want to keep track of.

Included in this are your computer, TV and other electronic devices. Take a photo of your computer before you hire a moving service. These photos will be useful if your computer gets damaged during transit.

• Backup your hard drive: Backing up your hard drive is a good idea in case it gets damaged during transit.
• Light bulbs can be removed from lamps: You can break them during transit. Box them in bubble wrap.
• Remove large items: Remove any attachments or accessories to make moving larger items easier. Some furniture pieces have removable backs or legs. Remove the cushions and pillows. Pack them in large garbage bags or boxes. Professional movers may shrink wrap upholstered furniture.

6. Bedroom Packing

• Don’t empty your drawers: Wrap the drawer in plastic and leave the contents in the drawer. You can wrap the dresser in plastic if it’s not too heavy and leave the drawers.
• Hang your clothes: Hang your clothes in a box or group them and wrap them in garbage bags.
• Don’t fold your clothes, roll them instead: To maximize space in drawers, roll your garments instead of folding them.
• Use liquor store containers for shoes: The boxes used for transporting bottles have dividers. Use them to organize your shoes. Pack your shoes with small items to maximize space.

 

7. Kitchen Packing

• Pack plates vertically: Packing your plates vertically will make them less likely to break or crack. Remember to wrap your plates well or use foam pouches.
• Laundry baskets with essentials: Put small appliances that you’ll need immediately (like a coffee maker or toaster) in a laundry bag so you can put them on your counter in your new home right away.
• Pots and pans can be stacked: To stack pots and pans, use a medium or large box. Packing paper can be used between the pots and pans. Stuff paper or dishtowels into the openings to prevent the pots and pans from moving during transit. Wrap the lids in paper and store them separately.
• Wrap your utensil trays: Wrapping the tray with plastic wrap will make moving serving utensils and flatware easier. Lay the tray flat in the box. You can put things on top.
• Wrap knives in dish towels: Wrap a dish towel around each knife and secure with a rubber band. Never pack knives with their blades up.
• Clean and defrost your refrigerator: Remember to clean and defrost your refrigerator a few days before moving.
• Prepare your large appliances for moving: Tape all doors shut, unplug the appliances and remove any hoses. For more information on moving appliances safely, check out our tips for moving a range or stove, a fridge and a dishwasher.
• Pack liquids together: Packing liquids together is the best way to prevent them from damaging your valuables. Use plastic wrap to seal the openings of oils and sauces to prevent leaks. Remove the cap, wrap it, and replace the cap. Wrap the top with plastic wrap from the outside or sealable plastic bags for extra protection. Use a garbage bag if you’re using cardboard to line your box.
• Use plastic bins for liquids: When packing liquids, we recommend using plastic containers. You don’t have to worry about spills leaking onto other items with plastic. Plastic boxes are reusable and will contain any liquid spills. Start looking for plastic moving bins if you don’t have any.

8. Dining Room Packing

• Disassemble lamps: Remove the harps and lightbulbs from your lamps, as mentioned. Wrap each base, harp and lightbulb separately. Put them all in a box and fill the empty spaces with lots of paper or bubble wrap.
• Wrap lamp shades separately: You can wrap lampshades with towels, pillowcases or tissue paper. Avoid using coarse papers or newspapers as they may damage the shades. Wrap each shade individually if it’s made of delicate fabrics like silk. If the shades are different sizes, you can stack them in a box.
• Roll up area rugs: You can leave your area rugs on the floor with a moving service. Your area rugs can be left on the floor. You can roll them up yourself if you’re moving yourself. Unload them first and load them last so you can put your rugs on the floor of your new home before you put your furniture on top.
• Fold curtains and drapes: If using wardrobe boxes, fold your curtains and drapes lengthwise. If using regular boxes, line them with plastic or paper bags so your curtains or drapes arrive clean.

9. Bathroom Packing Tips

• Pack your essentials last: Moving essentials bags can include toothpaste, deodorant, hair products and other daily use items.
• Always have a first-aid kit on hand: On moving day, accidents can happen. Keep your first-aid kit nearby.
• Wrap a little plastic wrap around anything that could spill: Use plastic wrap to cover the tops of shampoo, soap, cleaning products and other items you don’t want to spill all over your stuff.
• Sealable plastic bags are good for small items: So they don’t get lost in transit. You should label your bags if you have many in your bathroom. This will make it easier to unpack.
• Line the box with garbage bags or towels: We recommend you line the toiletries, beauty products and appliance boxes with towels or garbage to prevent leaks.
• Wrap fragile items in towels: Use your towels, as we mentioned, to wrap fragile items in your bathroom and fill the empty spaces in the boxes. Label the boxes “fragile”!
• Put unused towels in heavy garbage bags or boxes: Towels are light and can go on top of heavy boxes.
• Egg cartons are good for jewelry: It makes sense. This will prevent items like earrings from getting tangled and lost. When done, tape the cartons closed.

10. Moving Day Hacks

It’s going to be a long day. These moving hacks will help you get through it.

• Pack everything the day before moving day: Packing at the last minute will drag the day out. Try to have everything packed up before the movers arrive or when you pick up your rental truck. Then you can focus on the task at hand.
• Early riser: On moving day, there will always be something to do at the last minute. Wake up early to avoid stress.
• Use a moving-day to-do list: Make a list of your to-dos on paper or your phone. Check them off as you go. Loading the truck is obvious. Some tasks you may forget, like doing a final walk through to make sure you didn’t miss anything or leaving your keys with the landlord.
• Last minute packing is key: Time to pack your essentials box and bag with all your bathroom and first night items.
• Keep a supply of sealable plastic bags: Before the movers disassemble your furniture, you need to gather all the hardware, like screws. Sealable plastic bags are perfect for this. Label the bags so you know which bag goes with which furniture.
• Stock up on snacks: Offer water to your moving crew, whether they are pros or friends and family. Everyone will need to stay hydrated and energized during this marathon. You can also bring on-the-go snacks like protein bars, nuts or sandwiches.
• Do the final walk through: We can’t stress this enough. Give each room a once over. Especially if you’re moving out of state or internationally. Check all outside spaces and open all closets. You may not be able to get back what you left behind because of distance, the new owner will move in right away or someone else is already renting your apartment.
• Tip your movers: Professional movers don’t expect tips but they always appreciate them. Give each mover cash if you can and are happy with their work. For a small move the tip is usually $20. For a larger move or moving long distance it’s $30 to $50.

11. Last Minute Moving Hacks

Having plenty of time to prepare, plan and execute a move is ideal but it doesn’t always happen that way. If you’re in a crunch, follow these packing and moving tips.

• Start with logistics: Before you do anything else, figure out how to get from A to B. You can’t wing moving.
• Sort later; pack now: It’s time to pack, not think. Wrap your valuables, sharp objects and breakables. But don’t worry about organizing or labeling your boxes. You can do that later when you’re not in a crunch.
• Move some tasks to the movers: You can offload some tasks to a moving company. For example they can wrap your furniture or pack last minute items. This will add time and money to your bill.

12. Unpacking Tips

There’s more work to do after you’ve arrived. Stop putting it off to speed up the unpacking.

• Unpack only the essentials: This will include your essentials box and bag which has your bathroom items, kitchen supplies, clothes for sleeping and the next day and other such things.
• Unpack the kitchen first: You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment when you get the kitchen done. You’ll be able to focus on the easier rooms.
• Set a deadline: Plan a housewarming or casual gathering a few days after you move. You’ll have a deadline to get everything unpacked.
• Get rid of the boxes: Break down the box as soon as you remove all the contents. Then recycle it. You’ll be able to see your progress and get some much needed space in your home.

Done!

Moving is no small feat. But with planning, organization and the right moving hacks it’s not as bad as you think. Hiring moving helpers will ease the stress and provide the extra hands to make the transition to your new home smooth.

And that’s a wrap! Now go appreciate the benefits of hiring professionals for your move. That’s the ultimate moving hack.

Abreu Movers Brooklyn is known for our professionalism and making your move as smooth and stress free as possible. Our team of movers are here to provide a fast, secure and customized service for your needs, from packing to unload.

Make your next move the best one yet with Abreu Movers Brooklyn. Don’t let the stress of moving overshadow the joy of your new home. Contact us today and let’s get moving!