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

 

Moving to a new home can be exciting, yet the logistics can be daunting. Without the right strategies, moving can easily become overwhelming and stressful. However, it doesn’t have to be, thanks to several tried and tested tips that can make the process smoother and essentially stress-free. 

Welcome to our guide on reducing moving stress. Here, we will reveal some indispensable hacks for a smooth, efficient, and, ultimately, stress-free moving experience. Expect to discover practical tricks to make your relocation less of a chore and more of the thrilling adventure it should be.

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

Moving is part of everyday life. Moving is a stressful experience that can affect even the most organized people. Even though moving might be difficult, there are techniques to make it less difficult.

Sounds too good to be true? Discover how to make your move more efficient using our moving and packing hacks.

1. Prepare Yourself for Your Move

It is better to begin packing earlier than later. Before we move on to the packing tips and tricks, let’s look at some moving hacks.

• Decide whether you want to do it yourself or hire a professional:  Need help with moving tasks? Your first step should be hiring professionals or renting a truck for a DIY move. Use our resources to find reliable movers or the best rental company. Aim to get at least three quotes and finalize your hire around seven weeks before the move. Next, create a moving checklist. Use our guide or make your own to stay organized and reduce stress. Your list might include tasks like transferring utilities, moving medical records, and looking for new schools if you have children. Remember, staying organized is key to a stress-free move.

• Set your budget: You don’t need to be shocked by the cost of moving. Use our moving cost calculator to estimate your costs.

• Packing supplies are important: You can use our packing calculator to estimate how many supplies you need. You can then be certain to buy everything you need at the first store visit.

2. Get Rid of Stuff

It is impossible to overstate how much easier it will be to move if you organize everything and donate, recycle, or toss what you do not need. These tips will help you get through the move.

• Room by room, go through all your belongings: Be sure to complete the drawers. Make a list of everything you have and how much can be moved. Take stock of the furniture that isn’t worth moving.

• Donation pickup: You can schedule a pickup in advance if you donate large items, such as furniture or rugs. This will ensure that the organization you choose picks them up. You can find a list of charities to pick up your donation, so you don’t need to worry about transporting it.

• Hire a junk removal service: Cleaning garages, attics, and basements can be a time-consuming task. A professional junk removal service can do the job for you. You can keep what you like and dispose of the rest. They will dispose of trash, clean the area, and donate items to local charities. You won’t need to move heavy furniture like a sofa or mattress and can focus on other things.

3. Save Money When You Move

Moving can be a costly endeavor. Keep your moving costs low by following these budget-friendly tips.

• Compare at least three different quotes for moving services: You can get the best deal by doing this. Companies may be willing to lower their price if they want your business.

• Consider all of your options when moving: To identify the most affordable choice, compare moving company costs with hiring a vehicle or a portable moving container. Compare moving companies’ prices with renting a truck or using portable moving containers to find your most economical option.

4. How to Pack Your Belongings for a Move

The packing process is the most time-consuming. Our packing tips are designed to save you time and ensure your possessions are secure. Here are some packing hacks to make your move easier.

• Set up a packing area: First, gather your packing materials. You’ll need boxes, tape and scissors, paper, bubble wrap, old towels, and blankets. Also, you will 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 it’s available while you pack. You won’t have to waste time searching 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 cannot easily transport in boxes.

• Place the destination rooms on boxes: Each package can be marked with the room it is going to. The contents of the boxes can also be written on the labels. However, this might need to be clarified for the movers. We recommend doing it only when you are moving yourself.

• Mark fragile boxes: This is especially important if your moving company needs to learn how to handle some boxes.

5. Packing Tips for Your Living Room

Make a list of electronic items you want to keep in constant inventory.

Included in this are your computer, TV, and other electronic devices. Take photos of your computer before hiring a moving service. These photos may be useful if your computer is damaged in transit.

• Backup your hard drive: Backing up your hard disk is a good way to prepare in case of damage during transit.

• Light bulbs can be removed from lamps: You can damage them during transport. Box them in bubble wrap.

• Removing large items: Remove any fixtures 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. Packing Tips for Your Bedroom

• Do not empty your drawers: Wrap the drawer in plastic and leave the contents in the drawer. You can wrap the dresser in plastic if it is not too heavy and leave the drawers.

• Hang your clothes up: Hang your clothes in a box or group them and wrap them in garbage bags.

• Do not fold your clothes, but roll them instead: To maximize space in drawers, roll your garments rather than folding them.

• Use liquor store containers for shoes: Dividers are included in the boxes used for transporting bottles. Use them to organize your shoes. Consider packing your shoes with small objects to maximize space.

7. Packing Tips for Your Kitchen

• Pack plates vertically: Packaging your plates vertically makes them less likely to break or crack. Remember to wrap your plates well or use foam pouches.

• Laundry baskets with essential appliances: Place small appliances that you will need immediately (like a coffee maker or toaster) in a laundry bag so you can place them immediately on your counter in your new home.

• Pots and pans can be stacked: To stack pots and saucepans, use a medium or large box. Packing paper can be used between the pots and pans. To prevent your pots and saucepans from moving during transit, stuff paper or dishtowels into the openings. Wrap lids in paper and store them separately.

• Wrap your utensil trays: Wrapping the tray with plastic wrap will make transporting serving utensils and flatware easier. Lay the tray flat inside the box. You can put things on top.

• Wrap knives in dish towels: Wrap a dishtowel around each knife and secure it with a rubber band. Never pack knives with their faces 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 closed, unplug the appliances and remove any hoses. For a comprehensive look at moving appliances safely, check out our tips for moving a range or stove, a fridge, and a dishwasher.

• Liquids should be packed together: Packing liquids together is the best way to prevent them from damaging your valuables. Secure the openings of oils and sauces using plastic wrap 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 added protection. Use a garbage bag if you’re using cardboard to line your box.

• Plastic bins can be used to store liquids: When packing liquids, we recommend using plastic containers. Unlike cardboard, you don’t need to worry about spills leaking onto other items. Plastic boxes are reusable and can contain any liquid spills. Start searching for the best plastic moving bins if you have none.

8. Packing for the Dining Room

• 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 spots with lots of paper or bubble wrap.

• Wrap lamp shades separately: You can wrap lampshades with towels, pillowcases, or tissue paper. Avoid coarse papers or newspapers as they may damage the shades. Wrap each shade individually, especially if it is made of delicate fabrics such as silk. If the shades are different sizes, you can pile them up in a box.

• Roll-up area rugs: You can leave your area rugs on the floor using a moving service. Your area rugs can be left on the floor. You can clean and roll the rugs yourself if you move by yourself. You should unload them at the beginning and load them up at the end so you can place your rugs on the floor of your new home before placing your furniture on top.

• Folding curtains and drapes: If you are using wardrobe boxes, fold your drapes and curtains lengthwise. If you use regular boxes, first line them with plastic or paper bags to ensure your curtains or drapes arrive clean.

9. Packing Tips for Your Bathrooms

• Pack your necessities last: Moving essentials bags can include toothpaste, deodorant, hair products, and other things you use daily.

• Always keep a first-aid kit on hand: On a moving day, injuries can happen. Keep your first-aid kit readily accessible.

• 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 do not want spilled all over your belongings.

• Sealable plastic bags are ideal for packing small items: So they don’t get misplaced in transit. You should label your bags if you have many in your bathroom. This will make it easier for you 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 protect them from leaks.

• Wrap fragile items in towels: Use your towels, as we have mentioned, to wrap fragile items in your bathroom and fill the gaps in the boxes. Label the boxes “fragile”!

• Put unused towels into heavy garbage bags or boxes: Towels are light and can be placed on top of heavy boxes.

• Egg cartons can be used to store jewelry: It makes perfect sense. This will help prevent items such as earrings from getting tangled and lost. When done, tape the cartons closed.

10. Moving Day Moving Hacks

It can be a stressful day. These moving hacks can help you through the day.

• Pack up your belongings the day before your move day: Packing at the last minute can make your day drag. It would help if you aimed to have everything packed up before the movers arrive or when you pick up your rental truck. You can then focus on the job at hand.

• Early risers: On a moving day, there will always be last-minute tasks to complete. Wake up early to avoid stress.

• Use a moving-day to-do checklist: Make a list of your to-dos on paper or your phone. Check them off as you go. Loading the truck is an obvious task. Some tasks you may forget, such as a final walkthrough to look for any forgotten items or leaving your keys with the landlord.

• Last-minute packing is essential: It is time to pack your essentials box and bag with all your bathroom and first-night items.

• Always keep a stock of plastic bags that seal: Before the movers disassemble your furniture, you must organize all the hardware, such as screws. Sealable plastic bags are a great way to do this. Label the bags so that you know what bag goes with which furniture.

• Stock up on refreshments: Offer water to your moving crew, regardless of whether they are professionals or friends and family. During this intense exercise, everyone will need to remain hydrated and energized. You can also provide some snacks for on-the-go, such as protein bars, nuts, or sandwiches.

• Be sure to complete the final walkthrough: This is a point that we cannot stress enough. It is important to give each room a final look. It is especially important to do this if you’re moving internationally or out of the state. Check all outside spaces and open all closets. You may not be able to get back what you left behind because of distance, the fact that the new owner will move in immediately, or the fact that another person already rents your apartment.

• Tip your movers: Professional movers don’t expect tips, but they always appreciate them. Give each mover cash if you can afford it and are satisfied with their work. For a small move, the tip is usually $20. A larger move or moving long distances can cost $30 to $50.

11. Last-Minute Moving Hacks

Having plenty of time to prepare, plan, and execute a move is great, but it only sometimes happens that way. If you are in a rush, follow these packing and moving tips.

• Start with logistics: Before you do anything else, figure out how to get from A to B. Moving is something you can’t just wing.

• Sort later; pack now: It’s time to start packing, not thinking. Wrap valuables, sharp objects, and breakables properly. But don’t worry about organizing or labeling your boxes. You can do that later when you are not under pressure.

• Move some jobs to the movers: You can delegate some tasks to a moving company. For example, they could wrap your furniture or pack any last-minute items. This may add time and money to your bill.

12. Unpacking Tips

There’s more work to do after you’ve arrived. Stop procrastinating to speed up your unpacking.

• Only unpack the essentials: Included in this will be your essentials box and bag, which includes your bathroom items, kitchen supplies, clothes for sleeping and the next day, and other such things.

• Unpack the kitchen first: You will feel a sense of accomplishment when you finish the kitchen first. You’ll be able to concentrate on unpacking the simpler rooms.

• Set a deadline: Plan a housewarming or casual get-together a few days after you move. You will have a deadline to unpack everything.

• Empty boxes to get rid of them: Break down the box as soon as you remove all its contents. Then recycle it. You will be able to see the progress you have made and gain much-needed space in your home.

Conclusion

The process of moving is no small task. But with careful planning, organization, and the right set of moving hacks, it can be a less daunting experience than expected. Engaging moving helpers can ease the stress and provide much-needed assistance in facilitating a seamless transition to your new home. 

As we conclude this guide, we encourage you to appreciate the benefits of seeking professional assistance for your moving needs. That’s the ultimate moving hack. 

Abreu Movers Brooklyn is recognized for our professionalism and commitment to making your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our team of skilled movers is here to offer a prompt, secure, and effective service catered to your particular needs, from packing to unloading. 

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. Reach out to us today, and let’s get moving!