Tips For Your Big Move

Preparing to relocate can oftentimes feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve got a young family in tow and a house to somehow condense into boxes and bags. There’s a great deal to consider, including just how you plan on transporting your life from point A to point B, how much money you can spend on your move, what you can get rid of before you go and how long it will take you to pack up, load up and move on. But before you become buried beneath stressful questions, consider consulting professionals for advice. Whether you’re merely renting out a moving vehicle or are hiring a team of pros to help through the entire process, most specialized companies can offer you a few key tips to prepare for your relocation. Nonetheless, here are some things to keep in mind, as you get ready to box up your life and ship it off to somewhere new.

Pre-planning and preparation tips: Consider making a timeline and setting goals for yourself. Spacing out each step of your move will make it far easier and significantly less stressful. You will also be able to better prepare around other day-to-day responsibilities without feeling like you’ve booked too much into a single afternoon. Two months before you move, assess your home and consider what you need to take with you and what you will not need. Plan a garage sale or box unwanted items for donation. Try and finish at least one major task a week; for example, one week, aim to box away the kitchen and during another week, aim to clear the attic.

Packing tips: Pack in segments and determine what can be boxed away immediately and what needs to be used until the day of departure. You can easily pack away decorative items, books, toys and photo albums far ahead of time, while you will need certain clothing and personal care items throughout the move. Plan out what you need and begin packing away the rest. Evaluate which rooms will be the biggest packing challenge and start there; you want to make sure you have plenty of time to address each room, one by one. Throw out (or recycle!) any unnecessary clutter that may have accumulated over time.

Moving tips: By this point, you should know whether or not you will be using a vehicle or professional movers, but if you’re looking for a little guidance on this front, you may want to consult someone with serious know-how. With years of experience, the pros can help you determine the most economical way to get you where you’re going. If you’re moving a short distance, a DIY move with a rented portable storage unit is likely ideal, while if you’re in the midst of planning a national or international relocation, seasoned movers can assist in both the organization and labor of your move.

These are just a few tips to prepare you for your latest adventure, but do contact the guys and gals who know best and consult one of your local moving companies.

Martha’s friends often call her “Martha Stewart” because she is so savvy about all things home related, including organization and moving. She is happy to share her packing and moving hints and tricks, in hopes that they will help individuals and families relocate in more comfort and with more organization.