If you’ve ever moved before, you know it is anything but easy. It is a life event that is famously time-consuming and stressful, with many opportunities for things to go awry with rushed, forgotten, or poorly executed tasks. Plus, you never realize how much stuff you actually own until you have to pack it all into boxes! However, moving doesn’t have to be such a hassle. By utilizing these 5 moving hacks from premier NYC movers, you can make your move—and your life—much easier.
1. Make A Moving Checklist
Crafting a moving checklist with a schedule is the number one moving hack, to ensure that your move is as stress-free and efficient as possible. Many overlook this vital moving tool, but doing so instantly puts your move at a disadvantage and makes it vulnerable to error. After all, a checklist allows you to better visualize when everything needs to be done and ensures that you don’t forget anything. Essentially, it is a moving hack that sets your move up for success from the get-go.
An effective moving checklist will list everything that needs to be done, as well as the time frame it should be done in. This will include tasks that need to be completed pre-move, such as patching holes in the wall and finding moving supplies. As well as things that need to be remembered right before, like confirming movers and clearing out your fridge.
Infographic Provided By Moving Leads Company, USA Home ListingsEven if you have a fantastic memory, the hustle and bustle of a move can allow tasks to slip through the cracks, so a checklist is the perfect way to safeguard your productivity and sanity.
2. Consider Stretch Wrap
If you have decided to forgo professional packers for one reason or another, a few rolls of industrial stretch wrap can be a time and headache saver. These rolls that look like giant saran wrap are perfect for multiple packing tasks and are available at most hardware stores or moving companies. 65 gauge will do for most items, but 80 gauge is better for fragile or large pieces.
You can use industrial stretch wrap to:
- Secure a moving blanket on furniture to protect it from scratches or other damage
- Wrap drawers to keep the contents in place and not have to put items back in later
- Keep drawers and cupboards shut on furniture
- Save paintings or other wall hangings from damage
- Wrap the utensils holder to secure all the utensils in place
- Bundle items together
- Protect belongings from dust and dirt
- Secure bathroom products and ensure they don’t spill
Pro tip: Be sure to clear items of dust and debris before wrapping with stretch wrap to minimize the risk of surface damage.
3. Moving Hacks That Are Eco-Friendly-Go Reusable
If you are looking for a way to make your move more eco-friendly, then consider renting reusable boxes. This concept allows you to forgo wasteful—and less durable—cardboard boxes for reusable totes. A common place that offers reusable moving boxes is U-Haul. However, this option is popping up with other moving companies, so be sure to check out what is available in your area.
Benefits of reusable moving boxes:
- Less wasteful than cardboard
- More durable so they can handle heavier loads
- Crushproof and waterproof
In summary, not only are these boxes a friend to the environment, but they can better protect your belongings during your move. A win-win!
4. Bust Through Clutter
If you start to feel like a squirrel finding all of its hidden stashes as you begin pulling your home apart, you certainly aren’t alone—it is usually only when you start packing that you realize how much stuff you have. However, nothing says you have to keep it all. In fact, clearing clutter is one of the moving hacks that can not only make your move both easier and cheaper, but it has lasting benefits that will extend beyond your move. Studies have shown clearing clutter from your home can lead to less stress, higher productivity, and a better creative flow.
To begin decluttering, start with a single room and go through the contents. As you are sifting through everything, ask yourself a few questions:
- Do I need this or want this? If the answer is no, get rid of it.
- Will this fit into my new home? Even if you aren’t downsizing, the style on your new home or the shape of the rooms may no longer work with your furniture or accessories
- Have I used this in the past two years? Again, if the answer is no, you’re probably safe to toss it.
- Is this worth moving? Cheap furniture—we’re looking at you IKEA—may not be worth the hassle or cost of moving, especially if you are about to embark on a long-distance move.
Once you have determined what you no longer need: toss it if it is no longer useable, donate it to get it off your hands quickly, or sell it to make a little extra cash. Either way, just make sure those items don’t make it on the moving truck!
5. Get Professional Help
Tackling a move alone can be overwhelming, so don’t forget that professionals are always here to help you with your needs. While professional movers often bring about thoughts of people hauling heavy boxes—which they are undoubtedly good at—they can also offer much more. They can give advice on which packing supplies are best for your move, pack up your home, or simply help you figure out how to fit your couch through a narrow doorway. A reliable company like longdistancemoving.com can help you to make your move smooth with no hassles. They are trained professionally to pack and move with minimal to zero chances of any damages.
Your move doesn’t have to be stressful. Planning, using the right moving hacks like packing techniques, and asking for help can ensure that your move is not only quick and efficient but that it is also as stress-free as possible.
This post is a collaboration and may contain relevant, resourceful affiliate links. All opinions are our own and for informational purposes only.