Tools to Make Your Move Easier
For those looking to move this year, you’ll find this article right up your alley. Relocating is hard enough, but with a little direction you can have a rational idea of how to tackle your next venture, even when moving across country. One of the most important aspects of moving to a new home is the materials and how they can either protect your items or meet the trash afterward. This article shows valuable tools and moving tips tackling topics like packing and unpacking. You can think outside ‘The box’ with these strategies making it easier.
“The Best Defense is a Good Offense”
Make a Checklist
Making a checklist prior to your big move will help you stay organized. Not to mention, you’ll have a sense of accomplishment weighing down your stress as you cross off each task. You can get more done if you stick to the plans. Most people find lists to keep them on target even when you don’t have a large attention span.
Policy for Kid’s Items
Make sure you keep your kid’s toys, clothes and homework separate and easily accessible. Remember, your children could be experiencing anxiety moving into a new home. If you keep their items where you or the child can find them, you’ll find the move to be more comfortable for both of you. Not to mention, the kidlets will gain back their security knowing everything isn’t changing.
Dogs & Kids on Moving Day
We recommend hiring a sitter or have a relative watch your pets and children on moving day. As much as we love them, our kids and pets can become bored and get in the way. We recommend keeping them somewhere safe while movers do their job. When you set up your new home with their belongings, they’ll be able to adapt easier and they won’t have to be exposed to the chaos that is commonly part of this life changing event. Older kids can be of great help if they’re motivated by the move, but they may prefer staying at a friends and joining after the hard work is done. Teenagers aren’t always the best at packing and carrying boxes.
Packing Boxes and Bubble Wrap are a Must
While many of us know to pack the boxes using items such as newspaper to wrap breakables, you can visit The Home Depot or hardware store for Bubble Wrap. Besides wrapping your fragile items, label your boxes with more detail of the contents. It will be easier for you to find what’s inside the boxes if you label them with more details. For example: Large and small glasses.
The Greatest Moving Invention are Packing Bags
Packing bags are an excellent way to minimize and save on space. They are reusable and inexpensive. Plus, they make lugging clothes simple. You’ll need a vacuum cleaner to extract the air and condense the contents. Once you’re through with the moving bags, you can easily fold and store in a bin till you need them again. These are a ‘Must have’ when moving to Northern Colorado or another state. You’ll find you can pack three times more than if you were to use boxes.
Hanger Strategies the Movers will Love
Hangers are always a nuisance to move if you have a lot of them. A solution to avoid these irritant items is to cover clothing with a sturdy trash bag, then use rubber bands to secure the hangers. While this may work for some, the problem is you can only move about 10-items at a time as the clothes get heavy and the hangers don’t always cooperate. Try using the packing bags then storing the hangers in a box till you unpack. This will save you a lot of time and grief.
Storage Boxes Aren’t Just a One Night Stand
Storage boxes are a blessing during moving day. Boxes of all shapes and sizes are excellent to keep around the house and not just for the big move. Who doesn’t find use for Rubbermaid Storage Bins? Not to mention, these types of containers will keep your belongings intact much better than cardboard. The clear bins are the best for unpacking with ease, rather than the solid colors. Lids can be cumbersome and so can the handles so invest wisely with these for sure.
Tape is an Ingenious Invention for Moving Day
Tape is an absolute product you can’t live without when you move to a new place. However, not just any tape will do. Masking tape seems to be the most popular and then there’s the nuisance packing tape, which is transparent. If you make the wrong move when pulling a piece from the roll, you’ll waste valuable time trying to peel back the edge to start over. Also, be cautious with the tape you use because some residue or glue can rub off onto your valuables. Sometimes, that glue can be permanent. Uline carries a nice selection of tape tools that are helpful but you can shop at Walmart and find discounts.
Sharpies ~ The Pen in Control
Sharpies are also a standard moving tool to have around. When selecting your marker, buy one wider tip, not narrow as they’re easier to write on the boxes and more legible. In the event you’re hiring a moving company, you’ll want the words “FRAGILE” to be in large letters for them to clearly see. In addition, don’t leave markers unattended or laying in the scorching sun as these can have some adverse effects. Never leave a sharpie magic marker in reach of children or pets as the ink can be toxic.
Strategy for Your Mailman & New Address Cards
Get your moving cards from the post office early. Keep in mind, it can take a few weeks for the mail to straighten out for delivering on time. In the meantime, write your name on a 3X5 card and tape it on the inside of your mailbox. The postal carrier will see this and know who has moved into the home. USPS needs to be aware the previous homeowners are gone and new residents are now present. This makes a world of difference to your carrier. Not to mention, you’ll get your mail sooner.
Dolly or Hand Truck, The Ultimate in Moving Tools
You can borrow a dolly or hand truck for larger items such as appliances where they’re almost a necessity. Places like Lowe’s will rent them, or you can purchase on Amazon. Renting can be the way to go if you aren’t planning on using the dolly for other tasks around the house. Almost any hardware store will rent or have one for purchase. You’ll never see a moving company without one and for good reason. They are much safer than trying to lift the heavy stuff yourself.
Cleaning Supplies, a Necessity for Winning Your Battle with Dust Bunnies
Cleaning supplies is an absolute necessity. Even if you’re moving into brand new construction, you never have too many cleaning products. The dust and dirt from moving accumulate with doors and windows left open. A strategy you can us is move all boxes into a staging room. Unpack one at a time. Before you unpacking, be sure to clean each room while it’s empty without any boxes. This will save you time while making your property ‘Move-In Ready.’
Moving Strategy for Collectibles ~ Packing Blankets
Packing blankets are helpful when moving large, breakable items such as mirrors and paintings. The coverings can be expensive but are well worth the money for protecting your valuables. Contact a moving supply company to find one that’s right for you or visit Amazon.
As you can see these strategies are insightful and should help motivate you for the big moving day. With some organization and the proper tools, you’ll find the move won’t be as challenging. While many of us dread moving to another state, you’ll be happy to know it’s only once in a great while and it will be well worth it when its over. Keep your eye out on our next article, “The Moving Checklist.”
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