5 Tips For Making Your Next Move The Easiest One Yet

Moving always has the potential to be difficult. Beyond all the obvious logistical concerns, it can be a surprisingly emotional process that affects everyone in different ways.

While managing the pangs of separation is outside this article’s scope, it will outline ways to smooth the process. Here are five tips to help make your next move easier than you expected.

IMAGE: PEXELS

1. Track Everything On A List

Making a list and checking it so many times it’s burned into your brain really does make a difference. This might seem like an obvious tip, but keep in mind that moving is complicated. There are tons of different factors to account for, so it’s no surprise that items can go missing or calls don’t get made. Keeping a list will help you manage all those moving parts more easily.

Even the smallest overlooked detail can create a domino effect. A misplaced document or mistimed utility hookup can have catastrophic consequences down the line. To avoid such scenarios, keep lists of literally everything you can think to write down, including times, dates, people, and places. The more information you can clearly compile in one place, the more you’ll ensure your move’s success.

2. Keep Your Pets’ Needs In Mind

Those moving with furry friends will of course want to make sure they’re taken care of, too. Moving day can be stressful for pets since they won’t have any idea what’s going on. Suddenly, all their familiar scents are disappearing, and they may have to spend long periods of time in their cage or carrier. They might follow you around, more anxious than usual, trying to get your attention.

You’ll probably want to comfort your pets when you see them in distress. But they can end up being a legitimate distraction on moving day. So rather than spending time worrying about them, have them stay with a friend or relative in the interim. Alternatively, you can hire a professional pet transport service whose mission is to ensure your beloved animals arrive at your new home safely. This is an especially helpful option for long-distance moves, where pets are at the most risk.

3. Time Your Move Right

Another important factor to consider when moving is exactly that: when you’re going to do it. Many people will move when they accept a new job or their lease is up. But just like booking a flight, moving is more affordable at some times than others. If the scheduling is up to you, moving at certain times can help you save a lot of money.

Typically, the colder months of the year are cheaper than the warmer months, as most people move during the summer. The same goes for the middle of the month and the middle of the week. If you want your move to be as expensive as possible, schedule it for a Saturday at the beginning of July. Or if not, well, do the opposite of that. Timing is everything, and you might be surprised how much money you save by getting yours right.

4. Reuse Boxes

Cardboard boxes went mainstream in the early 20th century, and using them has since become a fundamental part of moving. They’re one of the simplest — and lightest — ways to bunch your stuff together and keep track of it all. Cardboard boxes aren’t the most expensive item in the world, but for most moves, you’re going to need a lot of them. And that seemingly small expense can add up to more than you expected.

The good news is that cardboard is reusable, and there are tons of places to get boxes secondhand. Grocery stores, liquor stores, and bookstores are three places that regularly churn through them. Ask managers at your local stores if they would let you take some boxes off their hands. Chances are they’ll be grateful. And if the boxes are still in good condition after your move, you can pass them along once you’re done with them.

5. Stow Items In Your Furniture (If It Makes Sense To)

There are two major approaches to moving furniture, particularly pieces designed for storage. Simply put, you can either leave stuff inside desks, dressers, and armoires, or you can remove it and pack it separately. Leaving everything inside means you won’t have to box up items and re-stow them later. On the flip side, it means that already heavy furniture will be still heavier to move.

If weight is a concern, removing furniture drawers and their contents is the way to go. But if you’ve got the strength on your team, consider keeping the drawers and their contents in place to speed everything up. The trick here is to seal your furniture with tape or snug wrapping. You won’t be saving any time if exploding drawers leave your socks and undies scattered all over the moving van.

Planning Ahead Saves You Time, Money, And Stress

One reason that moving can be such a headache is because of all the logistics you need to consider. There are items, people, places, and expenses you have to attend to throughout each step of the way. So break your move into its component parts and track them all on a list.

By timing your relocation properly and taking advantage of helpful services and moving hacks, you can save money and ensure yourself a smooth move. And you’ll feel more confident knowing that you’ve accounted for as much as you could have ahead of time.