Moving can often feel like going in the wrong direction on an escalator. You put blood, sweat, and tears into decluttering, packing, and preparing, and get frustrated with the lack of progress you make. A smooth move is possible, and we know a thing or two about making it happen. It comes down to organization and efficiency.
Hiring full-service movers can lighten the burden of moving exponentially. However, even if you hire a moving company in Utah, you’re entirely off the hook. You still have some work to prepare for the packers and movers. A successful move starts and ends with you. Plus, your stuff is at stake, so you’ll want to be in control of the process. Here are nine things to do before the packers and movers show up.
1. Clean and Organize
If you’ve never moved, you might forget the simplest things, such as cleaning and organizing. However, cleaning and organizing as you go will make your life easier in so many ways. Laundry, dishes, tools, and many other items will be easier to pack if they’re clean. Plus, you’ll want to put away neat things when you arrive at your new home instead of dirtying up your new place and doing a bunch of cleaning right away. Here are some ways to stay organized:
- Put like items together
- Put all your cleaning supplies together and pack them last
- Make checklists
- Label boxes
- Stay onsite on moving day
2. Purge and Declutter
Throw away, sell, and donate items you haven’t used in the last three years. You won’t miss it. You won’t need it “just in case.” Remove all these items before the packers arrive so nobody accidentally packs things you put in the donation pile. You will feel so good after you declutter and get rid of stuff you don’t need.
3. Designate a Spot for Items You’ll Move Yourself
Some items are not allowed on the moving truck. Other things are allowed but should be with you in your vehicle for easy access. Pack and clearly mark these items ahead of time and place them in your car. Things you’ll want easy access to include:
- Medicines
- Toiletries
- Enough clothing for the duration of the move
- Electronics/chargers
- Books/activities
- Important documents
- Jewelry
4. Label and Organize Rooms
Put your boxes in the rooms they’ll belong in. For instance, put all your bathroom items in the bathroom and your bedroom items in your bedroom. This will make it easier to organize by room. Label the boxes and use signs to mark every room to make it easier for the packers. If any large items will switch rooms in your new house, mark them with their own label.
5. Backup Your Computers/Laptops
Word to the wise: back up computers, laptops, and tablets with portable hard drives or cloud storage. It’s always best to be safe if you lose all your stuff for any reason. Don’t learn this lesson the hard way. At least back up the most essential stuff.
6. Give High-Value Items a Special Label
Whether it’s your collectible porcelain doll collection, a vintage music box with deep sentimental value, or a jewelry chest passed down for generations, a special label will notify your packers and movers to handle these items with extra care.
7. Clear Spaces
Make your packers and movers’ jobs easier by clearing pathways, countertops, and surfaces to help them do their job faster and more efficiently. A great time to do this is when you’re decluttering, cleaning, and organizing.
8. Be Involved
This is your move. It’s your stuff. You’re the one paying the movers. Remember to express your expectations to your moving team and keep yourself in the loop. Tell them you’re available if they have questions, and then make sure to stay available. Walk through your home pre and post-packing to ensure they did well.
9. Provide Snacks
Food is the ultimate motivator for us all, isn’t it? Your movers, friends, and family will all appreciate some cold water, lemonade, granola bars, and snacks to give them fuel while doing some heavy lifting. Brownies or cookies earn extra points. If you have children, bring snacks and drinks in the car for the move. It can often take even longer than you had planned, and grumpy kids can make the process that much more irritating.
Nothing is more frustrating for all parties if movers show up to pack up a house that is not ready. Everyone’s goal is to make the move as fast, efficient, and seamless as possible, and that starts with you. The moving process can be overwhelming, but taking it step by step and keeping on top of your tasks will make it easier to conquer your move with confidence.
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Infographic
Moving is tough. While full-service movers can help, you still need to prepare for their arrival. Check out our infographic for a quick list of nine things to do before the packers and movers show up.
