Moving into a new pad brings a mix of excitement and jitters. Whether you're trekking across the country or just down the block, the whole moving shebang involves a ton of work – packing, hauling, and unpacking your stuff. But hey, you've got options! Hiring movers can take a load off your shoulders, literally. Plus, if you're willing to fork over some extra cash, they'll even handle the packing and unpacking for you! Now, here's the lowdown: to ensure your move doesn't turn into a never-ending saga (and to keep those movers from racking up too many billable hours), you gotta prepare for movers like a pro. So, here are a few hacks to help you make the most of your moving crew.
When should I start packing to move?
We advise starting the packing process eight weeks prior to your move. This initial box should include essential documents and valuables to keep them organized and easily accessible. Following this timeline, aim to pack the remaining items no later than two weeks before your move date. About one week before your move, it's ideal to begin packing suitcases. However, it's crucial to prioritize preparation and give yourself ample time to complete packing before the movers arrive. Doing so helps avoid last-minute issues and potential extra costs.
Read more: 35 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Moving Company
How to prepare for full service movers
1. Create a checklist
Before diving into the chaos of packing, it's smart to map out your game plan with a series of checklists. Break it down into tasks for before, during, and after moving day. Jot down everything from decluttering your stuff to stocking up on packing materials and double-checking the moving date with your crew. These checklists are your roadmap to a smooth move, helping you stay on top of every detail. And hey, don't keep them to yourself! Share the moving-day checklist with your squad in advance so everyone's singing from the same hymn sheet when it comes to getting things done.
2. Decluttering is a key
Decluttering is the name of the game before a move, so it's time to decide what stays and what goes. Host a yard sale or drop off items at Goodwill for a win-win situation — clear out your space and give someone else a chance to snag some treasures. Just remember, if it's not on the list your movers got during the estimate, adding it last-minute could mean extra charges.
3. Inform your neighbors
Don't forget to give your neighbors a heads-up about the impending moving day. Whether you're in a neighborhood or an apartment complex, it's polite to let folks know when the big moving truck will be rolling in. Plus, giving your leasing office a heads-up ensures there's a spot reserved for the truck and maybe even an elevator if you're in a high-rise.
4. Clear a moving path
Clearing the path for your movers is like rolling out the red carpet for your belongings. Make sure all those little obstacles, like stray cords or bulky electronics, are out of the way so your movers can work their magic without any hiccups. Measure your furniture and doorways ahead of time to avoid any unexpected "uh-ohs" and consider taking doors off their hinges if things are looking tight.
To facilitate the moving process, it's crucial to make your home as accessible as possible for the movers. Remove artwork, clocks, and shelving from the walls beforehand to prevent any potential damage. Clear all walkways and set aside any items you don't want loaded onto the truck. Additionally, consider cleaning your home and dusting your furniture to ensure a smooth moving experience.
5. Disconnect all appliances
Be sure to disconnect all your appliances before the movers arrive. Your moving company won't handle this task, so it's up to you to disconnect your stove, refrigerator, washer, and dryer from gas and water lines. Additionally, remember to remove gasoline and oil from lawn mowers and propane from barbecues to ensure safe transportation.
Take a quick sweep through your space and gather up any loose cords or stray gadgets — nobody wants a mover tripping over a rogue charger. And if you're taking appliances with you, make sure they're all packed up and ready to roll before the moving crew arrives.
6. Pack your belongings
If you're taking on the packing marathon solo, consider it your pre-move workout! Grab your packing supplies early and dive into the less-used spots first, like the garage or that guest room that's seen better days. Slowly but surely, work your way through each room until everything is tucked snugly away. But if you're opting for the VIP treatment with a full-service moving crew, prep your stuff by organizing it into neat little piles or zones they can swoop in and pack up effortlessly. Just remember, the convenience of having pros do the packing comes with an extra price tag.
How to pack for movers? Keep in mind that how items are packed is how they will be unpacked at your new place. The packers won't know where each item will go in your new home when unloading. They'll simply pack and label items based on their current location. So, if you want certain items to go to specific rooms, make sure to communicate that clearly during the packing process.
Try to consolidate items that aren't specific to particular rooms whenever possible. Things like cords, pillows, assembly hardware, and even books, toys, and games will be easier to find if they are all grouped together.
Pro tip: use Ziplock bags to pack up anything and everything you can.
Items of significant importance or high value, such as jewelry and collector's items, are best kept under your personal care during the move. Most moving companies advise clients to pack and transport these delicate items independently. For valuable furniture or artwork entrusted to the moving company, it's wise to document their condition with photographs before the movers handle them. Additionally, considering transit insurance offers added protection for peace of mind.
Additional Tip: Get rid of any hazardous materials before your movers arrive. They won't handle or transport such items for you, so it's essential to dispose of them or transport them yourself before moving day. If something appears dangerous or flammable, it's best to take care of it beforehand.
7. Label your boxes
Don't forget to give your boxes a little personality by labeling them! Slap on a "fragile" sticker for those delicate items, and jot down what's inside along with the room it came from. This way, when the moving crew rolls up to your new digs, they'll know exactly where to drop off each box. Grab a trusty permanent marker or some handy pre-made labels and make sure to tag at least two sides of every box. For bonus points, whip up an inventory list to keep tabs on what's in each box, using a simple numbered system for easy reference.
8. Pack an essentials box
Whether you're driving to your new place or catching a flight, having a bag of moving essentials is crucial for the transition. Make sure to include important documents like your birth certificate, passport, or marriage license, as well as toiletries and a few changes of clothes. These essentials will come in handy during the time it takes for your movers to deliver your items.
9. Have a plan for kids and pets
Planning for your furry friends and little ones is a game-changer when it comes to keeping your cool during a move. With your move day set, reach out to your nanny or arrange pet boarding dates to ensure your babies are in good hands while you tackle the big day hassle-free.
10. Have a cash for tips
According to moving day etiquette, it's a good idea to have some cash ready to tip your movers once they've completed loading the truck. The typical range for tipping movers is around $4 to $10 per hour, with $10 for a half-day move and $20 for a full-day move being common benchmarks. While you're paying the movers for their services, it's also thoughtful to ensure they have a hazard-free environment to work in. This includes providing access to a clean bathroom, as well as water and snacks. These simple gestures show appreciation for their hard work and help ensure a smoother moving experience for everyone involved.
On moving day
On moving day, it's essential to be present to address any questions or unexpected issues that may arise with your movers. Being onsite allows you to oversee the process, especially when it comes to handling fragile items or moving specialty furniture. Your presence ensures that everything goes smoothly and any concerns can be promptly addressed, ultimately facilitating a successful move.
Before the movers arrive to begin moving your belongings, take a final walkthrough of each room to ensure nothing is left behind. Check drawers, storage closets, and any other areas where items might have been overlooked. Once you've confirmed that everything is in order, bid farewell to your old space and prepare to embark on the next chapter of your journey.
Additional Tip: Capture photos throughout the moving process, especially if any of your belongings sustain damage. By taking photos before your movers arrive, you'll have documentation to compare any potential damage. This can be crucial for demonstrating any changes or harm caused during the move.
Professional movers typically have busy schedules, especially during peak seasons like summer when many people relocate. With tight timelines, movers often don't have the luxury of taking regular breaks or running out for snacks. That's why it's crucial to have refreshments available on moving day. Opt for portable options like energy bars and provide a variety of beverages to keep the workers hydrated. In hot weather, be sure to offer plenty of water or sports drinks to help them stay refreshed and energized throughout the day.
Delivery day
- Stay in touch with your driver. After your belongings are loaded onto the moving truck, ask your coordinator for the driver's phone number or even a tracking number if available. Once you're in contact with the driver, confirm the expected delivery day and time.
- Plan your space in advance. While waiting for your truck to arrive, take the time to create a floor plan for your new home. Decide where you want furniture and boxes to be placed, which will help streamline the delivery process and make it more efficient.
Pros of full-service move
The perks of opting for a full-service move are clear:
- Time-Saving: Say goodbye to endless hours spent packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking. With professionals handling everything, you can reclaim your time for other moving-related tasks or simply relax.
- Effortless: By entrusting the move to experts, you can divert your attention to other moving day priorities and conserve your energy for other endeavors.
- Energy Preservation: Avoid the risk of back injuries, the hassle of coordinating friends and family to help, and the physical strain of moving heavy furniture and boxes. With a full-service move, you can save your energy for more enjoyable activities. Preparing for a move may seem overwhelming, but opting for a full-service move streamlines the process by taking care of every aspect of the relocation.
Cons of full-service move
When gearing up for a move, one crucial aspect to consider is your budget. Opting for a full-service move will indeed come with a higher price tag due to the comprehensive range of services offered. If you're looking to save some money, a more budget-friendly option is to handle the packing yourself and then enlist the help of a Move4U service solely for loading and unloading.
However, it's important to note that with a full-service move, you might relinquish a degree of control. Entrusting the packing, loading, transportation, and unloading of your belongings to someone else means you're essentially placing your items in their hands. Even if you provide detailed instructions, you may still feel a bit uneasy about not being directly in charge of the process.
Conclusion
Full-service moves offer the convenience of saving time, energy, and effort, but they typically come with a higher price tag. Additionally, entrusting the entirety of your move to professionals means relinquishing some control over your belongings. While moving always requires some level of effort, proper preparation can significantly ease the process on moving day. To strike a balance between cost savings and minimizing your workload, consider exploring affordable and dependable moving labor services from Move4U today. Our team is equipped to assist you confidently throughout your moving journey, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home.
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