5 Moving Tips You Might Not Have Known
I recently just completed move 1 of 2 for the next two months. I’m exhausted! I’ve finally settled into life under my parents roof again. It’s temporary and it’s not as bad as I was expecting. Sorry fam...I underestimated you.
I decided to list some of my moving must haves for this blog post. I expect it’ll be a short post but I figured it was necessary.
Most of my stuff is locked away in storage right now and this summer, I’m challenging myself to live minimally (it’s actually really great and if all goes well, I might do a big declutter/minimal lifestyle post after that). However, despite my current living conditions, I wanted to write a post that is more relatable and widespread and I wanted to list some things I’ve grown to favor when moving.
- Labeling boxes
This one is a given. Everyone who moves (should) labels their boxes. Now, I’m going to give a tip for people who move using storage or moving vehicles.
So, we label our boxes. Great. But how are you labeling them? This is important! I label things not by what’s in the box but by what room it should be in. This offers more security and reassurance for me.
For example, most of my stuff is currently in storage. Everything is labeled according to room. IF someone were to break in and attempt to steal (people do this to houses that are newly moved into or being moved out of so this is not just for storage units) the thief would have no idea which box holds my valuables. Say the person takes a bedroom box. Is it clothing? Jewelry? Bed sheets? Random decor? Christmas decor? Picture frames? Tech? Random hair products? Who knows!
Aside from only labeling by room, I highly recommend labeling boxes “this side up” or “fragile” depending on what’s in them. Now, this does distinguish boxes a bit more, however, if you choose to enlist the help of movers, it provides more reassurance that things won’t get broken. I labeled my fragile boxes on every single side so anyone helping me to move would see the note and take caution!
- Renting vehicles or paying movers
Now, I understand that not everyone has the luxury of paying movers or storage facilities or for transportation vehicles. I also understand some people have friends with trucks and friends who love to help people move.
The first time I moved out of my parents house, I used my moms vehicle and my old truck to transport everything. I also enlisted help from friends and family. Moving back to my parents house, my friend, Stephanie, brought a truck and helped me to move. My dad also helped.
Long story short, I didn’t have to pay anyone to help me to move. Well, sort of. I’m currently using a storage facility to house some of my stuff because I’ll be moving again real soon. I also plan to rent a Uhaul to move my items up north. For me, this is a good idea. I can’t even imagine how many trips I’d have to make if I attempted to use my friends truck again.
I encourage people (especially for bigger moves) to rent a Uhaul or movers. It can be a big game changer.
- Pack essentials last and store them at the front
This one seems super obvious, but still, mistakes are made! I did this. Twice now. I’ve packed up some things that I didn’t realize I needed, like nail clippers, tweezers, and shoes. It’s strange because I didn’t consider these essentials until I realized I needed them.
For this note I think I need to be more specific. Pack decor and seasonal items first. Pack bathroom supplies, cleaners, and things you’ll use within the next month, last. I know. It sounds really odd. But those things that you use at least once a month might be necessary after you pack them away (even if you’re only moving a short distance).
- Take caution when moving between two places
I mentioned this in tip #1. Take caution when moving between two places! I’ve heard a lot of moving horror stories. Between moves, you and your stuff are alternating between locations. You are not always with your items. Everything is a mess and it can be hard to keep track of it all.
I haven’t had anything stolen (yet. And I hope it stays that way). However, I know the danger still exists. To prevent theft when moving, I have a few suggestions:
- don’t label your boxes by what’s in them, but by what room it belongs to
- Expensive items move when YOU move (aka sleep where your expensive stuff is)
- Be sure that every place is locked up or alarmed between moves
- Don’t move stuff alone unless you are POSITIVE it is safe (I.e. move heavy boxes with help. Don’t leave the door open if you can’t see it. Don’t leave the vehicle unattended with stuff in it)
Moving can be tricky and unsafe. It’s typically pretty void of theft, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Move tech/expensive items/valuables last
This goes with one of those suggestions listed above. Move tech and valuables when YOU move. Where you sleep, those items should be there with you. My tv, laptop, and camera are all wherever my bed is. I didn’t leave any of them unattended while moving.
Yes, I spend the night other places than just my parents house now. However, when moving, I moved all of my tech once my bed went to storage and I was all set up to stay with my family again.
I hope this post was helpful in one way or another. Moving is stressful and these tips are how I stay organized and eliminate some stress when moving.
If you liked this post, stay tuned for future posts similar to this one!
Also, be sure to check out my book! The Lights are on but Nobody’s Home is available on Amazon for $9.99!
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