Preparing for a move can make or break your experience with local movers. A thorough moving plan is vital. Below we share some of the best tips to help your move go smoothly.
Create A To-Do List
Moving demands a lot more work than merely packing up with a Toledo local mover, so create a moving plan to help stay organized.
Some items to think about adding to your to-do list timeline are:
- Updating your mailing address.
- Notifying companies to shut off the water, gas, electricity, cable, internet.
- Take photos of your electronics connectors for easier reassembly, especially the cords in the back!
- Rooms that need to be tidied up or fixed.
Research Local Movers
Local movers are a fantastic asset when you’re moving.
Do some research on the top local movers in Toledo. Be sure to hire them a month ahead of time to help you keep everything organized.
When moving day arrives, assign one person to work with the local movers to delegate which boxes go where.
When you’re investigating local movers, ask questions such as:
- What are their fees
- What kind of services do they offer
- Do they have a protection plan or storage facility in case you need additional storage while you’re getting settled
- What’s expected from their local movers
Donate/Sell Stuff
Designate a bin for giving away and one to sell. If you haven't worn or used it in six months to a year, it's best to let it go or earn some cash by selling it. Use the extra money towards your relocation, or to save for updating your place.
Moving Supplies Checklist
Draft a moving supplies list. It should include items like:
- a assortment of different sized, sturdy boxes
- packing paper
- bubble wrap
- Sharpie markers
- packing tape
Ask friends and family and ask if they can donate these to you. Utilize laundry baskets, plastic tubs and backpacks you may have around the house, by filling them with assorted belongings. Keep in mind, professional movers will require all items be packed in moving boxes or totes with a lid. They cannot move items in garbage bags, unsecured boxes, etc., because these cannot be stacked inside the truck and/or can fall over.
Pack Decorative Things First
Ornamental pieces like art, wall hangings, art figurines, and other display items don’t serve much purpose in your home other than enhancing your space. If they are not essential to your everyday function in your home, add them first to your moving boxes. Gradually packing this way takes a significant amount of stress out of the process.
Categorize
Categorizing boxes, especially when you’ll need essential items right away like toiletries, clothes, and other essentials. When you arrive at your new home, having each box labeled and categorized helps you and your local movers know their proper placement.
Pack less
This tip: don't pack everything. Well before your move date, start sorting through your things. Moving is the perfect opportunity to contribute, recycle, and if required, get rid of unwanted items. It is simple math: Less stuff equals less stress.
The right box. The right material.
"One size does not fit all." Be sure the dimensions of the box, and the filler material you use, are adequate for the items you pack.
For heavy objects, smaller is better; you don’t want a oversized box full of heavy items. Delicate items need space in the container for filler material. Wrap China pieces individually before they are packed. Make sure to get the right boxes and materials.
If you are unsure about how to pack certain items, take a look at our packing tips page.
Label Label Label
You may already know that you should label every box. And you should. But, if you want to make your life easier, don’t just label, create a system for labeling.
Know that labeling serves two purposes. 1) Lets the movers know where it should go, and 2) gives you some clue as to what’s inside.
First, color code. It might be as basic as boxes with red labels go to the living room. The idea is that the mover just needs to see the label to know where to go. Don’t make the color coding too complicated, but do make it helpful.
Write clearly. You don’t want to have to hunt for the label. Make it obvious and put it on more than one side of the box.
If you acronyms, make sure they are obvious as well. Is “BR” bathroom or bedroom? Better to take the time to write it in full now than waste time trying to remember it later.
Finally, label your new home. For cozier homes, this may not be a big deal. But, if you have a large number of bedrooms, it’ll be helpful if each was uniquely labeled, with the corresponding location on the box.
Packing for the kids
Getting settled into a new home can be quite the undertaking, especially when when you have children. Pack a few designated boxes that have the essential items your children will want during the first day or two. It may be treasured action figures or dolls, art supplies, or gaming consoles. Scouring for these items while trying to get the rest of your belongings sorted and organized is a good time. Simplify your life and keep these boxes within reach.
The early essentials
Adults are not that different than kids. There are things we want to have available without delay. Prepare a few boxes that will have your essentials to get through the first week. Fresh clothes, bathroom essentials, reading materials, or even video games. These are the boxes that, if you can get nothing more, will get you through the initial week.
Contact Corrigan
Need more advice? Contact us today to schedule your no-cost, no-commitment, virtual move estimate. Our Toledo move representatives and local movers have the knowledge to guide you through your challenging moving details. Contact us and see why Corrigan has been an industry leader for more than 90 years!