You’ve decided to make a cross-country move, and now you’re overwhelmed with the massive amount of things that need to be done. You don’t have to be stressed but can break this large task down into smaller manageable tasks that aren’t so daunting. Here are eight things to help you simplify your big move.
1. Downsizing
Over time we collect more belongings than what we need or use. Six to twelve months before your move is a good time to start downsizing your belongings. It’s good to start early, so you don’t feel rushed at the last minute, and are forced to make difficult decisions too fast.
2. Change of Address
Go to your local post office and put in a change of address form with the date for change of service. In some areas, this can be done online. Your mail can be where you are, instead of across the country at your old address. You also need to submit a change of address forms with your bills, magazine subscriptions, and anything else you want to continue to receive in the mail.
3. Labeling Helps
As you pack your boxes, label each box with the name of the room in which it belongs. Also, place the label on the top, one long side, and one short side of the box ensuring visibility. This way, anyone helping you know exactly where that box goes without you directing them. This will help sort things on the unpacking side of the move.
4. Uniform Boxes
Packing a moving truck is like playing the game of Tetris. To lessen the stress of where each box fits best, moving services Philadelphia PA recommends using uniform sized boxes so they have the same width. This will also secure the boxes better in the truck, leaving no room for things to shift around.
5. Help Needed
Think through the amount of help you will need. You may be fine packing it all, but need help with the lifting. Know your physical limitations, and time constraints. You may need help with the packing and the unpacking end of this journey. If so, you can hire some residential movers by the hour, or just hire a cross country moving company to manage the entire process from end-to-end.
6. Packing Breakables
Breakables are an issue for moving. Bubble wrap is your friend! Several other things can help protect your belongings, assuring a safe landing. Wrap pictures in towels. Pack do-dads in the drawers among your clothing. Separate plates with disposable foam plates.
7. Sentimental Items
Any sentimental items should be packed by yourself. If someone else breaks your treasures, it’ll be hard to forgive them. Pack them yourself, because no one loves your sentimental items as much as you do. You’ll be sure to take special care of your treasures to ensure their safety.
8. Packing Awkward Items
Packing awkward items is always an interesting challenge. For extra large portraits and paintings, wrap them in bubble wrap to keep them clean, then in a moving blanket for cushion. Check out this video from The Box Depot LA for helpful tips. For awkward larger sized treasurers, pack them in a box with another box cut up and stuffed around it for support. Mark the box on three sides (the top, the long side, and the short side) with an arrow pointing up, so others know that side needs to stay up. Get plenty of moving blankets for protection of your goods.
9. Last In, First Out
The first things that go in the moving truck are things you can live without on a daily basis. The larger furniture items need to go towards the back too. You always put the larger items first, because the smaller items are more forgiving in where they can be placed. Lastly are the things you will need the first night on arrival. This way they are easy to reach without digging.