Preparing for a Move: Little Things Now Save Big Headaches Later

Preparing for a move can make or break your experience with local movers. A thorough moving plan is vital. Here are some of the best tips and tricks to help your move go smoothly.

Create A To-Do List

Moving involves a lot more effort than merely packing up with a Bay City local mover, so create a moving plan to help keep you on track.

Some items to add to your moving checklist timeline are:

• Changing addresses.
• Contacting companies to cancel the utilities.
• Take photos of your electronics plugins for easier reassembling, especially the wires in the back!
• Rooms that need to be tidied up or repaired.

Research Local Movers

Local movers are a fantastic asset when you are moving.

Do some research on the top movers in Bay City. Be sure to hire them a 4-6 weeks ahead of time to help you stay on top of everything else.

When moving day comes, assign a designated person to work with the local movers to manage the loading and unloading process.

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 insurance or storage facility in case you need additional storage while you get settled
• What’s expected from their local movers

Donate/Sell Stuff

Set aside a bag for donating and another for selling. If you haven't worn or used it in six months to a year, it's time to give it away or earn some cash by selling it. Use the extra money towards your moving expenses, or to upgrade your living space.

Moving Supplies Checklist

Create a moving supplies inventory. It should include items like:

• a variety of different sized, sturdy boxes
• packing paper
• bubble wrap
• Sharpie markers
• packing tape

Ask friends and family and see if they can donate these to you. Make use of laundry baskets, plastic tubs and other bags 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 plastic totes with a lid. They can’t move items in trash bags, unsecured boxes, etc., because these cannot be stacked inside the truck and/or can tip over.

Pack Decorative Things First

Artistic displays like paintings, wall hangings, art figurines, and other ornaments are not necessary in your home other than enhancing your space. If they are not vital 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

Labeling boxes, especially if you will need essential items right away like toiletries, clothes, and essential belongings. When you arrive at your new home, having each box categorized and labeled helps you and your local movers know where they belong.

Pack less

Here's something to keep in mind: do not pack all your belongings. Well before your move date, begin decluttering. Moving is the perfect opportunity to contribute, recycle, and if needed, 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 size of the box, and the packing material you use, are adequate for the items you pack.

For heavy objects, compact is better; you don’t want a oversized box full of heavy items. Fragile items need space in the box for filler material. Wrap China pieces individually before they are packed. Take the time to get the right boxes and materials.

If you are uncertain about how to pack certain items, take a look at our packing advice page.

Label Label Label

First, use colors. It might be as easy as boxes with blue labels go upstairs. 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 useful.

Write large. You don’t want to have to waste time looking for the label. Make it easy to read and put it on more than one side of the box.

If you use abbreviations, make sure they easily understood as well. Is “BR” bedroom or bathroom? Better to take the time to write it in full now than waste time trying to decipher 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 will be helpful if each was uniquely labeled, with the correct label on the box.

Packing for the kids

Getting settled into a new home can take a long time, particularly when you have children. Pack a few special boxes that have the must-have items your kids will want during the first couple of days. It may be beloved stuffed animals, art supplies, or electronic devices. Hunting for these items while trying to get the rest of the house unpacked is a good time. Take it easy and keep these boxes easily accessible.

The early essentials

Adults are not that different than kids. There are things we want to have available right away. Pack a couple of boxes that will have what you need to get through the starting week. Fresh clothes, personal hygiene items, books or e-readers, or even your own games. These are the boxes that, if you can get no other supplies, will get you through the first week.

Contact Corrigan

Need more advice? Reach out to us to schedule your free, no obligation, in-home move estimate. Our Bay City 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!