Preparing for a move can can make for a good, or bad, experience with local movers. A well-planned moving strategy is the key. Below are some of the best tips and tricks to help give you a smooth move.
Create A To-Do List
Moving involves a lot more effort than just packing up with a Rochester local mover, so develop a moving plan to help stay organized.
Some things to add to your moving checklist timeline are:
- Updating your address.
- Calling companies to disconnect the gas, electric, water, cable and internet.
- Take snaps of your electronics plugins for easier reassembling, especially the cords in the back!
- Rooms that need to be tidied up or fixed.
Investigate Local Movers
Local movers are a valuable asset when you are moving.
Do some research on the top movers in Rochester. Be sure to hire them a 4-6 weeks ahead of time to help you avoid last-minute chaos.
When moving day arrives, assign a designated person to work with the local movers to delegate which boxes go where.
When you are investigating local movers, ask questions like:
- What are their rates
- What kind of services do they offer
- Do they have a valuation or warehouse in case you need additional storage while getting settled
- What’s expected from their local movers
Donate/Sell Stuff
Designate a bag for giving away and one to sell. If you haven't used it in a few months to a year, it's a good time to donate it or consider selling it. Use the extra money towards your move, or to upgrade your living space.
Moving Supplies Checklist
Make a moving supplies checklist. It should include items like:
- a variety of different sized, sturdy boxes
- packing paper
- bubble wrap
- permanent markers
- packing tape
Reach out to friends and family and check if they can donate any of these to you. Take advantage of laundry baskets, plastic tubs and other bags you may have around the house, by filling them with assorted belongings. Keep in mind, professional moving companies will require all items be packed in moving boxes or plastic totes with a tight-fitting lid. They can’t move items in plastic bags, open top boxes, etc., because these cannot be stacked inside the truck and/or can fall over.
Pack Decorative Things First
Artistic displays like paintings, tapestries, figurines, and other decorative objects are not necessary in your home other than adding aesthetic value to your home. If they are not essential to your everyday function in your home, pack them away as soon as possible. Packing little by little this way takes a huge chunk of stress out of the process.
Categorize
Labeling boxes, especially when you’ll need essential items right away like personal items, clothes, and other essentials. When you get to your new location, having each box labeled and categorized helps you and your local movers know their proper placement.
Pack less
Here's a helpful tip: do not pack all your belongings. Well before your move date, start sorting through your things. Moving is the perfect time to give away, recycle, and if necessary, get rid of things you don't need. It’s a simple equation: Less stuff equals less stress.
The right box. The right material.
Make sure you pack appropriately. Be sure the dimensions of the box, and the cushioning material you use, are appropriate for the items you pack.
For heavy things, compact is better; you don’t want a large box full of heavy items. Fragile items need room in the container for cushioning material. Wrap China pieces individually before they are packed. Make sure to get the right boxes and materials.
If you are not sure about how to pack certain items, take a look at our packing advice page.
Label Label Label
You may already know that you should mark every box. And you should. But, if you want to make your life easier, don’t just label, establish a system for labeling.
Understand that labeling serves two purposes. 1) Tells the movers where it should go, and 2) gives you a clue as to what is inside.
First, use colors. It might be as easy as boxes with red labels go downstairs. The idea is that the mover just needs to see the color to know where to go. Don’t over complicate it, but do make it useful.
Write clearly. You don’t want to have to waste time looking for the label. Make it easy to read and put it on multiple sides of the box.
If you abbreviate, make sure they easy to decipher as well. Is “BR” bathroom or bedroom? Better to take the time to write it in full now than waste time trying to translate it later.
Finally, label your new apartment. For cozier homes, this may not be a big deal. But, if you have 3, 4, 5+ bedrooms, it’ll be helpful if each was uniquely labeled, with the appropriate room name or number on the box.
Packing for the kids
Unpacking a new home can take a long time, particularly when you have children. Prepare a few special boxes that have the important items your little ones will want during the first day or two. It may be favorite toys, art supplies, or gaming consoles. Scouring for these items while trying to get the rest of the house unpacked is a good time. Simplify your life and keep these boxes within reach.
The early essentials
Adults are not much different than kids. There are things we want to have available as soon as possible. Pack a couple of boxes that will have your essentials to get through the initial week. Fresh clothes, shower needs, things to read, or even board games. These are the boxes that, if you can get no other supplies, will get you through the starting week.
Contact Corrigan
Have questions? Contact us today to schedule your no-cost, no obligation, virtual move estimate. Our Rochester move representatives and local movers have the expertise to guide you through your difficult moving details. Reach out and see why Corrigan has been an industry leader for nearly a century!