Even if you’ve hired a great moving company, preparing for movers to enter your home can save time and reduce stress. To keep moving costs down, organize and clean out your home, removing unwanted items.
Purge Unwanted Items
Get rid of things you no longer use or find useful. There’s no point in having packers move items you’ll likely never use again. Many experts suggest that if you haven’t used something in about a year, you probably won’t use it again. Decide what to do with these items: sell them, give them to family, donate them to charity, or recycle them.
Dispose of Restricted Items
Dispose of anything the packers won’t or can’t pack. Many moving companies won’t pack hazardous materials (such as corrosives, explosives, chemicals, liquids, or ammunition), perishables, or plants. This is for your safety as well as the movers’. Arrange beforehand how you’ll transport these sensitive items to your new home.
Take an Inventory
Take an inventory of your belongings as best you can. Noting the condition of your items before the movers arrive will help you cross-reference them once you reach your new home. This is also helpful if you need to file a claim with the moving company for damages or missing items.
Designate a “No Pack” Area
Keep an area specifically for items that are not to be packed. Whether it’s an entire room, a corner, or a tabletop, clearly mark this space. People typically keep essential everyday items in this area.
Prepare a Survival Pack
Prepare a “survival pack” for the first few days in your new home when you might not have access to all your belongings. This should include the items from your “No Pack” zone.
Prepare Appliances
Prepare appliances for packing. This includes emptying water from coffee machines, cleaning out kitchen appliances, and unplugging electrical items and placing them back in their original boxes (if possible).
These are some basic steps you can take to best prepare for your upcoming move.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there any items that movers won’t pack?
Yes, movers typically won’t pack hazardous materials, perishables, or live plants.
How can I safely transport sensitive items?
Arrange to transport sensitive items like important documents or valuables yourself to ensure their safety.
Why is it important to take an inventory of my items?
An inventory helps you track your belongings, making it easier to identify any missing or damaged items after the move.
How can I mark items that should not be packed?
Designate a specific area in your home for “no pack” items and clearly label it to avoid confusion.
What should I include in my survival pack for moving day?
Include essentials like toiletries, clothing, medications, and any important documents you may need immediately.
