Does the thought of moving give you sleepless nights? According to figures released by census.gov, Throughout March 2020 and 2021, 8% of Americans, or around 26.5 million individuals, relocated inside the United States.

Any kind of move can be overwhelming, be it residential or commercial. If you are wondering how to prepare for a move, you’ve come to the right place. The laundry list of things you need to do when moving can be daunting. There is no need to worry because we are here to help you. With proper planning and preparation, you can tick off all the boxes on your to-do list while still having time to sit back and relax. We have created the ultimate guide on how to prepare for a move. By following this guide, you will be well prepared for moving day and will be able to settle into your new home without a hitch.

1. Prep Early

The first and foremost step before planning for anything is to get organized. This holds for when you are moving as well. Preparing for the move early is the key to packing and moving like a pro. There will be a lot of scheduling, filing, and coordinating that you’ll find yourself doing the next few weeks, and it can be easy to be thrown off. You can stay organized with some of these tips.

Create Folder: Start by creating a folder for all your essential documents. This could include documents you would need during the move, lease agreements, moving contracts, important bills, and moving services receipts.

Purge: Take a walk through every room and decide what you’d like to hold on to and what you would want to get rid of. Make a list of items that would require special packing or would have to be covered under extra insurance.

Research movers: If you have decided to hire a professional moving company, start looking around for the options available. You can be assured of a correct estimate if the company can do an onsite visit, rather than doing it over the phone. Most movers and packers prefer doing an onsite visit and presenting a quotation. It is a good practice to get the estimate in writing from each company offering a quote.

2. Declutter Thoroughly

It would help if you made a moving checklist to keep track of all the tasks you need to complete before and during the move. It is also a good idea to take inventory of everything you own so you know what needs to be packed, donated, sold, or discarded.

3. Create an Organizing Plan

After you have organized your moving documents and determined which of your belongings need to be packed and which need to be donated, sold, or discarded – it is time to create an organizing plan. You can start that by sticking up on packing supplies. Even if you are going ahead with professional packers, you can buy packing supplies such as moving boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap. If you have these at hand, you can always pack smaller items you may want to carry along with you rather than sending them along with bigger items on the moving truck.

You must also plan for time off from work and if necessary, childcare. In addition, research the area you are moving to and compare prices from various moving company in Germantown, Maryland.

4. Organize Your Current House

Organizing your current house before you begin planning and packing for the move is important. This will simplify and speed up the packing process. Once you’ve decided which items to keep, donate or discard the rest. This is a great time to declutter and make the most of it while you are at it. Give the place a good clean-up before you hand it over to someone else – they will thank you later.

5. Pack by Room

Experienced packers will tell you it is best to pack each room separately to make packing and unpacking easier. If you have hired professional packers and residential movers in Frederick, Maryland,to do the job, they will bring their supplies and pack accordingly. However, if you want to handle a few personal items, you can begin with the rooms you use less frequently, such as the office or study. Leave the most commonly used room for the last, especially kitchens or bedrooms. Using sturdy and secure boxes while packing is also a great idea. To protect them, line the bottom of the containers with packing papers. Fill the box with heavier items first and then lighter ones. Use bubble wrap in between fragile items to cushion and avoid breakages and damage.

6. Label

Once the packing has commenced, make arrangements for pet transportation and pack your personal belongings. Label all boxes clearly, preferably each box with a list of the items. Make a list of things to do before and after the move. Make sure to label all the boxes and packs so that you and the movers can place items in the right room when unpacking. And finally, label and mark all the things to bring with you on the day of the move and have necessary documents, such as your driver’s license, on hand.

7. Unpack With a Timeframe

Once you’ve arrived at your new home, it is time to unpack. A plan and timeline are essential for making the unpacking process less overwhelming and stressful. Unlike packing, while unpacking, beginning with the necessary items and rooms first – like clothes and kitchenware. This will help you and your family settle in and efficiently tackle the rest of the unpacking. Make a deadline for unpacking each room and try and stick to it. Take breaks in between and unpack one room at a time.

Final Word

Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but with proper planning and preparation, you can make the moving process as easy and stress-free as possible. Begin by gathering all of your documents and making a checklist. Sort through your belongings and buy and supplies you will need for packing. Plan your move and do your homework on the area you are moving to. Finally, prepare for the move by transferring utilities and hiring a packing company to take care of the rest. Follow these steps and you will set the tone for a peaceful and easy move. Happy moving!