Moving Made Easier
Pro Tips to Streamline Your Move to a New Home
Moving, a task often met with both anticipation and trepidation, is an experience familiar to many. Whether you’re a first-time mover or a seasoned nomad, the process of relocating your life’s possessions can be both challenging and exhilarating. To help navigate the complexities of moving, we sat down with Kelly Yarbrough, a seasoned Realtor® with Keller Williams – Jay Hudson Homes. With over 14 moves under her belt, Kelly shared her invaluable insights to make your moving journey a little smoother.
1. Plan Ahead to Secure Your Ride
One of the key pieces of advice Kelly offers is to book your moving truck in advance. Nothing can throw a wrench into your moving plans quite like discovering there are no available trucks just a week before your moving day. Kelly emphasizes the importance of securing your truck well in advance to avoid last-minute chaos. Additionally, she recommends ensuring you have a dolly as part of your moving arsenal, given the limited availability. Adequate planning can save you from unnecessary stress on the big day.
2. Child and Pet Care is a Must for Moving Day
Moving day can be chaotic, and adding children and pets to the mix can make it even more challenging. Kelly advises arranging for a babysitter if you have children, and finding suitable boarding for your pets. Children and animals can feel overwhelmed during the moving process, and providing them a safe and calm environment away from the hustle and bustle can make the experience smoother for everyone involved.
3. The Power of Prepping
Preparation is the cornerstone of a successful move, according to Kelly. She suggests decluttering your belongings by parting ways with items you no longer use or need. Kelly’s advice echoes the sentiment of many professional organizers: if you haven’t used something in six months, it’s likely you won’t need it in your new space. To illustrate, consider your collection of coffee mugs. Ponder the prospect of meticulously wrapping, boxing, loading, and unloading a cumbersome assembly of 30 coffee mugs. This prompts a natural query: how many coffee mugs does your family need? Purging unnecessary items not only streamlines your move but also helps you start fresh in your new home
4. Pack Smart, Pack Early
Rather than waiting until the last minute, Kelly recommends starting the packing process early. She offers a clever tip to source free, durable boxes. Go to your local grocery stores’ produce departments and ask for banana boxes. Banana Boxes are readily available and sturdy, can help you pack efficiently. These boxes have the added advantage of being easily stackable and don’t require extra taping. Kelly advises using items you already have, such as towels and blankets, to wrap fragile items instead of bubble wrap. This not only reduces waste but also optimizes your space during the move.
5. Packing Your Essentials and Personal Items
As the impending moving day draws near, Kelly underlines the significance of assembling an essentials bag that remains within arm’s reach throughout the entire process. This dedicated bag should encompass a range of vital components, including essential documents, medications, a spare change of clothes, and other personal items likely to necessitate immediate access. By conscientiously keeping these necessities close at hand, you spare yourself the ordeal of rummaging through numerous boxes in pursuit of crucial belongings.
Additionally, Kelly cautions against entrusting the transportation of these essentials solely to movers or friends. This caution stems from the potential repercussions of losing items of paramount importance, such as crucial documents or passports. Kelly’s insights comes from personal experience, as she recounts an incident where she herself misplaced her children’s adoption paperwork—a circumstance that rendered the task of replacement near-impossible. In light of such potential challenges, Kelly advises safeguarding your critical possessions by ensuring they remain with you in your own vehicle. This proactive measure offers both peace of mind and a safeguard against the unforeseen.
6. Stay Hydrated and Energized During the Move
On the actual moving day, Kelly reminds us of the significance of staying hydrated and well-fueled. The physical demands of moving can lead to heatstroke and exhaustion, so ample water and nutritious snacks are crucial. If you’re employing movers, Kelly advises providing them with snacks and drinks. This small gesture not only ensures their well-being but also fosters a positive atmosphere, encouraging them to give their best effort.
7. Show Appreciation to Movers
Movers play an integral role in the moving process, often managing heavy lifting and ensuring your belongings arrive safely. To show your appreciation, Kelly suggests setting aside cash for tips. Alongside a monetary token of gratitude, offering food, like a sub tray, underscores your recognition of their hard work. By valuing their efforts, you foster a positive working relationship that benefits everyone involved.
8. Be a Participating Director
As the final step, Kelly encourages active participation on moving day. Whether you’re using professional movers or enlisting friends’ help, being present and offering clear directions ensures your belongings are placed exactly where you want them. This minimizes the need for post-move adjustments and prevents miscommunication, ultimately saving time and energy.
