1. BOOK EARLY

Great movers book up quickly! So do trucks. Don’t wait until the last minute to find your movers. Take the time to read reviews, gather quotes, ask questions, and get on the books. While you can occasionally find great movers with last minute times available, its way better safe than sorry.

….or storage unit, as the case may be. But yes, get the bigger truck. Everyone always has more than they think they do, and getting a bigger truck is usually worth the minimal extra charge to be able to save mileage on only one trip, and load your items without needing a Man and Dolly Expert Level Tetris master! For additional suggestions on truck sizes, visit:

https://www.uhaul.com/Articles/Tips/15591/How-To-Choose-The-Right-Size-Moving-Truck-Rental/

3. BUY THE GOOD BOXES (AND A LIST OF ALL THE OTHER THINGS YOU NEED)

While they may look similar, all boxes are not created equal. We suggest buying new boxes for each move, and making sure that there are pre-cut holes for your hands on each size (even the small). This will make carrying your belongings so much easier. And while it is an awesome money saver, be careful and thoroughly check any second-hand boxes for quality. Small tears get bigger, water damage will definitely lead to problems, and having all your boxes fall apart during your move is just the kind of stress that no one needs. Also, buying boxes that are all the same dimensions can make stacking and packing a truck a lot quicker and easier.

But just how many boxes do you need, you ask? We found a great article at the link below that answers just that question! 

https://www.updater.com/moving-tips/how-many-boxes-do-i-need-to-move

And remember – you can usually return boxes when you’re done packing – but having to run out to buy more a couple times can be very frustrating – so overestimate and keep the receipt!
Along with the boxes, you will need tape, box cutters, markers, labels (if you go that route), packing paper, packing tape, furniture slides, felt pads, moving blankets, ratchet straps, and more. For a full checklist of what you need to pack your home, check out the link below: https://livability.com/topics/moving/must-have-packing-and-moving-supplies-checklist

While it may be tempting to throw as many items as you can in large boxes in the hopes of packing quicker, your back will not appreciate your enthusiasm. Smaller boxes are extremely helpful in packing delicate items, so they can be carried by themselves in your arms, as well as heavy items, so you are not having to lift as much at one time. Large boxes are best for light but cumbersome items (coats, blankets, larger picture frames, décor, etc.), and smaller boxes are great for dense and delicate items (dishes, silverware, wine glasses, paperwork, books, etc.).

Just about the last thing you need is to do all the hard work of delicately packing and labeling all of your belongings only to have the bottom of every box fall through because the tape didn’t stick to the box well enough. Try to tape like you work for 3M and your paycheck depends on it! We suggest 2-3 strips of tape across where the flaps meet, and 2-3 in the perpendicular direction. Taping in the perpendicular direction helps to reinforce the first layers of tape, and is especially great for boxes with heavier items. Yes, this will require a lot of tape, but it really is worth it. You will, however, want to buy a lot of tape.

8. GET ORGANIZED

Nothing is more fun than arriving at a new house and not being able to find your best looking shoes for your first day at your new job in a new town – right? Exactly. How about cooking dinner and not being able to find the oven mitt to take your delicious meal out of the oven? Not exactly a dream come true. So help avoid those messes by detailing and labeling your boxes thoroughly. While it might seem excessive to write a detailed list on each box, those extra seconds here and there can save you a lot of headache in the future. It will also help you to tell the movers (or your significant other, as the case may be) where to put each box.

Speaking of determining box destinations, the 2 best systems we have seen are color coding with markers/dots/tape, and a log.
We have had multiple customers that have used various colored labels to indicate box locations, as well as stickers for “Do Not Stack On Top Of,” “Fragile,” “This Side Up” and more. A great package for this can be found here: 

https://www.amazon.com/Moving-Labels-Color-Coding-Different-Stickers/dp/B07F9TD9RH/ref=sr_1_13?keywords=packing+labels+3+bed+2+bath&qid=1573482661&sr=8-13

We also have many customers that have been happy with a logging system. You simply label each box by location and items, such a 2.1 – 2 for Master bathroom, 1 for cleaning products (or however you choose), and then keep a log detailing the contents of each box. This method is extremely helpful if you also have items in storage, or in multiple PODs or trucks, so you can easily know which location to visit. Pro tip – we suggest emailing yourself the log, once created, so it is not lost in the chaos of moving.

The first night in a new home is incredibly exciting, and usually a huge relief to have reached your destination, but maybe a little stressful. Help keep the excitement alive by labeling a few of your boxes to be set aside with things you will need first – medication, light bulbs, toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, hand soap, paper plates and cutlery, shower items, sheets, pillows, clothes for the next day, and any items you think you will need before the bulk of your unpacking can be completed. For a full list of suggested first night items, visit this link: 

http://www.housemixblog.com/2014/02/18/moving-part-5-familys-first-night-in-new-house-checklist/
And of course – DON’T FORGET YOUR PHONE CHARGER.

Our movers are trained to move quickly and be able to maneuver through doors and hallways with ease and efficiency, without breaking a sweat. Okay, maybe a sweat, but definitely not any of your belongings. But if you’re in the process of moving, and you’re most likely feeling the exhaustion that comes with something you only do a few times in your life, be gentle. Pack delicate items with extra card (and bubble wrap), move slowly to work furniture around corners, look at the labels you so tediously added to the boxes, and try not to rush. Rushing is the best way to make a mistake, and you deserve a great move with great results!