A poorly planned move can easily turn into a train wreck. Tensions run high. Feelings are hurt. Fully functioning adults are reduced to tears. Trust us – these things happen when you throw caution to the wind and move without a game plan.
As professional movers, we’ve perfected the science of moving. You will save hours and days of your time if you know what you’re doing. Our first suggestion to you, fellow mover, is to seriously consider hiring a professional who can get the job done quickly and efficiently. Your lower back (and your friends) will thank you.
However, if you want to forgo this piece of advice, we have plenty more to help you in the moving process. From packing wisely to scouting out your new neighborhood, these tidbits can make your life much easier. So, here are seven tips from professional movers to help you in your journey.
Pack Early, Pack Often
Nothing says you must wait until the eleventh hour until you start packing up all your belongings. As soon as you know that you are going to move, you can start identifying things you know you won’t need and getting them ready for relocation. Box up any items in your home that are decorative or seldom used.
Keep Essentials Within Reach
Nothing is more frustrating than realizing something you need is lost in a pile of boxes. Make a list of all your essentials and pack them separately. It might be helpful to consider what you would take with you if you were going on vacation. Medications, toiletries, electronic devices, clothes and food should be readily available. Consider this your “emergency survival kit,” and guard it closely.
Be Deliberate in Your Packing
Of all the tips from professional movers you’re being given here, these might be the biggest game changers…
- Pack heavy items in smaller boxes and lighter items in big boxes.
- Whenever possible, find containers that fit expensive, valued items as tightly as possible.
- The more fragile an item is, the tighter it should be wrapped when packing. The more cushioning you can include in the box, the safer it will be.
- When loading items into your trailer, load the least essential items first and the most important possessions last. Using this method, you’ll be able to access important items more easily.
Perfect Your Lifting Technique
You’ve likely already heard the warnings about lifting improperly and trust us that there’s a good reason they’re repeated so often. Don’t bend at your back. Instead, bend at your knees and hips, keeping a wide base throughout the lift. Make this a practice you adhere to even for items that don’t seem too heavy. After a full day of lifting, you’d be surprised when your overworked back reaches its point of no return. Also, when it comes to especially heavy and bulky items, don’t be a hero; ask someone to help you carry the load.
Label Now, Save Time Later
The time you devote to labeling today will save you an incredible amount of time and frustration later. A labeler is always handy in these situations, but a black magic marker on cardboard box will work just fine. Note the contents of the boxes and the room in which they belong. This makes moving easier for you and your help. It will also make the unpacking process as simple as possible.
Learn Your New Neighborhood Before You Move
Once you arrive at your new home or office, you might need provisions or services more quickly than you realize. Do reconnaissance work beforehand, scouting convenient stores, groceries, hospitals and any other locations you might need in a pinch. You will get settled into your location quicker if you are familiar with your surroundings.
Donate Expendable Items to Your Volunteers
You’re likely to come across many things you don’t want to move when you are relocating to your new residence. Though you might eventually decide to donate these things to charity or offer them up to willing takers on social media, give the people that help you move the first pass.
BONUS TIP: Hire a Pro and Leave it to Them
Maybe you’ve convinced yourself that moving without the help of professionals is cheaper, but don’t forget all the hidden costs you’ll be taking on. You will rent trucks, buy gas, pay for storage space, pay for containers for all your items and cash in on your loved ones’ goodwill. You’ll also be exhausting yourself at a time when you’d probably need to be at your best.
A professional mover can save you time and energy, so you can focus on all the other important aspects of moving to a new home or office. At Fox Moving & Storage Chattanooga, we help individuals and businesses with every part of the moving process. We can move the contents of homes and offices on short notice using the best equipment and movers in Chattanooga.
If you’re interested in learning more about our services, we want to give you a free quote, so you can see for yourself how reasonable hiring a professional moving company can be. If you’re really enjoying these tips from professional movers, we have many more packing and moving tips that you might enjoy.
Let us help you move to your new location. Call Fox Moving & Storage Chattanooga today by calling 423.451.8584.