Packing all of your belongings can be a little tricky and time-consuming when you’re preparing for a move. But it shouldn’t be overwhelming. These quick tips will help you keep everything safe and secure during the entire moving process—and work to keep your move on-schedule.
1. Label Your Boxes
Neat and clear handwriting will help let your moving team know exactly where to unload your items in your new home. It’s a lot easier to unpack when all of your boxes are already in the right rooms. Labeling the side of your boxes is best, and you might even want to use designated colors for each rooms. You could even use labeling stickers to really keep things streamlined.
2. Watch the Fragile Stuff
Pay close attention to how you load your boxes with plates of loose glass. You don’t want any surprises when you open them up. Individually-wrap each item, and then pack them upright and on their sides. You should also place extra padding between each piece.
Lastly, be sure to fill each box as close to the top as possible. This helps prevent the box from caving in, which could cause the entire stack to lean. Label each one as “fragile,” and don’t let them get too heavy. Then you should be good to go.
3. Separate Awkward Items from Furniture
Every move generally has a list of awkward indoor items. These can include lamps, lamp shades, art objects, pictures, mirrors, small appliances, trash cans, etc. Keeping these types of belongings away from your heavy furniture will help ensure they don’t get damaged.
It’s also a good idea to take the time to pack them. Otherwise, your moving company should probably let you know that it would be better for you to transport them in a personal vehicle so they’ll stay safe.
4. Move Outdoor Items on Their Own
Your awkward outdoor items should also be moved on their own, when possible. These will be things like your patio furniture, bicycles, yard tools, ladders, etc. If you have workout equipment, that should get moved with the outdoor items too. These pieces often have dirt and debris, and you don’t really want that mess getting tracked into the house.
5. Be Realistic with Your Timing
Estimating the time to move your items isn’t always straightforward. There are a lot of different factors to consider. Your moving day might be subject to poor weather or parking locations. Or you might have unique items that take extra time to disassemble and then reassemble.
It can be hard to make a clear prediction for your moving schedule, but you definitely don’t want to rush moving day and risk your items not getting loading properly in the truck. That’s why we always suggest using one truck and two movers for every 1,500 square feet of space. Always do your best to ensure you’ll have enough manpower to stay on-track.
For homes with larger items (or several steps, even for smaller items and boxes) it’s a good idea to add a third mover. We usually assume that a one-truck and two-mover day will take between 5 to 8 hours since one truck typically holds about 5 or 6 rooms. Of course, you’ll also have to consider your travel time too.
6. Do a Final Walkthrough with Your Movers
Once your truck is completely loaded for that final time, it’s super important to do a final walkthrough of your old home with your moving team. The more eyes, the better. You should confirm that nothing was missed in the closets or the corners of any room.
7. Confirm Everything’s in the Right Place
Additionally, your movers should help you do another walkthrough once everything is unloaded into your new space. This is the time for your moving team to adjust any items or boxes that might have been put in the wrong location. Moreover, if any rooms feels too crowded, you’ll want your crew to help move some things around to reorganize the space. It’s a lot nicer to unpack and get settled in your new home when your boxes are easy to reach.
When done right, a move won’t be stressful. It’s the first major step in a new life direction, so you want to make sure it goes off without a hitch. Getting a good team of local movers on your side is a big part of that success. If you’re in the greater Indianapolis area and need some help, know that Colt Moving is here for you!