Top 10 Recommendations for Moving Day

Boxes are scattered from one wall to the next wall, garbage bags are exploding with heaps of clothing, you can’t find which box you accidently put the sharpie and tape in and you have no idea how every piece of material that makes up your home will fit into that moving truck by the end of the day. Does this sound at all like a moving day you have experienced before?

It’s pretty safe to say that moving day is one of those chaotic days that you dread. It’s difficult to plan for every situation that may occur on moving day, but there are a lot of ways to properly prepare for the big day.

Here are 10 helpful ways to get you ready for the infamous moving day:

1.  Label and coordinate. One of the best ways to keep track of everything is to color coordinate your boxes. Use different colored stickers to put on each box and use the same colored sticker for which room that item should go in. For example, place a red sticker on items that belong in the kitchen and a red sticker on the kitchen entrance. Numbering the boxes is also helpful to keep track of each box. It is also good to write on which box you would like to load and unload first.
2.  Make a list to stay organized. Write down the number of each box used and take note of what is inside this box. If any box goes missing you know which one it is and what’s inside. Keep this list with all other moving supplies such as tape, pens and supplies.
3. Stock up on moving supplies. You will never regret buying too many boxes. Always buy more than you think you need and set aside about 10 boxes for the big day to pack up extra things like bedding, cosmetics or kitchen supplies. Also, getting extra strong packing tape will ensure your items are safe and sound during the move. Bubble wrap is a great choice over newspaper as well because newspaper tends to stain and leave residue.
4. Keep all cleaning supplies together. You can place these items in the corner of a room separate from all other items that the movers may grab. Wait to pack these items until the very last things have been loaded up. This way you can do a sweep of the entire house once it has been cleared out.
5. Don’t unpack things you don’t need to. By keeping things like the silverware in the trays and clothing in the dresser drawers it will save you space, boxes and time!
6. Don’t over pack your boxes. It’s easy to try and stuff tons of things into one box to get things done quickly, but this leaves you at risk for breaking something valuable to you. Make sure that boxes don’t weigh more than 50 pounds. Place the heaviest items at the bottom of the box and the lighter and more delicate items on top.
7. Keep all related items together. When taking something like a TV and the wall mount apart, keep the nails, bolts and parts all together in a plastic bag and tape it to the large mount itself. Things like cable chords and other tools should also be kept together in a clearly labeled box and set to the side for easy access at your new home.
8. Make use of luggage. That extra luggage you have stored away for the next big vacation is now very useful. Filling a suitcase with clothing or any other household items can definitely save boxes for bigger items.
9. Pack ahead. Sure, you may not know months in advance that you will be moving, but for those of you that do, you have some time to get ready. It’s never too early to start packing and you will be glad you did. If it is summer and you have no use for those winter ensembles, pack those items up now. Same goes for any holiday decorations or kitchenware that you may not use that often.
10. Keep all important documents with you at all times. Anything like bank account information, phone numbers, school records, bills or birth certificates keep in a file close to you during the move so that it is not mixed up with any of the items being moved.

Although moving day is one of the most stressful days anyone can go through, planning ahead and staying organized is the best way to keep it together when it seems like your house if falling apart.