Did you know many people find moving to be one of the most stressful life events? Some people say moving’s more stressful than having kids or getting married. If you want to prepare for a move, we can help.
In this guide, we’ll go over straightforward tips on planning a move. You don’t have to feel stressed out about this big change.
Want to learn more? Keep reading.
1. Pick Up Plenty of Packing Supplies
You will need to gather all kinds of different packing supplies. You’ll need more than moving blankets, packing tape, and boxes.
Pick up mattress and sofa covers, plastic stretch wrap, and bubble wrap. You’ll also want to get some sealable plastic bags. Look at picking up corrugated cardboard sheets as well.
2. Update Your Address
Before you tackle packing, make sure you update your address with the post office. Use the USPS official form. Forward your mail for the first two months.
You’ll also need to set up your water, gas, internet, cable, and electricity accounts. Don’t forget to update your shopping accounts on eBay or Amazon with the new address.
Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles and let them know about your address change.
Don’t forget to contact the bank and your insurance company. Make sure you contact any other companies that will send you bills.
Non-essential hookups could occur a day after your moving day. But don’t forget to update your dentists, schools, and doctors before the move.
Professionals can give you a recommendation of a new healthcare provider. If you’re moving to a particular location like Manhattan, ask for a referral.
Learn more about why you should consider moving to Manhattan. Check out https://www.manhattanmiami.com/manhattan-real-estate.
3. Try to Get Rid of Clutter
You’ll also want to make a plan for getting rid of items you don’t need. Make sure you purge clutter in your garage, basement, and closets.
Do you have a ton of things to throw away? You could always rent a dumpster to remove these items. If the items are in good shape, donate them to a local charity.
4. Get Your Furniture Ready to Pack
Before packing items, you’ll need to walk through your home. Begin to clean and dust off the furniture. Debris and dust can scratch your hard surfaces. You won’t bring any grimy furniture into your house.
Take time to remove casters, pulls, or knobs from the furniture. Take the drawers out of desks and dressers. Pack items inside the drawers. You will have more storage space and lighten up any heavy furniture.
5. Begin to Breakdown Furniture
When possible, dismantle the furniture. Remove the legs from couches and tables. Take the bed frame apart. Get rid of the cushions.
You will have an easier time moving furniture and prevent damage from occurring. You’ll also have an easier time filling up the moving truck.
Use an owner’s manual to figure out how to break down furniture. Try using a sealable plastic bag to keep the hardware and screws safe. Make sure you write down the matching furniture piece on the bag.
Do you have one piece with many minor parts? Use a marker and masking tape to explain where the pieces go.
When dismantling and reassembling pieces, go slow. You don’t want to strip the screws. Lower the torque setting and make sure to use the correct size drill.
Dismantle furniture one day before your move.
6. How Do You Wrap Furniture?
Plastic sheeting and bubble wrap are great tools to use. Try using bubble wrap to protect any delicate pieces. Plastic sofa covers or plastic wrap will cover the upholstered items.
Packing blankets or older blankets can also work. Try using corrugated cardboard sheets between wooden pieces. You’ll have extra protection there and prevent scratches on your furniture.
Bubble wrap will protect mirrors and glass tabletops. Tape an X on the item first using painter’s tape. Wrap the mirror and glass. Pay attention to the covers. Place the item between two pieces of cardboard.
Mattresses should get placed in a particular mattress bag. If you don’t have that, use a thick blanket.
7. Get Extra Moving Supplies
Make sure you load up your truck with bubble wrap, shrink wrap, and mattress covers during the move. Bring extra sealable plastic bags and packing tape.
8. Secure the Furniture in Your Moving Truck
Before you begin to load items into the truck, plan how it will all fit. Sit down with a sheet of paper and map out the different things.
The more significant pieces will need to go in first. Fill in the empty spots so things won’t move around in the truck. Consider tying things together if they aren’t super secure.
If you want to protect your furniture, consider working with professionals. They will know how to make sure things don’t break or get scratched.
Some trucks have special padding on the sides, as well.
Start Planning a Move Today
We hope this guide on planning a move was helpful. Make sure you pick up plenty of supplies for furniture protection.
You should try and dismantle furniture the day before the move and wipe them down. You also want to get the proper packing supplies for big pieces like a mattress or couch.
Are you looking for more home and real estate tips? Check out our resources on the blog.
