Moving to a new home or city marks an exciting new chapter of your life. However, it also requires careful consideration and loads of planning. If you’re planning to move out for the first time, this experience can be both exciting and intimidating at the same time.
While you’re excited to make a fresh start at the new place, the thought of packing all your belongings can be overwhelming as you face the challenge of packing up everything you own – from your largest pieces of furniture to your smallest trinkets. This is especially true if you live in Houston, one of the busiest ports in the country and a top destination for movers, while the number of people moving out in 2022 alone was as high as 282,000.
But don't let the prospect of packing and moving discourage you! In this guide, we'll share some dos and don'ts to make your move as stress-free as possible. Let's dive in!
Your Guide to a Stress-Free Move: Selecting a Professional Moving Company
Moving to a new house isn't something you do every day, and you don't want to take any chances with an untested or unreliable moving company. You want to be sure your belongings arrive safely and securely. That's why choosing a reputable moving company with a proven track record of success is crucial.
Houston's location makes it a hub for moving companies that offer local, interstate, and international moves. Whether moving by sea, air, or road, you'll find plenty of options to transport your belongings and choose the one that best fits your needs. For example, if you’re moving from Houston to Seattle, which makes a whopping 1890 miles journey, you would prefer consulting with a reliable moving company that offers insurance coverage and has both enclosed and open container options to suit your needs.
When researching moving companies, look for ones with competitive rates and high ratings and reviews. Reputable moving companies also offer valuable consultancy services to help you with budgeting, choosing the best moving dates, and even deciding whether or not you need a storage facility. Don't leave your move to chance – choose a trusted moving company to make your transition to your new home as smooth as possible.
The Dos and Don’ts of Moving Out
Thinking about moving to a new home or city? Check out these essential dos and don'ts that you must follow before you start packing!
Do – Start Preparing Early On
Moving is no small task! Whether you're moving across town or the country, there are many things to consider to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. It's best to start planning your move as soon as possible to avoid last-minute headaches.
Make a plan including your budget, timeline, and storage needs. Then decide whether you want to handle the move yourself or hire a professional moving and packing company. Finally, consult with your chosen company to create a comprehensive moving budget.
Do – Make a Moving Checklist
Create a moving checklist to stay on track and organized. Start by visiting each room and making a list of items to pack, donate, sell, or discard. Don't forget to include important tasks like shutting off utilities, paying bills, completing the necessary documentation, and keeping travel documents in a safe place.
Do – Create a Packing Station
Designate a specific area in your home as a packing station to streamline your packing process. This way, you won't have to scatter your packing supplies all over the house and can keep everything in one place. Simply bring items to be packed to the designated space and avoid the hassle of misplacing supplies.
Do – Stock on Packing Supplies
To avoid last-minute chaos and running out of packing supplies, it's essential to prepare a list of all the necessary supplies you'll require for packing and purchase them ahead of time. For first-time movers, it's crucial to plan ahead of time and ensure you have enough supplies to avoid any last-minute hassle. Additionally, purchase a few extra packs of each supply to be safe in case you run out while packing.
Do – Label Each Box
Labeling your boxes is important in making your move hassle-free and organized. By labeling each box with its contents, you'll be able to quickly locate the items you need when unpacking and save valuable time and effort in the long run. Additionally, don't forget to mark the top side of each box with an arrow to ensure your moving company representatives know how to handle the box properly.
Do – Declutter and Purge
Decluttering before moving is crucial to avoid paying for transportation or storage of unnecessary items. Consider having a garage sale or purge bin services offered by moving companies to eliminate items you no longer use or love. Separate unneeded items and decide whether to donate, sell, or throw them away. It’s a great opportunity to simplify your life and save some cash at the same time.
Do – Pack Fragile Items Carefully
To ensure your treasured possessions arrive at your new destination without any damage, it's important to take extra precautions while packing fragile items. Wrap them carefully with quilts, foam sheets, bubble wraps, paper, or packing peanuts, covering all corners and curves. Ensure that there is no extra space inside the box to keep your items from budging inside the box during transportation. Finally, seal the box securely to avoid any chances of it opening during the move.
Don’t – Move Valuable Items into a Truck
You should keep valuable items, such as jewelry, cash, watches, laptops, and mobile phones, with you during the move to prevent theft, damage, or loss. It is not advisable to transport these items in the moving truck.
Don’t – Make a Long-Distance Move without Insurance
If you're relocating from Houston to a distant place, obtaining moving insurance is advisable to ensure your belongings' safety. This way, if your possessions get damaged during the move, the insurance policy will cover the cost of damages, and you won't have to bear the expense yourself. With moving insurance, you can have the peace of mind that your belongings are protected during the move.
Final Thoughts
Moving out can be stressful and overwhelming, but following these dos and don'ts can make it a smoother experience. From decluttering and labeling boxes to hiring a reliable moving company and canceling utilities, these steps can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a successful move to your new home.
