Moving Tips Making Your Relocation a Breeze

Relocation and moving can be one of life’s most stressful events. Whether across town or to a different city or province, packing up your entire life and starting fresh elsewhere is overwhelming. From the logistical details to the emotional strain, moving demands careful attention to countless tasks. But it doesn’t have to be chaotic! With the proper preparation and a few practical tips, your relocation can go off without a hitch. 

Early Preparation is Key

One of the best things you can do to make your move easier is to start preparing early. The earlier you begin, the more time you’ll have to spread out tasks and avoid last-minute panic. 

Start by setting a firm moving date. Once that’s locked in, work backward and create a moving timeline that outlines what tasks to complete each week leading up to the big day. For example, start researching moving companies or truck rental options eight weeks before moving. You should finalize these bookings by six weeks, as the best movers often book well in advance, especially during peak moving seasons (typically the summer).

Next, gather your packing supplies. These include boxes in various sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers for labelling. Be mindful of packing fragile items properly to avoid damage. Some people collect boxes from grocery stores or reuse what they have at home, while others may prefer to purchase moving kits from supply stores. Whatever route you choose, aim to have all your supplies ready a month before your move.

Declutter Before You Pack

Packing up an entire home is overwhelming enough, but moving items you don’t need adds unnecessary stress. That’s why you want to declutter! Not only will it reduce the amount of stuff you have to move, but it can also save you time, money, and space.

Begin by sorting your belongings into four categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Be ruthless during this process—if you haven’t used an item in the past year or it doesn’t bring you joy, it’s likely time to let it go. Sentimental items can be challenging, but setting limits will help. Consider donating gently used clothing, furniture, and household items to local charities or selling them through online platforms.

Digital decluttering is equally essential. Take time to back up files, organize digital photos, and shred any old paperwork that’s no longer needed. This decluttering will streamline your move and give you a fresh digital start in your new home.

Decluttering has emotional benefits. Moving to a new place symbolizes a fresh beginning, and getting rid of excess baggage—both physically and mentally—can help you feel lighter and more focused on the exciting opportunities ahead.

Smart Packing Techniques

When it comes to packing, efficiency is key. Rather than throwing things into boxes at random, take the time to pack thoughtfully and systematically. The organization will make your move smoother and simplify the unpacking process at your new home.

Start by organizing your packing room by room. Pack items that belong together in the same boxes and label them clearly. Consider colour-coding your boxes by room—red for the kitchen, blue for the bedroom, green for the bathroom, etc. This way, when you arrive at your new place, you or your movers can quickly identify where each box should go.

For fragile items like glassware, dishware, and electronics, use plenty of bubble wrap and packing paper to protect them during transit. To avoid buying packing materials, use household items like blankets, towels, or old newspapers to cushion breakables.

Use space-saving techniques like vacuum-sealed bags for clothes and linens to maximize space, especially if you’re working with limited moving truck capacity. These bags compress bulky items, allowing you to fit more into each box or suitcase. Pro tip: pack heavier items like books and tools in smaller boxes to prevent them from becoming too heavy to lift.

Remember to pack a separate essentials box. This box should contain everything you’ll need for the first day and night in your new home: toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, chargers, medications, and some basic kitchen supplies (like a coffee maker!). Having these essentials readily available will make your first day more comfortable.

Hire Professional Movers or DIY?

Hiring professional movers or tackling the move yourself is a major decision. Both options have pros and cons. The best choice depends on your budget, the size of your move, and how much help you have.

Hiring professional movers can save you a lot of physical labour and time. Movers have the expertise to safely pack and transport your items, especially for long-distance moves or large households. Many moving companies offer insurance, providing peace of mind if something gets damaged during transit. However, professional movers can be expensive, particularly if you’re moving during peak season.

On the other hand, DIY moving allows for more flexibility and can be significantly cheaper. If you’re moving a short distance, renting a truck and enlisting help from friends or family might be the way to go. Remember that DIY moves require more effort, from loading and unloading heavy furniture to safely securing everything in the truck. Be sure to rent the appropriate size truck and use safety equipment like dollies and straps to protect both your belongings and yourself.

Organizing Utilities and Change of Address

One of the easiest things to overlook during a move is organizing your utilities and changing your address. To avoid interruptions in service, take care of these tasks at least two weeks before moving day.

First, contact your current utility providers (electricity, water, internet, etc.) to schedule a shutoff date for your old home and set up the new one. To account for any delays, extend services by a day or two. Update your address with the post office, banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, and any subscription services.

To prevent important mail from getting lost, temporarily use the post office’s mail forwarding service until all your contacts make the update with your new address.

Moving Day: Stay Calm and Focused

Do a final walk-through of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind. If you’ve hired movers, confirm arrival times and communicate any special instructions, such as fragile items or specific room placements. As they load the truck, keep an inventory to check off at the other end.

If you’re moving with pets or children, make arrangements for them to stay with family or in a secure spot away from the chaos. This planning will make the moving day smoother for everyone involved.

Finally, keep essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a phone charger easily accessible to keep yourself fueled throughout the day.

Settling Into Your New Home

Once you’ve arrived at your new home, it’s tempting to start unpacking everything immediately, but resist the urge to rush. Instead, focus on unpacking essentials and setting up key rooms like the bedroom and kitchen first, allowing you to rest and nourish yourself while settling in.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings and establish a routine. Moving can be emotionally draining, so give yourself grace as you adjust.

Moving doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. With the proper preparation, your move can become an exciting chapter in your life—filled with new opportunities and a fresh start. Don’t know where to start? Reach out to a Benchmark Realtor today!