Preparing for a Move: Little Things Now Save Big Headaches Later

Preparing for a move can can make for a good, or bad, experience with local movers. A carefully thought-out moving strategy is important. Below are some of the best tips and tricks to help make sure your move is hastle-free.

Create A To-Do List

Moving demands a lot more effort than simply packing up with a Ann Arbor local mover, so create a to-do list to help stay organized.

Some things to consider adding to your to-do list timeline are:

• Updating addresses.
• Notifying companies to shut off the water, gas, electricity, cable, internet.
• Take shots of your gadgets connectors for easier reassembly, especially the wires in the back!
• Rooms that need to be cleaned or renovated.

Research Local Movers

Local movers are a fantastic asset when you’re moving.

Do some research on the top moving companies in Ann Arbor. Be sure to hire them a 4-6 weeks ahead of time to help you stay on top of everything else.

When moving day comes, assign a designated person to work with the local movers to manage the loading and unloading process.

When you’re researching local movers, ask questions like:

• What are their prices
• What kind of services do they offer
• Do they have a insurance or storage facility in case you need additional storage while you get settled
• What’s expected from their local movers

Donate/Sell Stuff

Allocate a box for donating and one to sell. If you haven't worn it in half a year to a year, it's best to give it to someone who needs it or sell it. Use the extra money towards your move, or to refurbish your new place.

Moving Supplies Checklist

Create a moving supplies inventory. It should include items like:

• a range of various sized, sturdy boxes
• packing paper
• bubble wrap
• Sharpie markers
• packing tape

Contact friends and family and check if they can donate some of these to you. Take advantage of laundry baskets, plastic tubs and backpacks you may have around the house, by filling them with random items. Keep in mind, professional relocation services will require all items be packed in moving boxes or totes with a secure lid. They can’t move items in trash bags, unsecured boxes, etc., because these cannot stack inside the truck and/or can tip over.

Pack Decorative Things First

Decorative items like art, tapestries, figurines, and other ornaments are not necessary in your home other than beautifying your surroundings. If they are not vital to your everyday function in your home, pack them away as soon as possible. Packing little by little this way takes a significant amount of stress out of the process.

Categorize

Labeling boxes, especially when you’ll need necessary items right away like grooming items like toothbrushes and deodorant, clothes, and other essentials. When you reach your new town, having each box categorized and labeled helps you and your local movers know where they go.

Pack less

This tip: do not pack all your belongings. Well before your move date, start the process of decluttering. Moving is the perfect time to donate, recycle, and if necessary, get rid of things you don't need. It’s a simple equation: Less stuff equals less stress.

The right box. The right material.

Make sure you pack appropriately. Be sure the size of the container, and the filler material you use, are suitable for the items you pack.

For heavy things, smaller is better; you don’t want a huge box full of books. Fragile items need space in the container for cushioning material. Wrap China pieces separately before they are packed. Take the time to get the right boxes and materials.

If you are unsure about how to pack certain items, take a look at our packing suggestions page.

Label Label Label

First, code by color. It might be as basic as boxes with blue labels go upstairs. The idea is that the mover just needs to see the label to know in which direction to go. Don’t make the color coding too complicated, but do make it useful.

Write bold. You don’t want to have to search for the label. Make it easy to read and put it on multiple sides of the box.

If you abbreviate, make sure they easy to decipher as well. Is “BR” bathroom or bedroom? Better to take the time to spell it out now than waste time trying to decipher it later.

Finally, label your new home. For cozier homes, this may not be a big deal. But, if you have a large number of bedrooms, it’ll be helpful if each was uniquely labeled, with the corresponding location on the box.

Packing for the kids

Getting settled into a new home can be a time-consuming process, especially when with children. Pack a few designated boxes that have the essential items your little ones will want during the initial settling-in period. It may be treasured action figures or dolls, coloring books, or electronic devices. Scouring for these items while trying to get the rest of your belongings sorted and organized is not enjoyable. Make it easy on yourself and keep these boxes handy.

The early essentials

Grown-ups are not that different than kids. There are things we want to have available right away. Prepare a few boxes that will have your necessities to get through the initial week. Fresh clothes, personal hygiene items, books or e-readers, or even video games. These are the boxes that, if you can get no additional items, will get you through the starting week.

Contact Corrigan

Have questions? Get in touch with us to schedule your complimentary, no-commitment, in-home move estimate. Our Ann Arbor move representatives and local movers have the knowledge to guide you through your difficult moving details. Contact us and see why Corrigan has been an industry leader for nearly a century!