The Ultimate Guide to a Smooth Move: Easy Steps for Your Best Move Yet

Moving can be overwhelming and daunting, especially if you do it alone. However, choosing the right moving service and following a few key steps can make a difference in ensuring a smooth and seamless move. 

In this ultimate guide, we'll share some easy steps that will help you plan and execute your move like a pro, with the assistance of a reliable moving company, to make it truly hassle-free. Whether moving locally or internationally, these tips will help you minimize stress, stay organized, and make your move your best. So, let's dive in and learn about the essential steps to help you move smoothly!

How to Move Smoothly? Tips for a Smooth Move

Moving to a new house can be a stressful experience if you don't plan properly. We have all the tools and expertise to ensure your move is smooth from start to finish. We've compiled a list of moving tips to help you with your moving needs. Good luck, and happy relocating!

What to Do First?

First, determine your moving budget. It's important to know your budget to ensure a smooth move. Start by researching all your options. Some moving options include hiring full-service moving movers, renting a truck, and hiring moving day labor. Gather your packing materials and get packing! Start packing as soon as possible.

Move Out of State

1. Look for a licensed and insured moving company.

Double-check credentials before hiring a moving company. All long-distance movers must be licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation and have a U. S. DOT number. Enter the moving company's number into the S. DOT's database to find their history. You won't need to worry about the validity of a company like Movers New Rochelle if you choose them. Our movers are licensed and insured, so you can be sure your move is in good hands.

2. Place all important documents in a safe location.

When moving to a different state, you must provide important documents, such as your social security card, to get a new driver's license or ID. Keep all your important documents in a secure place when you move.

3. Travel arrangements should be made in advance.

Have you decided how to move yourself? It's now time to choose how you will move yourself. If you plan to avoid driving a rental truck to your destination, you must pay for a plane or rent your vehicle. Travel arrangements should be made as early as possible to avoid high prices.

4. Inform your family and friends several months in advance of the move.

You'll want to inform your friends and family about the move several months before it happens (before social media has a chance to spread the news! ).

5. Host a goodbye party.

Hosting a goodbye party is a great way to ensure you get to see your friends and family members before moving. 

Moving Locally

1. In advance, ask friends for help.

If you plan a DIY move, asking for friends and family's help is great. You should be able to find someone willing to help if you ask well in advance. Hiring a movers can help you load and unload your vehicle if necessary.

2. Credentials of local moving companies

Are you looking for full-service movers? Local movers don't have to register with the U.S. DOT. However, they must register with your state's transportation department. The requirements vary from one state to another, so check your state's specifics before hiring a local mover.

3. When renting a truck, consider the size of your vehicle.

Renting a truck that is too small to fit your entire belongings will be the last thing you need. It will mean multiple trips between homes. To avoid this, ensure the truck rental is large enough to accommodate your belongings.

4. Refrigerated food should be placed in coolers.

Your food will stay fresh in transit if you are not traveling far. Instead of throwing away a fridge's worth of food, could you place it in a cool box? You won't need to replenish your fridge when you move into a new house.

5. Tell your family and friends that you have moved.

It's easy to forget that you are moving within the city. Send your loved ones the new address as quickly as you can.

Kitchen Packing

1. Last, pack the kitchen

You'll need to use the utensils and dinnerware before moving out. Wait at least one week before moving to pack up your kitchen.

2. Pack fragile items in plastic wrap.

All fragile kitchen items, from fancy china to simple plates, champagne flutes, and wine glasses, should be wrapped in plastic to protect them when moving.

3. Insert glass divider kits inside boxes.

Use a divider kit when packing stemware, such as wine glasses, barware, and cups. This will help you to protect and separate your items.

4. Keep appliances in the original packaging.

The original appliance boxes will make it much easier to pack large items. These boxes are designed to perfectly fit your appliances and save you money on moving supplies.

5. Donate non-perishables at a food bank.

Donating non-perishables is a great option to avoid taking your food. When you hire a Move for Hunger-affiliated mover, they will pick up your food and deliver it to the local food bank for free.

Downsizing

1. Call your local non-profit to arrange for the pick-up of extra furniture.

Want to get rid of old clothes or bulky furniture? Call your local Salvation Army or Goodwill for a free pick-up.

2. Measure the current furniture.

Ensure that the items you bring will fit into your new home. Measure your furniture to decide what you want to keep and what you can throw out.

3. You can use a floor plan to determine the placement of furniture.

Get a scaled-down blueprint of your new home's layout. Planning furniture and décor placement in your new home will be easier.

4. Garage sales are a great way to raise money.

Garage sales are a great way to remove unwanted items and make a few dollars before moving.

5. Rent a self-storage unit.

Downsizing usually involves purging your possessions. Renting a storage unit is a good option if you still decide whether to throw away your belongings. These units can be used for short-term storage or long-term storage.

Apartment Moving

1. Get a parking permit to park at the moving company.

Are you moving into or out of a building? Your moving company may require a permit to park on the street. Let your manager know if the building has designated parking for movers.

2. Early start

It's best to start moving early in the morning if your apartment is in a busy area. You will be able to beat the heat and traffic of the day.

4. Reserving elevators for moving companies

You may need to reserve an elevator in advance if you live in a tall building. Your movers will have a dedicated elevator for the duration of the move. Inform your moving company of the parking situation.

Remember to inform your movers of the parking location and any other details you may need.

5. List all the essentials for your apartment.

It can be a daunting experience to move into your first apartment.

Move on a Budget

1. Purge your belongings

If you move less, you'll save money and have less to unpack at your new house. Toss everything that you will not need in your new house.

2. Get free boxes and supplies.

Start collecting as many free boxes and moving supplies as possible to reduce your moving costs. Free boxes can be found at local big-box retailers and online marketplaces. You can also find free moving boxes at local liquor stores and bookshops.

3. The best moving date is a good one.

Avoid moving during the peak moving season, which is summer. The high demand for moving services makes these months and weekends the most expensive.

4. Check to see if the company is paying for your move.

Are you moving for your job? Ask your employer if they'll pay for a part of (or the entire) relocation. Keep receipts from all moving services to prove your expenses and receive reimbursement promptly.

5. Use moving discounts

Pay less for moving services. Take advantage of the discounts and buy boxes and supplies. Members of the AAA and military should also be able to find discounts on moving services, moving containers, and truck rentals.

Move with Children

1. Hire a babysitter

Try hiring someone to watch your child during the day. It doesn't matter if a paid or family member watches the child; you will find that your day is much more enjoyable.

2. Children will learn about moving by reading books.

Children can find moving difficult. Children's books on moving can help them feel more at ease. Some good books are The Berenstain Bears' Moving Day and Tigger's Moving Day. I Mean It! Moving on.

3. Bring a bag of essentials.

When moving, it is important to bring a bag of essentials for your child. Pack all the necessities, such as diapers and pajamas, as well as snacks, formula, wipes, and other items. Also, include fun things to keep your child occupied (think toys, books, or iPads).

4. Pack ‘n Play

You'll need something to keep your child contained during the chaos if you plan to hire something other than childcare. A pack ‘n' play will keep your child safe and allow you to focus on the logistics of moving.

5. First, unpack the bedroom of your child.

Maintaining the same bedtime routine for your children when moving is crucial. Unpacking their bedroom will make the transition easier. It will also make it easier for them to adjust quickly to their new room.

Moving Day

1. Cash is always handy for tipping.

Be sure to keep cash handy if you plan to tip your mover. Tipping is not required, but it is a nice gesture to say thank you for the job done by your mover.

2. Place all keys into an envelope.

Place all keys in an envelope and give it to the new owner or landlord on a moving day.

3. Bring water bottles in a cooler with you.

It is exhausting to move! Pack plenty of water in a cooler the morning before to avoid dehydration.

4. Look in your cupboards, appliances, and pantries.

Before departing, sweep your home last to avoid leaving anything behind. Remember to pay attention to places that are easy for you not to remember, like refrigerators, pantries, cabinets, and closets.

5. Find the driver's number.

When hiring a moving service, ensure you have their phone number. Tracking your belongings during the move will be easier if you have the driver's phone number.

Packing

1. Pack heavy, pack light.

Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter ones in larger ones.

2. Packing plates and records

Instead of stacking and placing plates and albums flat, they should be placed vertically in boxes.

3. Protect your memories

You don't need to regret it later. If you take framed pictures or artwork, put sheets or blankets between them. This will provide extra protection.

4. Light bulbs can be unscrewed.

Remove bulbs before packing your lamps.

5. Plants are living things. Take care of them.

Avoid placing foliage against windows when moving plants from one place to another.

Conclusion

Moving to a new place can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. By following the steps in this ultimate guide, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free move. From decluttering your belongings to creating a packing plan, these easy steps will help you stay organized and focused during the moving process.

Now, it's time to take action. Be sure to start planning your move before the last minute. Use this guide as a resource to help you get started today. You can make your next move your best by taking the necessary steps and staying organized. So, let's get started!