Moving can be one of the most stressful experiences you encounter during your adult life. From finding a new place to call home, to bidding farewell to your current place, to all the logistical details in between, a move can be an extremely overwhelming process. However, one way to alleviate some of the anxiety around moving is to prepare properly. There are several strategies you can utilize to tackle your next big move with ease, including hiring professionals from your local moving company to help you handle the job. If you’re planning to relocate in the near future, read on for some helpful tips and tricks so you can enjoy a smooth move.

1. Plan Ahead

With so many details to work out, moving often takes longer than you anticipate. Even tasks that seem like they will be quick might reveal time-consuming complications once you begin. The process is exhausting enough without adding additional stress from rushing at the last minute. That’s why it’s wise to start taking steps toward your move as soon as possible, such as contacting leasing agencies to schedule apartment tours or visiting potential areas where you can see yourself living months in advance.

2. Hire Your Local Moving Company

Some independent individuals insist on attempting everything themselves. However, your local moving company is ready to help you! There’s no shame in calling for backup. In fact, professional moving companies assist Americans with about 650 thousand moves every year, according to OnCue.

Movers have the experience, knowledge, and equipment necessary to handle your move with ease. Rather than risking injury by improperly lifting heavy objects, wasting time with inefficient strategies, or possibly causing a traffic accident by driving an unfamiliar moving van, let the professionals handle your move. You’ll have plenty of other tasks to take care of during the process, and relying on your local moving company frees up time and energy for you to handle the rest of your checklist.

3. Book Your Services Early

If you have a tight schedule, you’ll want to book your rentals as far out in advance as possible. Some days are more popular than others, such as weekends when people have the free time to devote their day to a major project. Contacting your local moving company ahead of time will ensure that you’re on their calendar and have the date and time that works the best for you secured.

4. Stay Organized

Set yourself up for success in the future by remaining organized while you pack and prepare. It’s always a good idea to pack everything you need for a room together. For example, keep all your kitchen utensils, appliances, and towels together and clearly label them. When you arrive in your new kitchen, you’ll have everything you need to start cooking readily accessible. Taking the time to pack with care will make the process of unpacking so much simpler and help your local moving company know where each box needs to go. You’ll be thankful to your past self for making your life a little easier!

5. Keep Track of Important Documents

There are certain documents that you’ll want to set aside for easy access throughout your moving experience. Passports, marriage certificates, Social Security cards, and other legal documents should all be handled with caution. Save yourself from the nightmare of having to dig through all of your boxes if you realize you need something! Set them aside and designate a specific and secure place to pack them so you never lose track of them.

6. Pack Fragile Items With Care

If you have special or fragile items to transport, they need extra care to ensure they arrive at your destination in one piece. Artwork, ceramics, family heirlooms, and other delicate objects should be packed with extra consideration. It’s also wise to clearly label any containers you pack them in. The movers will know that they should handle those boxes with extra care. Do you need help packing your valuable items? Your local moving company has strategies to make sure your precious belongings stay safe during your move.

7. Get Rid of Clutter

One great way to make packing a breeze is to make sure you aren’t dealing with anything you don’t want! Sifting through your belongings and removing things that are broken, worn out, or don’t fit your style anymore will save you time and space when you pack up your home. Donating items that are still in good condition to local clothing drives or charity stores is also a wonderful way to give back to your community. If you’d like to earn a little extra cash, you might be able to sell some of your books to a used book store, clothing via thrift apps, or bigger electronics to friends. A garage sale is another fantastic idea! You can use any earnings toward moving expenses, killing two birds with one stone.

8. Be Strategic When Grocery Shopping

While it’s important to be properly fueled up with nutritious meals during a physically demanding experience, be smart about how many groceries you purchase leading up to moving day. If your fridge is still full of perishable items, it’ll be difficult to keep them cold during a long move. Frozen items pose even more of a challenge. One helpful guideline is to make your last grocery run two weeks before your moving day. That way you can cut down on buying extra food items that you simply don’t need, giving yourself less to transport and avoiding any food waste.

9. Consider Hiring a Packing Service

In addition to helping you move all of your items, your local moving company can handle your packing, too! You can turn to them for a packing solution that’s speedy, efficient, and will protect all of your belongings. Save yourself hours of stress and labor by turning over this task to the experts. You’ll be amazed at how much easier moving can be!

8. Schedule Utilities for Your New Address

During the moving process, it’s easy to be so focused on your current address that you forget to think ahead. However, your new home needs attention as well! Make sure you contact the appropriate providers so that you’ll have all the utilities you need by moving day. If you’re moving to an apartment, your landlord should be able to provide you with details about which utilities are your responsibility and which companies you need to call. Some companies will have a delay between receiving your request and commencing services, so arrange this as soon as possible. You don’t want to be left in the dark or without water after a long and stressful day of moving!

10. Pack an Overnight Bag for the Big Day

Pack yourself a bag for moving day just like you would for a weekend trip. This will make sure you have access to all of your essentials such as clean clothing, electronics chargers, and toiletries without needing to dig through any of your boxes.

By using these strategies, you can reduce your stress and maybe even look forward to your move. After all, getting a fresh start in a new location is an exciting opportunity! If you need help with your move, be sure to give our team a call at Olympia Moving & Storage. As a licensed and insured local moving company, you can trust us to handle the entire process with incredible efficiency and high-quality customer care. Just reach out to us today to get started with an estimate. We would love to assist you!