May through September is the peak moving season, a time filled with the joys of new beginnings, home decorating and new neighborhood scouting. But with the bliss of a fresh start, also come the headaches and literal pain(s) of moving. There are some things you may not be aware of, and that’s precisely why we’re here. You need to be aware of all the moving elements in this process – no pun intended, so you can plan accordingly, take all the appropriate steps and move the right way. For daily tips, home inspiration and more, join our Facebook community. #1. If you want to help reduce some of those moving costs, consider moving during the off-season (September through May). If you can’t avoid that, try to move during the week rather than the weekend. Weekend moving rates are typically higher. You should also know that July 1 is the busiest moving day of the entire year. Might help knowing that in order to avoid price increases, traffic and so forth. #2. One of the best things you can do for yourself is start packing early. At least 2 weeks early if you can. Start with out-of-season items, followed by the ones you don’t use frequently. You’ll be able to start packing early this way, while still having the things you need, around. #3. Keep on hand the power cords for your phones, laptops, alarm clocks, and other gadgets you’ll need to use right away. #4. Avoid packing birth certificates, school records, job contacts, bank records, current bills, phone lists, maps, moving estimates, etc – in a nutshell: your important paperwork, and rather keep those papers with you. #5. Pack like-items together. For example: don’t pack grandma’s delicate porcelain ballerina in the same box with the metal candle holder pillars. Cushion the fragile items with packing peanuts or shredded paper. #6. Shake your boxes before taping them shut. If there are things sliding around or rattling, you should add more packing materials. You can also save money by using paper plates between the dishes. They not only provide cushion, you can still use them afterwards. #7. If you’re taking apart furniture, tape all the parts (loose screws, etc.) to the main base. #8. If you’re using friends or professional movers to help you move, consider color coordinating. Designate a color for each room in the new home, I.e.: yellow for the bedroom, blue for the living room, green for the kitchen etc. Tape the colored stickers on the boxes belonging to each room and number the boxes as well. Keep an inventory listing the box numbers, the rooms each of them belong to and the color of the sticker. In your new home, put the matching colored sticker on the front door (or main wall in the case of open floor living/dining rooms) of the appropriate room. For more moving tips, here’s a reference list: The Best Moving Checklist. List of Moving Supplies. How to Pack for a Move. How To Pack Clothes When Moving. Tips for Moving on a Tight Budget. How To Find Great Movers. Tips for Moving with Pets. Tips for Moving with Kids. Keep moving forward, US Storage Centers
