The average American moves 12 times in their life. So why are we so bad at it? Moving furniture can be arduous, but sometimes it’s the little things that can fall through the cracks. Grandma’s broken china, lost items, boxes sitting in corners months after the move — it happens to the best of us. Here are some tips on how to make the painful act of moving a little less stressful.
- Rule 1: Don’t leave breakables breakable. When moving short distances, it’s easy to think that not every plate or lamp needs to be perfectly packed. Foregoing attention to dishware is inviting disaster. Dishes should be packed on their ends, not flat. A coffee machine should not be packed with the pot still in it. Bubble wrap is suggested for most highly breakable objects (like mirrors) and newspaper must be wrapped on all dishware. This way, paying a little extra attention might save a whole lot of money.
- Rule 2: Rushing. While juggling everything else in life it’s easy to put off the burdensome task of moving. In that case, it’s recommended to hire experienced movers to help with the task of moving furniture. A local, commercial mover can not only help with the heavy lifting but ensure a timely and professional transition. By focusing on packing alone, it’s easier to get the job done and not procrastinate on moving day. In addition, trying to recruit friends last minute when moving furniture may end up putting a strain on not only relationships, but furniture as well.
- Rule 3: Take some time to clean out junk. Moving is the perfect opportunity to get rid of any unnecessary items. Before packing any item, think about its purpose and if it’s really needed or if it’s just being stored. Fewer items also equals less work unpacking or moving furniture. It’s a win/win and a great way to make a fresh start.
- Rule 4: Pack with forethought. Keep all items that are in one room in the same boxes and make an overnight box that can be easily opened for all immediate essentials. If moving after a divorce or separation, carefully tag all boxes and items for who they belong to. That way, when moving furniture, movers don’t have to ask, and decisions don’t have to be made on the spot.
Moving is never fun, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. For your next move, take some time to apply these four tips to ensure a move in the right direction and a great beginning to a new chapter.
