Moving day is approaching, and I know how stressful it can be! The boxes, the logistics, and making sure everything goes as planned—it can all feel a bit overwhelming. Whether you’re moving across town or just down the street, having a game plan makes a world of difference. Trust me, I’ve been there, and I’ve learned that preparation is key.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through everything you need to do to ensure your move is as smooth as possible. From packing tips to hiring movers for a small job, I’ve got you covered!
Why Preparation Is Crucial for a Successful Move
Moving can be chaotic. But with a bit of prep work, you can reduce the stress and keep things running smoothly. Getting organized ahead of time not only makes the process easier for you but also helps the movers. Whether you’re using movers for small job or handling the entire move yourself, having everything ready is a huge plus.
Now, let’s dive into some helpful tips that’ll guide you through the preparation process.
1. Start with a Moving Checklist
Before you do anything else, make a moving checklist. This will be your roadmap to a smooth moving day. Here’s what mine usually includes:
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Eight weeks before the move:
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Book your movers (if you’re using professionals). I’ve found movers in Jersey City, NJ, to be great if you’re looking for reliable service in that area.
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Begin decluttering your home.
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Six weeks before the move:
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Gather packing materials.
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Start packing non-essential items.
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Four weeks before the move:
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Notify utility companies, change your address with the post office.
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Two weeks before the move:
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Pack essentials and label boxes.
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Confirm your moving date with the movers.
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2. Declutter and Downsize Before Packing
Before you start packing, take time to declutter your home. I can’t stress this enough—it’ll make moving day so much easier. You don’t want to pack things you don’t need, especially if you’re paying movers by the hour.
Ask Yourself:
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When was the last time I used this?
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Do I need this in my new place?
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Can it be donated or sold?
I recommend starting with one room at a time, sorting items into categories like “keep,” “donate,” and “trash.” Once you’ve done that, you’ll have a clearer sense of how much you really need to move.
3. Gather Your Packing Supplies
There’s nothing worse than running out of boxes halfway through packing. Make sure you have everything you need before you get started. Here’s a checklist of packing supplies I always keep on hand:
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Boxes: Make sure you have various sizes.
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Packing tape: Get strong tape—don’t skimp here!
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Markers: Label your boxes so you know where everything is going.
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Bubble wrap and packing paper: For fragile items.
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Furniture blankets and moving pads: Essential for protecting large furniture.
4. Start Packing Early and Pack Smart
The sooner you start packing, the better! I recommend packing the things you don’t use often first—think seasonal items, books, and extra linens. This will free up time for those last-minute things that need to be packed right before the move.
Packing Tips:
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Pack room by room: This keeps everything organized.
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Label boxes: Be specific about what’s inside and where it should go.
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Use smaller boxes for heavier items: Trust me, your movers will thank you.
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Pack an essentials box: This should include things like toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and chargers—anything you’ll need immediately after you move.
5. Consider Hiring Movers for a Small Job
If you’re like me, you might be considering whether to hire professionals or tackle the move yourself. Here’s where movers for a small job come in handy. If you only have a few large items or you’re moving out of a small apartment, hiring movers specifically for a small move can save you time and effort.
I’ve found that using movers in Jersey City, NJ, for a smaller job was a lifesaver during one of my recent moves. They handle everything from packing up your delicate items to hauling those bulky pieces of furniture, all while keeping it efficient.
Advantages of Hiring Movers:
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Saves time: You can focus on other aspects of the move while the pros handle the heavy lifting.
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Reduces stress: No need to worry about finding friends to help or renting a truck.
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Expertise: Movers know how to pack, load, and transport your items safely.
6. Notify Important Parties
About a month before the move, make sure you notify all necessary parties about your change of address. This includes:
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Utility companies (gas, electric, water, etc.)
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Internet and cable providers
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Your bank
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Insurance providers
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Subscription services (magazines, food delivery, etc.)
And don’t forget to file a change of address with the post office!
7. Disassemble Large Furniture
This is one step that a lot of people forget about! If you have large furniture like bed frames, tables, or bookshelves, disassemble them before moving day. I always keep a small tool kit handy during a move so I can easily take apart any furniture that needs to be transported.
Make sure to keep all screws, bolts, and small parts in a labeled bag, so you don’t lose them during the move.
8. Protect Your Home During the Move
On moving day, it’s important to protect both your old and new homes from damage. I’ve learned this the hard way after seeing scratched floors and dinged doorways. To avoid this:
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Lay down protective coverings on the floors.
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Use door jamb protectors.
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Wrap furniture in blankets to prevent damage.
These small precautions can save you from costly repairs later!
9. Keep Valuables and Important Documents Separate
It’s a good idea to pack your valuables and important documents separately from the rest of your belongings. Things like jewelry, passports, and legal papers should be kept in a safe place that you’ll transport yourself. I always make sure to keep these items with me, just for peace of mind.
10. Have a Plan for Kids and Pets
Moving day can be chaotic, especially if you have kids or pets. I recommend making a plan ahead of time to keep them out of the way. Whether it’s arranging for a babysitter or setting up a safe room for your pets, keeping them occupied will make the day go much smoother.
11. Final Walkthrough Before Leaving
Before you lock the door for the last time, do a final walkthrough of your old home. Check every room, closet, and drawer to make sure nothing is left behind. I always keep a checklist of everything I want to double-check, so nothing gets forgotten in the chaos of moving day.
12. Unpack Strategically in Your New Home
Once you’ve arrived at your new place, resist the temptation to unpack everything at once. Instead, start with the essentials and work your way through room by room. I usually begin with the kitchen and bedrooms so that I can start settling in right away.
Final Thoughts
Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you take the time to plan and prepare. By following these steps and staying organized, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and stress-free moving day. And don’t forget, if you need a little extra help, hiring movers for a small job is a great option, especially if you’re in Jersey City, NJ or the surrounding areas.
If you’re gearing up for a move and feeling the stress, why not make things easier on yourself? Consider hiring professional movers who specialize in smaller jobs—they’ll take the hassle out of moving day, so you can focus on settling into your new home. Contact Affordable Moving & Storage today and start your journey to a smoother move!
