Moving Preparation Guide

Written By Michael Marques

Moving can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation, it can become a smooth and efficient process. At On The Mark Moving, we’ve compiled an expansive guide to help you prepare for your move, ensuring everything is packed, organized, and ready to go on moving day. Following these steps will help you minimize stress, minimize the amount of time it takes to move, and make the transition to your new home as seamless as possible.

1. Start Early and Create a Moving Checklist

Importance: Moving is a complex process with many moving parts. Starting early and having a checklist helps you stay organized, reduces last-minute stress, and ensures that nothing is overlooked.

Steps:

  • Two Months Before the Move: Begin by sorting through your belongings and deciding what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Start gathering packing supplies.

  • One Month Before the Move: Notify relevant parties of your change of address, including utilities, banks, and subscription services. Schedule your moving date with On The Mark Moving.

  • Two Weeks Before the Move: Begin packing non-essential items, such as off-season clothing and decorations. Confirm all logistics with our moving company.

  • One Week Before the Move: Pack the majority of your items, leaving only essentials for the final days. Make arrangements for pets and children on moving day.

  • Moving Day: Ensure everything is packed and ready to go before the movers arrive. Do a final walk-through to check for any forgotten items.

2. Declutter and Organize Your Belongings

Importance: Moving unnecessary items can increase the cost and time of your move. Decluttering allows you to start fresh in your new home and can even earn you some extra cash.

Steps:

  • Sort by Category: Go through your belongings room by room. Divide them into categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard.

  • Sell or Donate: Consider holding a garage sale or selling items online. Donate gently used items to local charities.

  • Dispose of Unwanted Items: Safely dispose of items that are broken, expired, or no longer needed.

3. Pack Efficiently: The Importance of Boxes and Bags

Importance: Having all your items in boxes or bags is crucial for a smooth and efficient move. Loose items can cause delays, increase the risk of damage, and make unpacking more difficult.

Steps:

  • Use Sturdy Boxes: Invest in quality moving boxes that can withstand the weight of your items. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in.

  • Pack Smart: Place heavier items at the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top. Fill any gaps with packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent items from shifting.

  • Use Bags for Soft Items: Large, durable bags are perfect for packing soft items like clothing, bedding, and pillows. Seal bags tightly to protect against dust and dirt.

  • Avoid Overpacking: Don’t overfill boxes or bags to the point where they are difficult to carry. Distribute weight evenly to make handling easier.

  • Secure Fragile Items: Wrap fragile items individually in bubble wrap or packing paper. Use small boxes for these items to minimize movement during transit.

  • Keep Essentials Separate: Pack a separate bag with essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and any necessary medications for the first few days in your new home.

4. Label Everything Clearly

Importance: Clear labeling helps movers place boxes in the correct rooms and makes unpacking easier for you.

Steps:

  • Label Each Box: Write the contents and the room destination on each box. For example, “Kitchen - Pots and Pans.”

  • Use Color-Coding: Consider using colored labels or markers to designate different rooms. For example, blue for the kitchen, red for the bedroom.

  • Mark Fragile Items: Clearly mark boxes containing fragile items so they are handled with extra care.

5. Disassemble Furniture and Prepare Appliances

Importance: Disassembling large furniture and preparing appliances ahead of time can save time on moving day.

Steps:

  • Disassemble Furniture: Take apart any large furniture, such as beds, tables, and shelving units. Keep screws and small parts in labeled bags and tape them to the corresponding piece of furniture.

  • Prepare Appliances: Empty, clean, and disconnect your appliances, such as the refrigerator, washing machine, and dishwasher. Secure any loose parts and cords.

6. Move Boxes and Bags To Your Entrance

Importance: Our movers will typically pack your boxes and bags on the truck first, moving these items to your entrance will reduce the total time of your move

7. Plan for Moving Day

Importance: A well-planned moving day ensures everything goes smoothly, and you can settle into your new home quickly.

Steps:

  • Confirm Logistics: Confirm the moving date, time, and any specific requirements with our moving company. Ensure that building access, elevator reservations, and parking arrangements are in place.

  • Protect Your Home: Lay down protective coverings to prevent damage to floors and walls. Keep walkways clear for easy access.

  • Be Available: Be present on moving day to answer any questions and oversee the process. Do a final walk-through with our crew to ensure nothing is left behind.

Michael Marques