How to Have a Successful Moving Day

After living in the same place for many years, you feel like you have finally outgrown it. It’s time to move and see what different neighborhoods have to offer! But before you get to that, you have to go through the process of moving, and that’s rarely fun.

Just think about it — you need to choose what to bring with you, pack stuff into moving boxes, hire trucks and movers, settle into a new place… There’s simply too much to think of! Luckily, you don’t have to do it all alone. We’re here to help with a few simple tips that will prepare you for the big day, especially when it is a long-distance move.

1. Start Packing on Time

Packing is, without a doubt, the most time-consuming aspect of moving. After all, you’re supposed to put most of your belongings into different types of moving boxes and sort them so that you know what is what. People tend to underestimate how much this process can last, and that’s usually the source of all stress. Just imagine spending the last few days rushing to pack everything — doesn’t sound fun, does it?

So, when should you start packing to avoid this worst-case scenario? Well, the earlier, the better. We’d recommend you begin around two months before the move, but you can pack your first items even before that. That way, you can take it easy and still have enough time to deal with issues that might arise during this stage.

It will be wise to get rid of any excess junk in the house before you start to pack, as well as donating anything to a charity you feel has value.

2. Hire a Moving Company Early

Have you already settled on the moving date? In that case, it’s time to call a moving company as soon as possible. In fact, it would be best to do so the moment you decide when to move. If not, try to hire movers at least two months before the big day.

The reason for that is simple — the best moving companies have extremely busy schedules. If you try to hire one of them a month before the move, they’ll likely be booked already. So, to ensure you get the movers of your choice, don’t hesitate and call early!

Of course, you might find an excellent moving company even at the last minute. But are they good enough for you? It’s much more likely that you’ll be stuck with movers that are less reputable and not quite as professional. And sure, they will still do the job you want them to, but the whole experience could be more stressful than it needs to be.

Don’t forget if you need to ship a car plan for that early as well.

3. Don’t Pack the Kitchen a Day Before the Move

When packing, you should start from the rooms you use the least. That way, your everyday life won’t change drastically during those two months before the move. You’ll still be able to use your bathroom and kitchen and still have a place to lie down after work. As the day of the move approaches, you’ll slowly pack the essentials as well.

However, we have a word of warning for you — don’t leave the kitchen for the end. It might seem logical to do that, considering you’ll need to use it until the day of the move. But you’re bound to regret not packing it earlier.

And why is it so important not to pack the kitchen last? Well, it’s full of breakable, fragile items that need to be stored properly. That’s by no means easy — in fact, you might find yourself packing for days with no end in sight. So don’t take your chances, and start as early as you can.

You’ll have to find a balance, though. After all, you need to start packing early, but you also need to keep using the kitchen until the last day. Thus, it’s best to start from tableware for special occasions and appliances you use rarely. Then, you can slowly move on to items you use more frequently.

4. Prepare a Moving Day Checklist

Moving day is going to feel and be pretty chaotic no matter what you do. Still, that doesn’t mean you should just do nothing about it. Instead of leaving things to chance, prepare a checklist to serve as a guide throughout the day.

This checklist can be as detailed or as simple as you want. But be sure to include things like “double-check all rooms” or “protect the house, so it doesn’t get damaged during the move.” Once you have your checklist, you’ll have an easier time sorting everything out during the day. On top of that, it will feel good to tick off things that you’ve completed!

There is a lot to do when moving and things can easily fall through the cracks.

5. Have a Moving Day Survival Kit

When the moving day finally comes, most of your belongings will be in boxes around the house. Thus, you certainly won’t be able to go about your day as you always do. Even so, you’ll still want to feel put-together and ready for the exciting day ahead of you.

And the only way to accomplish that is to make a moving day survival kit. This kit should contain a few items that you can’t function without — for instance, toothpaste, a toothbrush, toiletries, a change of clothes, and toilet paper. Make sure to put all these things together in one place and have them at hand at all times. That way, you’ll avoid searching through the boxes whenever you need something.

Also, it might be a good idea to include a sandwich or two in your survival kit. Your kitchen won’t be available, and there’s no telling how long the move can last. So it’s better to have a snack at hand in case you grow hungry.

Last but not least don’t forget about all of the little things you need to do when moving into your new home.

Conclusion For Moving Smoothly

Moving day is always stressful, but it’s not unbearable if you plan it all in advance. Don’t leave things to chance and hope for the best — something could go terribly wrong if you do.

Instead, prepare for the day as much as you can and have a backup plan for every scenario just in case. After all, why would you go into it blind if you can make sure that everything runs smoothly?

Hopefully, you have enjoyed our guidance for moving into a home smoothly.

About the author: The above article on the tips for a successful moving day was written by Nancy Zafrini. Nancy is the general manager of Oz Moving & Storage in NYC. A day-one employee of Oz, she has 25 years of experience in the moving industry. As a New Yorker, Nancy also has lots of experience dealing with small apartments and organizing.