Preparing for a Move: Little Things Now Save Big Headaches Later

Getting ready for a move can make or break your experience with local movers. A thorough moving strategy is the key. Below we share some of the best tips to help your move go smoothly.

Create A To-Do List

Moving demands a lot more effort than merely packing up with a Farmington Hills local mover, so develop a list to help manage your time effectively.

Some things to potentially add to your moving checklist timeline are:

• Updating your mailing address.
• Calling companies to shut off the utilities.
• Take shots of your electronics connectors for easier putting back together, especially the wires in the back!
• Rooms that need to be tidied up or renovated.

Research Local Movers

Local movers are a great asset when you are moving.

Do some research on the top moving companies in Farmington Hills. Be sure to book them a a few weeks ahead of time to help you stay on top of everything else.

When moving day comes, assign a designated person to work with the local movers to determine where the boxes should go.

When you are researching local movers, ask questions such as:

• What are their prices
• What kind of services do they offer
• Do they have a valuation or warehouse in case you need additional storage while you’re getting settled
• What’s expected from their local movers

Donate/Sell Stuff

Designate a box for donating and a separate bag to sell items. If you haven't touched it in six months to a year, it's best to let it go or consider selling it. Use the extra money towards your relocation, or to save for updating your place.

Moving Supplies Checklist

Create a moving supplies list. It should include items like:

• a range of various sized, sturdy boxes
• packing paper
• bubble wrap
• sharpies
• packing tape

Contact friends and family and see if they can donate these to you. Make use of laundry baskets, bins and backpacks you may have around the house, by filling them with random items. Keep in mind, professional relocation services will require all items be packed in cardboard boxes or plastic totes with a tight-fitting lid. They can’t move items in garbage bags, unsealed boxes, etc., because these cannot be stacked inside the truck and/or can tip over.

Pack Decorative Things First

Artistic displays like paintings, wall hangings, statues, and other display items don’t serve much purpose in your home other than enhancing your space. If they are not essential to your everyday function in your home, pack them away as soon as possible. Gradually packing this way takes a lot of stress out of the process.

Categorize

Labeling boxes, especially if you’ll need necessary items right away like grooming items like toothbrushes and deodorant, clothes, and important supplies. When you arrive at your new home, having each box categorized and labeled helps you and your local movers know where they belong.

Pack less

Here's a helpful tip: don't pack everything. Well before your move date, start sorting through your things. Moving is the perfect opportunity to contribute, recycle, and if necessary, get rid of unwanted items. It’s a simple equation: Less stuff equals less stress.

The right box. The right material.

Make sure you pack appropriately. Be sure the dimensions of the box, and the packing material you use, are appropriate for the items you pack.

For heavy things, tighter is better; you don’t want a large box full of books. Delicate items need space in the box for cushioning material. Wrap China pieces individually before they are packed. Make sure to get the right boxes and materials.

If you are uncertain about how to pack certain items, take a look at our packing tips page.

Label Label Label

First, use colors. It may be as easy as boxes with blue labels go to the living room. The idea is that the mover simply needs to see the color to know where to go. Do not make the color coding too complicated, but do make it helpful.

Write BIG. You don’t want to have to waste time looking for the label. Make it obvious and put it on more than one side of the box.

If you abbreviate, make sure they are obvious as well. Is “BR” bathroom or bedroom? Better to take the time to write it in full now than waste time trying to remember it later.

Finally, label your new apartment. For cozier homes, this may not be a big deal. But, if you have a large number of bedrooms, it will be helpful if each was uniquely labeled, with the corresponding location on the box.

Packing for the kids

Getting settled into a new home can take a long time, especially with children. Prepare a few special boxes that have the must-have items your little ones will want during the first couple of days. It may be favorite toys, art supplies, or video games. Searching for these items while trying to get the rest of your belongings sorted and organized is not a pleasant experience. Take it easy and keep these boxes within reach.

The early essentials

Grown-ups aren’t much different than kids. There are things we want to have available immediately. Pack a few boxes that will have your necessities to get through the starting week. Clothes, toiletries, things to read, or even card games. These are the boxes that, if you can get no additional items, will get you through the first week.

Contact Corrigan

Have questions? Reach out to us to schedule your free, no obligation, virtual move estimate. Our Farmington Hills move representatives and local movers have the expertise to guide you through your most complex moving details. Reach out and see why Corrigan has been an industry leader for nearly a century!