6 National Moving Tips That Will Make Any Move a Breeze

Did you know that moving is rated in the top five most stressful life events, right under the death of a loved one and divorce?

Not only is the disruption of our routine difficult to deal with, it’s also expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to transport all of your belongings.

So how do you stay sane during national moving? It’s all about planning ahead.

In this article, we’re breaking down our top six national moving tips that can save you money, time, and emotional strain. Read on to find out how to make your move a breeze.

Tip #1: Pick Your Moving Company ASAP

It can be daunting to find a great national moving company, but procrastinating won’t make the decision any easier. As soon as you know your moving date, start shopping for movers.

By shopping around and comparing quotes from different moving companies in your area, you can often save hundreds of dollars. By doing your research, you can avoid a moving day headache, or worse, a scam.

Getting recommendations and browsing testimonials from previous customers can help you get a feel for the quality of work the movers do.

Once you have a few companies in mind, check with them to make sure they offer the services you need, and at what price. For example, not all moving companies that service your origin will service your destination, or they’ll charge large fees for the extra mileage.

Most moving companies offer a free estimate. This can help you get a better handle on what your move will cost. The legal requirements of national moving estimates vary by region, but if possible, you should definitely get the estimate in writing and signed.

Having signed estimates not only will help you keep the comparisons straight, it could protect you from an argument about price down the line.

Tip #2: Pack Right

You can save time, money, and stress by approaching your packing process in an organized fashion.

One of the best ways to save money on your move is by doing some of the packing yourself. Each packed box means less time that you have to pay movers for. Plus, going through your belongings before a move can help you determine if there are things you’re ready to part with that you can donate or sell, rather than lug to your new place.

When packing, be sure to get proper moving materials like boxes, tape, and packing paper. Keep each box light enough that you can lift it and be sure to pack heavy on the bottom, light on the top.

We recommend packing by room so that the unpacking process is easier to tackle. Label each box on multiple sides so that you can find that thing you totally didn’t mean to pack yet with ease.

Tip #3 The Weekend Bag

Speaking of things you didn’t mean to pack, make your move easier by packing a “weekend bag” full of everything you’ll need to survive a few days in transition.

This should include clothing, all of your necessary toiletries, and a towel to shower with. Plus, you’ll want phone and computer chargers, and anything else you might need like sunglasses, important documents, or a first aid kit.

Tip #4 Change Your Address Ahead of Time

One of the stressful aspects of moving is changing your address. As soon as you secure your new address, we recommend transferring everything over right away.

Here are some of the main people and organizations that need your up to date address:

• Employer
• Utilities
• Ministry of Transportation
• Bank
• Credit Card(s)
• Loan(s)
• Subscription Services
• Medical Services
• Government Agencies
• Insurance Providers

Not all of these offer the option but choose paperless mailings when you can to make the process simpler for this move and future moves. Plus, you’ll be saving trees!

Tip #5 Eat Up!

Unless you’re moving to the house next door, you’ll have a hard time saving your food. Keep this in mind as you plan for your move.

Most people grocery shop about every two weeks, so be sure that the last trip is a limited one. Work through your perishable products so that they won’t go to waste and eat up or donate any unopened food products to a homeless shelter on your way out of town.

If you’re moving your refrigerator, remember to defrost it at least a day in advance.

Tip #6 Consider a Storage Solution

If you’re downsizing, a self-storage unit can be a big stress saver for your national moving.

Pick a storage unit nearby your new home so that you can get to it easily once you’re settled.

Getting a storage unit can buy you some extra time to go through the things you’re not sure will fit in your new home or you’re just not ready to get rid of. Once you’re all moved in and can see your new place with your belongings inside, the decision will be easier to make.

A storage unit also comes in handy if you’re doing renovations in your new place.

Say you’re re-doing the kitchen. Have the movers put all of your neatly labeled kitchen boxes in the storage unit so that they won’t be in the way while the project is being completed.

Now Put These National Moving Tips to Good Use!

We hope you found this article helpful. With a little planning ahead, your move will be a whole lot less stressful.

To ensure a fair, competitive price and a low-stress move, contact us at Alero Moving Moving today. We serve Toronto, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, Edmonton and the surrounding areas, and can handle all of your moving and storage needs.