Did you know that almost 30% of Canadians report that they move every 5 years? That’s a lot of boxes to pack and move! Moving day can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be. There are things you can do ahead of time and on moving day to make your move go smoothly.
Keep reading for 9 moving day tips to reduce your stress level and get your life started on the right foot in your new place.
Wake Up and Pack Up: Moving Day Tips
The key to a successful moving day is to prepare, prepare, prepare. Everything that you do (or don’t do) leading up to moving day is going to impact how smoothly the day goes. Use our 9 moving day tips to make your next move the easiest one yet.
1. Start The Morning Off Right
Wake up early, eat breakfast, and have some coffee if that’s your thing. If you have movers scheduled, you’ll want to be up early and ready to go. Wear comfortable clothes and appropriate shoes. Flip-flops are not the best option for moving boxes and furniture, for example.
As soon as you get up and get showered, throw your sheets and towels in the wash. The last thing you want to do is move dirty laundry (just remember to get them out of the dryer before you leave for good!).
2. Pack As Much As Possible Ahead of Time
Don’t wait until the morning of the move to pack things. Pack everything and anything that you can ahead of time. On moving day, the only things that should be left to pack are the items you’ll use that morning, like your toiletries, a change of clothes, coffee maker and breakfast items, and cleaning supplies.
Trying to pack while you have people moving your things is a recipe for disaster.
3. Think of Kids and Pets
Moving doesn’t mix well with kids and pets. If you have one or both, make arrangements ahead of time for them. If you have younger kids, who will be more of a hindrance than a help on moving day, consider hiring a babysitter who can watch them (preferably somewhere other than your home).
Your movers don’t want to worry about kids being underfoot as they are carrying your heavy furniture. You might want to set up their room first when you get to your new place. Giving them a space that has familiar things will help make the transition easier.
Moving isn’t just stressful for you, either. Your pet doesn’t understand what’s going on, so it’s stressful for them too. Take your pets to a friend or family member’s house. You don’t want to be worrying about them getting loose as people are moving things in and out.
4. Keep Cleaning Supplies Unpacked
You’ll need to clean your old home once it’s cleared out and there’s a good chance you’ll want to clean the new one too. Even if the previous occupants cleaned when they left, it will give you peace of mind if you do some cleaning yourself.
Keep a cleaning kit with paper towels, window and glass cleaner, bathroom cleaners, scrub brushes and sponges, a bucket and mop, and trash bags unpacked. You should also have a broom and dustpan and a vacuum cleaner available.
You’ll be glad you left these items out and don’t have to go hunting for them when it’s time to go!
5. Have A “First Night” Bag Accessible
You might not have a lot of time (or any, for that matter) to unpack once you’re in your new place. Pack yourself a first night bag with your pajamas, toiletries, bedding, pillows, etc. to make it easy for you to find.
After the long day of moving, you’ll be glad to know where your pajamas and toothbrush are and having bedding and pillows available will be a huge relief.
You should also throw a roll or two of toilet paper in this bag. You don’t want to get to your new home with not a roll of TP in sight!
6. Enlist Help
If you don’t hire professional movers, it’s time to call in all the favors that your family and friends owe you. The more people you have to help, the quicker the move will go.
7. Provide Food and Drinks
Make sure to keep your helpers hydrated and don’t let them go hungry! Breakfast items and coffee in the morning and pizza and salads for lunch will be appreciated! If the move stretches into dinner time, consider feeding them dinner as well.
Make sure there is water available all day and maybe even a celebratory bottle of champagne to toast your new digs!
8. Take Pictures
Take pictures of your old place before you move out (especially if it’s a rental property) to document the way that you left it and any damages that may be there. You also will want to document any damages and the condition of your new place if it is a rental.
9. Prepare for Bad Weather
Have rain gear available, tarps to cover your stuff, and towels and mats for the floor in the event of rain or snow. Professional movers will have all of these things, but if you’re organizing your move yourself, you’ll need to take care of all of it.
The Bottom Line
It’s true that moving can be stressful, with moving day bringing on the most stress. However, our moving day tips can help you lessen this stress and pull of your move without a hitch.
Our professional movers can make this process even easier for you. We offer residential moves both locally and long distance. Contact us today to see how we can help make your move a success!
