Useful Tips to Make Moving House Simple and Easier

Useful Tips to Make Moving House Simple
and Easier
By: Mark Williams
(University of Adelaide)
Abstract
Moving days are never easy. After all, no one looks forward to lifting heavy
boxes in and out of trucks, up and down stairs. However, moving day doesn’t
have to be completely chaotic, either. All it takes is a little planning and
forethought to make the day run smoothly.
With that in mind, we decided to go straight to the source. We asked pro
movers to share their best advice on how to accomplish a painless move.
Incorporate some of these moving tips into your packing plan to help this
would-be-stressful process go off without a hitch.

1.0 Introduction
When looking for the best place to live, whether you're retiring, going to
school or looking for a fresh start, it's a good idea to consider everything that
makes up your home and community, and that goes into creating that ideal
place—just for you and your family.
As we all know, moving is one of the most stressful tasks you can ever
undertake; however, as much as it's difficult for adults, it's even harder for the
younger members of the family. Telling them that they need to say goodbye to
their friends and school and all things familiar is hard.
Here are some tips to make moving into your new home as stress-free as
possible for everyone in your family.
2.0 How to Get Ready for Your Next Big Move
If you are planning a real big move, these tips might come in very handy!
Clean house. The first rule of moving is to get rid of unnecessary clutter
before you go. That way, you won't have to find a place for those rarely-used
items when you get to your new home. Host a garage sale or donate goods to a
local charity.
Get organized. Two months before your move, keep track of all your mail and
make a list of people, subscriptions, and organizations that should be notified
of your changing address. Don't forget about your bank, your broker or
investment companies, your insurance agent, your doctor, and your vet. Just
before your move, contact the postal service for a change of address form.
Cancel and re-order. Make another list that includes all the contact
information for your utility service providers (telephone, gas, electric, water,
cable, and Internet access). To save even more time, you can transfer your
utilities online. Remember to contact your pest control, lawn care, window

cleaning and other services to let them know about your move. Proper
planning insures that you won't be paying for services you're not using!
Be "Mover Friendly". If you're using a professional moving company, make
yourself available to answer questions on both ends of the move - loading and
unloading. Review the home inventory paperwork and make sure the driver
has your contact information and details of your delivery.
Be safe. Whether you're hiring professionals or moving yourself, remove all
rugs, low hanging items, and tripping hazards. Keep walkways clear at all
times. Arrange for someone to take care of your children and pets while
everything is being packed and loaded onto the moving truck.
Know what you're packing. Label boxes in detail, including contents and the
room in which they belong. This will save time and questions for you and your
movers.
Pack an "essentials box". When you arrive at your new residence, your
essentials box will be first thing you unpack. In it, you'll want to include items
like:
• Alarm clock
• Aspirin or pain reliever
• Basic cleaning supplies and paper towels
• Bedding and linens
• Box cutter or knife
• Change of clothes
• Coffee maker or instant coffee and tea
• Disposable plates, cups, and eating utensils
• Extension cords and batteries
• First-aid kit
• Flashlights
• Garbage bags
• Light bulbs
• Map of new area
• Medications and eyeglasses

• Pet supplies
• Phone book for new area
• Plastic trash bags
• Scissors
• Screwdriver and hammer
• Shower curtain and towels
• Snacks
• Tape and dispenser
• Toilet paper
• Toiletries (soap, shampoo, razors, etc.)
• Toys and games for the kids
• Work gloves
Know what not to pack. Charcoal lighter fluid, pesticides and paint thinner
are a few of the items that professional moving companies won't touch. Make
arrangements to transport these items or leave them with a neighbor.
Valuables such as cash, jewelry and important documents should stay with
you or be shipped via trackable shipping service.
Check and double check. Before the moving van leaves, make sure
everything is loaded or unloaded - on both ends of your move. Check the attic,
basement, closets, and garage for things you may have forgotten. If something
is damaged during the move, notify your moving company immediately and
take photographs of the damaged item. Review your home inventory before
the moving company leaves.
Keep smiling! Moving can be manageable, with the right attitude and
thoughtful preparation. It will all be over soon - and you'll have days, weeks or
even months to unpack at your leisure. Throw yourself a housewarming party
and meet your new neighbors.

3.0 Things To Do Before You Move Into A New
House
Here's a list of tasks that needed doing. It'd be great to hear from you what
your list of tasks would be.
1. Change the locks on the exterior doors. As soon as the closing is over and
you've gotten the keys to your house, either buy and install new lock sets or
have a locksmith come to the house to switch them out. Let's face it, the
previous owners, Realtors, maintenance folks and who knows who else are all
likely to have keys to your place. For some peace of mind and as a necessary
step in making this house yours, get new locks installed immediately.
2. Get the house cleaned up. While many folks will leave the house clean for
you, some won't. Even if they do, you'll want to clean everything for yourself.
You can hire a service to do this, something I heartily recommend if time is
tight, or you can do it yourself. If you do it yourself, set up an area with all of
the supplies and tools you'll need to get the job done: buckets, brooms, mops,
a vacuum, cleaners for each type of surface etc. Washing down cabinets,
counters and plumbing fixtures and cleaning the carpeting etc. will make you

feel good about the house. And don't forget a healthy supply of rubber gloves.
No sense ruining that manicure!
3. Paint all the walls and ceilings. This can be really time consuming, so
you'll probably want to hire professionals if you can. There's no point in just
slapping up a coat of paint if the walls and ceilings are damaged — if they have
cracks, holes and other defects. Prepping these surfaces can be a real chore. So
unless you have a relative or two who can help, save yourself a lot of time and
just hire someone.Also, if you're short on time and the house is in dire straits
and every surface needs painting, consider one neutral color for every room.
This will just make it easier and limit the number of decisions you'll have to
make now. You can always go back and repaint rooms the colors you want as
time permits.
4. Get some closet organizers. Many older houses suffer from closets that
have a simple pole and shelf (if that). Look at where you'll store what and get
the closets outfitted to accommodate everything, to make moving in less
stressful and your life in the new house more enjoyable.
And don't just look at the closets. Think about where you'll put everything,
from winter boots to laundry detergent. A well-placed extra shelf, coat hook
etc. will go a long way toward making the house that much easier to live in.

5. Install new switch plates and other devices. Many older houses,
especially those that have undergone a series of renovations, will have
mismatched outlets, dirty and discolored cover plates, and rusted or damaged
air vent covers. I find that replacing all of these so that there's a uniformity
and newness to them makes a home feel newer and, understandably, cleaner.
While switching out a cover plate takes nothing more than a small
screwdriver, bear in mind that replacing electrical devices isn't necessarily a
good DIY project unless you're really comfortable working with electricity.
6. Have the mechanical equipment cleaned and serviced. Do this as soon
as you buy the house. Getting the heating and cooling systems cleaned and
other routine tasks done is important — as is getting a service contract so if
the system stops working in the depths of winter, you'll not have to overpay to
get a technician to come to your home.We've always had good luck asking our
new neighbors which company they have found to be reputable and attentive
for this work. It's also a great way to meet the neighbors.

7. Install window treatments. Whether you have these custom made or you
go for some inexpensive and temporary shades, you'll want to get some
something on your windows — both for privacy and that finishing touch.
There will be time later, as you live in the house and get to know it better, to
choose a more personalized option.

4.0 Plan a (Relatively) Stressless House Move
Whether your last move was across the country or across the street, it
probably ended with two words: “Never again!” But you don’t always have the
luxury of staying in the same place forever. Sooner or later, you find yourself
surrounded by cardboard boxes and packing tape again. Don’t despair.
Here, you’ll learn how to hire a mover (or move yourself), pack your
belongings properly, and do it all with relative ease. Take this advice―and
maybe the two words that end your next move will be, simply, “I’m home.”
Choosing a Mover
Of course, there is more than one way to move. Depending on the size of your
home, the distance of the move, your budget, and the amount of time you have
to get yourself situated, you might choose to rent a truck and move yourself,
hire a mover to do the job, or use a “you pack; we drive” service. Here’s the
lowdown on each option.
Do it yourself. Are you comfortable driving a big truck on busy highways and
narrow streets? Do you live in a fairly small home and have a few strong, very
good friends you can recruit to help you? If so, moving yourself might be a
good option, and an economical one, since you’re not paying a mover to load,
drive, and unload your stuff. It’s also the option that gives you the most
control.
Just be aware of hidden costs, such as insurance for the rental truck (your
auto policy probably doesn’t cover this, and neither will the credit card you
rent the truck with), gas, and the rental or purchase of special equipment
you’ll need, like dollies and quilted furniture covers.
You pack and load; they drive. Several nationwide companies, such as ABF
U-Pack Moving and Broadway Express, offer what they call self-move service.
ABF U-Pack will move you only if you’re going out of state and more than 500
miles. Broadway Express will move you any distance, but shorter moves are
relatively expensive because certain minimum charges apply. Both services
deliver a trailer or a van to your house, where you load it. They then provide a
professional driver, who takes your things to your new home, where you
unload them.

This option saves you the hassle of driving a truck, and it is less expensive
than using a full-service mover. You share the space on the truck with other
customers (if you don’t need it all) and pay for only the space you use. Both
companies have calculators on their websites to estimate the costs (see Web
Resources on next page). You can get an initial quote by phone, fax, or e-mail,
but be aware that actual charges will be higher if you exceed your estimated
load.
Hiring a full-service mover. If you can’t afford to spend a lot of time getting
from here to there, you’re moving a long distance, or you have a lot of stuff,
this is your best bet. Good professional movers have the experience and
equipment to move you quickly while avoiding damage to your property. “The
first thing we do is protect the property by putting down floor runners,
covering railings and doors, and putting down floorboard if we’re moving
heavy appliances,” explains Jon Hollander, an owner of Hollander Storage &
Moving Company, based outside of Chicago. Many movers will even pack
everything for you ― a convenience that can be worth the additional cost (20
to 30 percent of the price of your move), especially if you have limited time.
There are bad moving companies. Of the more than 1,100 industries that the
Better Business Bureau keeps tabs on, the moving industry ranked 14th in
consumer complaints in 2003. So be sure to carefully check out anyone you’re
considering.
What You’ll Need
When planning your move, don’t forget the packing supplies. You can expect
to spend around $250 or more on what’s needed to move the belongings of a
couple or a small family. And keep in mind, it’s always better to get too many
materials than too few. You don’t need last-minute box-gathering trips adding
to the stress of your move. Here’s a list of what to have on hand.
Regular boxes. If you’re moving good stuff―and why would you pay to move
bad stuff?―you should use good boxes. If you have used boxes and they’re in
decent shape (not bent, torn, or damp), go ahead and use those. Hollander,
however, recommends that you buy new boxes, made of strong corrugated
cardboard (with an edge-crush test rating of at least 32 pounds per inch
printed on the box). They cost from $1 to $5 each, depending on the size, but

are less expensive when purchased in bulk. Whether you choose old or new
boxes, make sure you have a variety of sizes to accommodate the different
items you need to move.
So how many boxes do you need? “That’s like asking, ‘How long is a piece of
string?’ ” Hollander says. As a rule of thumb, you should count on using at least
100 boxes for a sparsely furnished three-bedroom home, says Neil Vansant of
Atlantic Relocation Services, a full-service mover in Atlanta that specializes in
corporate moves.
Specialized boxes. For dishes and other fragile or heavy items, make sure to
use “dish barrels,” which cost between $5 and $7 and are made of doublewalled
cardboard.
Wardrobe boxes, with a metal bar for hanging clothes, greatly simplify the
packing and unpacking. Some movers may supply you with free wardrobe
boxes for your move, which they’ll collect once you unpack them―make sure
to ask before you place your box order. Expect to pay $7 to $15 each,
depending on the size, if you have to buy them.
Long flat-frame boxes are ideal for protecting most large pieces of art and
mirrors. These, too, may be provided by movers. If you’re moving yourself,
you can purchase them from truck-rental companies.
Tape and tape guns. Brown packing tape, not surprisingly, is ideal. Never use
masking tape or duct tape―they don’t stick well to cardboard. A couple of
heavy-duty tape guns―one for you, one for your spouse or a friend―make
taping and cutting a lot quicker. To pack up the contents of seven to eight
rooms, you’ll need at least 440 yards of two-inch-wide tape. (Tape rolls come
in 55- and 110-yard sizes.)
Packing paper. This is a professional mover’s secret weapon. Sold in 10- and
25-pound packages, packing paper (unprinted newsprint) is the most
economical and versatile material for protecting nearly everything you’re
moving. Use it for wrapping fragile items, and crumple it up for padding.
“People think we use way too much paper,” Vansant says, “but it really creates
the protection you need.” And unlike bubble wrap, it can be recycled. Many
moving-supply companies sell specialized packing accessories―such as little

foam bags and cardboard “cell kits” to protect glassware and other fragile
items―but Vansant stresses that almost everything can be packed with simple
packing paper.
Because it can stain, regular newspaper should be used only for extra padding
around already wrapped items. For an average seven- to eight-room move,
professional movers use as much as 120 pounds of packing paper.
Bubble wrap. It is expensive compared with packing paper but comes in
handy to protect artwork framed behind glass and extremely fragile china and
glassware, which should be wrapped in bubble wrap and then in packing
paper.
Box cutters. They will help make unpacking a breeze.
Permanent markers. Get thick ones to mark your boxes for easy
identification. Label boxes on the sides, not the tops, which may be covered by
other boxes.
Mattress bags and furniture pads. If you’ve hired a full-service moving
company, it will supply everything needed to protect your furniture as part of
your total move cost. If you’re doing it yourself, you’ll have to buy the bags for
$3 to $6 and rent the pads for about $10 per dozen. Both are available from
the leading truck-rental companies.
Dollies and hand carts. If you’re moving yourself, your back will thank you
for using wheels to move heavy loads. Dollies and hand carts can be rented for
about $10 a day wherever you get your truck. You can also buy furniture
slides there. These go beneath the feet of heavy items, such as a couch,
allowing you to easily slide them across the floor without damaging it.
5.0 Follow This Weekly Moving Checklist for a
Smooth, Stress-Free Transition
Who knows, this easy-to-follow guide might even make moving fun.

If all of your belongings could magically appear in a new home without any
stress or sweat on your part, you'd move in a heartbeat. But actually, the
moving process can be less of a chore if you break down the tasks —
scheduling, packing, and cleaning — into weekly to-do lists. Follow this eightweek
guide for a stress-free move.

8 weeks
The papers are signed. The plans are underway. Now, it's time to figure out
the logistics of how and when you'll move, along with the plan for when you
first step foot in your new home.
• Research moving companies with the Better Business Bureau and get
recommendations from friends and family who have recently moved.
• Learn about your rights and responsibilities as you prepare to work
with a moving company from the Department of Transportation.
• Consider extra insurance coverage you may need for your move. Ask
prospective moving companies what insurance is included and check
your homeowners' policy to see what it covers.
• If you are moving to a new area, research banks, doctors, and schools.
Gather all the proper paperwork you need to set up new accounts.
7 weeks
You're on a research kick — keep it going. Seven weeks out from the big day,
lock down the moving company that you'll use and start tracking all relevant
expenses.
• Get estimates in writing from at least three licensed moving companies.
If possible, have an estimator come to your home to do an inventory.
• Start a binder or folder where you can keep all of your moving estimates
and moving-related paperwork.
• Make a list of businesses you will need to contact to change your
address. Don't forget to list your online accounts, too.

6 weeks
Put your plan to action by going around your house — closets, basements, and
storage areas, especially — and deciding what makes the cut. Once everything
is sorted, start packing non-essential items (think: holiday decorations and
craft supplies).
• Get the packing process started by assessing your closets and donating
clothing that doesn't fit or you no longer want. When the closets are
done, start to assess items room by room.
• Do a first round of donations of unwanted goods to charity, sell items
online, or have a garage sale to help pay for your move.
• If you have children, work with the current and future school to transfer
school records and make plans for a smooth transition.
• Begin packing items that aren't used frequently. Seasonal items, rarely
used gadgets, and items stored in the attic or basement are a good place
to start.

5 weeks
Before you start throwing everything in boxes, map out a room-by-room plan.
Oh, and give loved ones a head's up that you'll have a new address next
month.
• Use up food from the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. Refrain from
buying too many groceries, especially bulk orders, from here on out.
• Get the word out to friends and family members that you're moving.
Send them your new address or send a moving announcement through
email.
• Purchase moving supplies including boxes, packing material, tape,
labels, and box cutters. Remember to order specialty items like dish
boxes, wardrobe boxes, and mattress bags if your mover is not
supplying them.
• Get a box-labeling system in place. Numbered boxes, color-coding by
room, and a master list with inventory are key elements.
• Make a room-by-room packing schedule and start packing!
4 weeks
It's official: You're moving this month. Ditch the packing tape and boxes this
week, and spend your time getting all of your official documents in order.
• Fill out an official change-of-address form.
• Consult your list of businesses and services and make address changes
on all relevant accounts.
• Put in for vacation time at your job for the days surrounding your move
and schedule a babysitter if necessary.
• Confirm major details, especially insurance coverage, with your mover.
3 weeks
Now that the basics are out of the way (the bank and post office, especially),
sort out your annual subscriptions, valuables, and sentimental items.

• Cancel all newspaper home delivery and set up delivery in your new
neighborhood.
• Gather valuable paperwork, jewelry, and small family heirlooms. Keep
these special items separate from your moving boxes and make a plan
for transporting them by hand or via a trackable shipping service with
insurance.
• Take photos of any high-ticket items. Note any existing scratches, dings,
or damage to your furniture.
2 weeks
Pretend you're going on an extended vacation: Pack your belongings, ditch
any perishables, go the bank, and double-check prescriptions.
• Pack little by little so that you don't save it all for the last week.
• Tie up loose ends: Confirm that you've changed addresses, have all the
proper moving insurance in place, and are ready to make your move.

• Put together a packet for the new owners of your home with any
warranties, vendor recommendations, and a note with your contact
information in case they have questions or need to forward your mail.
• If you are moving major appliances, make sure that they're clean and
ready to go. Remember: Freezers need to be defrosted and you may
need a professional to disconnect gas lines on particular appliances.
• Fill prescriptions and make sure that everyone has packed medications
they need in their suitcase.
• Withdraw cash to tip the movers and make sure you have enough
money on hand for any unexpected expenses.
1 week
It's here! It's finally here! Tie any loose ends before moving to your new home
sweet home.
• Utilities should be turned off in your current home one day after your
move-out date. All utilities in your new home should be turned on the
day before you move in.
• Dispose of all flammable items that can't be transported, including
paint, chemicals, and aerosol cans.
• Take one last look at the items you're packing. If you have additional
items to donate, schedule a pickup by your chosen organization.
• Back up all computers, if packing.
• Get each family member to pack a suitcase like they are going on a twoweek
vacation with their daily toiletries and comfortable clothes.
• Confirm details with your moving company, including the moving-day
arrival time, cell phone numbers, and last-minute details.
• Hire a cleaning company to do a quick clean after the movers leave or
schedule a day that you will come back to clean before the new owners
arrive.
• Most importantly, celebrate the memories you've made in your home
and get ready to start a new chapter in your life. Onward and upward!

6.0 Tips for an Easy Move
Let's face it: Unless you're a minimalist, moving is one of the biggest
household tasks there is and it can be extremely overwhelming. But if you can
get a head start and stay organized, you should make it through this
mammoth process unscathed and ready to enjoy your new abode. Here are 21
tips to help you avoid moving day chaos.
1 Get organized early
Avoid leaving anything until the last minute. Unless you have to pack up and
leave in a hurry, chances are you have between 30 and 60 days to make a plan
and ensure that moving day runs smoothly. Create a countdown list and
itemize everything you need to accomplish week by week.
2 Figure out your move strategy
How are you going to get from point A to point B on moving day? For shorter
moves, you'll either need to assemble some very nice friends with trucks or
consider renting a truck for the day. If you have a big family to move or you'll
be moving a long distance, you'll want to price out moving companies.
3 Keep your movers in the loop
Boxes are one thing, but when you get to the big, heavy stuff, it's important to
let your movers know what to expect. "Communicate with your moving
company and explain all the requirements and expectations prior to booking,"
advises Andrew Ludzeneks. "Your mover has to be aware of all those minor
details in order to estimate your total move time and cost, and have proper
equipment available." That includes informing the company about any
overweight items (i.e. a piano or fridge), access restrictions (small elevator,
walk-up only, narrow driveway) and whether you’ll need help with
disassembly or assembly of furniture.
4 Pick the right transportation

If you're moving a short distance, you may be able to get away with making
more than one trip. But if you don't have that luxury, you'll need to make sure
you have the right size of truck to cart your belongings in one go. "Choosing
the right size is particularly important when moving farther away, as making
several trips could be a problem," says Andrew, who recommends using the
following guidelines when determining the size of your truck:
• In general, the contents of bachelor and one-bedroom apartments will fit in
a 16' cube truck available at your local rental company.
• Two to three fully furnished bedrooms will require a 24'-26' truck to
ensure your move is completed in one load.
• The contents of most houses can be moved in the same 24' truck with one
or two trips.
5 Seize the opportunity to purge
Moving is a great chance to organize your belongings and get rid of items you
no longer use. If the time of year permits, hold a yard sale. Or, take the time to
sort and donate gently worn clothing to Goodwill, put furniture up for sale on
a site like craigslist.org, recycle old magazines and catalogues and shred old
documents.
6 Put together a packing kit
If more than one person is packing, stay organized by establishing a system.
Have blank inventory sheets prepared so one person can tackle each area or
room. Arm each packer with a pen, black marker, and packing materials, like
newspaper, a packing tape dispenser and boxes.
7 Green your move
Moving day can generate a great deal of waste like cardboard, bubble wrap
and newspaper. For items you’ll be storing even once you’ve moved in, opt for
the reusable plastic bins you can purchase at stores like Home Depot or

Solutions. These can be labeled to go directly into closets until you’re ready to
deal with the contents. You can avoid cardboard for the rest of your
belongings, too, by renting plastic bins from a company like Blue Bins
Unlimited. You might also consider using older linens to wrap breakables.
8 Reuse boxes
You may still need a few cardboard boxes to round out your moving kit. A few
weeks before you start packing, grab a few each time you visit the grocery
store. Keep in mind that smaller boxes are easier to carry when facing stairs
and narrow pathways, says Andrew.
9 Take inventory
This is especially necessary if you’re hiring a moving company. Having a
record of your household items is useful if something goes missing. Consider
keeping a spreadsheet of the contents of each box. Then, assign each box a
number and all you have to do is write that number on each side (maybe with
the appropriate room listed, as well).
10 Label everything!
Label all sides of the box (avoid the top). Whoever is carrying in your boxes
might not make sure all labels are facing one way for your easy retrieval. Try
labeling each side in marker so you can easily find what you need in a stack.
11 Find out your condo rules
Moving into a condo isn’t as easy as pulling up to the front door and loading
your boxes onto an elevator. Be sure to check the moving policy before
scheduling your moving day. For example, some condos don’t allow move-ins
on Sunday. According to Andrew, you may need to book a service elevator and
a time frame for moving in. “On most occasions, your condo will ask for a
security deposit in order to book a service elevator. That can range from $100
to $500 depending on your condo rules.”

12 Pack in things you need to pack
You need to take your luggage with you. Why not use it as a box? The same
goes for dresser drawers. You may need to remove them for transport, but if
you don’t have too far to go, they can be helpful for light items. “For delicate
apparel that you don't want to fold, using a portable wardrobe box is the way
to go,” recommends Andrew.
13 Prepare a moving day kit
Keep one box aside of “essentials” that you’ll need on moving day: cleaning
supplies, light bulbs, toilet paper, garbage bags, a change of clothes, your
toiletry bag, etc.
14 Be ready for your movers, whether hired or friends
Whether you have family or professional movers showing up at your door, be
ready for them when they arrive. With a moving company, unless you hire
packers, be ready and packed before the crew arrives, advises Andrew.
“Scrambling for boxes will delay your move and increase your cost.”
15 Protect your valuables
Find a safe place to store your valuables on moving day. Insure anything that’s
valuable or breakable if you’re using a moving company. And if you’re moving
a computer, do a quick backup of important files just in case something
happens in transit.
16 Delay deliveries
If you’ve made some new purchases, such as a couch or dining room suite,
schedule the delivery after moving day. That will help you focus your
attention on moving day itself and will avoid any congestion between delivery
people and the movers.
17 Don’t mistake belongings for trash

Try to avoid packing things in garbage bags. Well-meaning friends or family
could accidentally throw them out on moving day.
18 Hook up essential services
Make sure you understand how utility bills (gas, water, electricity) will be
transferred over to you from a previous owner. Also, arrange to have your
phone line, cable and Internet working if necessary.
19 Find a pet sitter for the day
If you have a pet that could be traumatized by a move, arrange to have them
stay somewhere during moving day. If you’re hiring movers for a longdistance
move, be sure to arrange your pet’s safe transport to your new home.
20 Make nice with your new neighbours
Start off on the right foot by informing your immediate neighbours that you’ll
be moving in and what kind of moving vehicles you’re using. If you’re moving
on a weekday, make sure your truck isn’t blocking anyone’s exit. If it’s
wintertime, clear your driveway of snow and ice, says Andrew. “Make sure
there’s plenty of room to park the moving truck. That’s essential on busy
streets otherwise you could slow down your move … increasing your total
cost.”
21 Treat your movers
Whether hired movers or friends and family, be sure to have food and drinks
readily available for everyone. “On a hot summer day, your crew will
appreciate a cold drink”.
‣ Tips for Moving on a Low Budget
Moving can be exciting, stressful, and overwhelming all together. No matter
how far you are relocating, the stress will always be there on your shoulders.

From hiring professional Adelaide Removalists to buying quality packing
supplies, DIY packing to unpacking chores, you have to manage everything for
safe and smooth removal.
When it comes to moving, expenses is one of those aspects that can ruin your
excitement. If you are running low on a budget, then you should cut out the
additional costs and save your money for further important things such as
paying security deposits or down payment to the new landlord or property
seller.
Keeping a close eye on a budget is imperative because it will help you know
about your financial implications. Fortunately, there are some money-saving
tips to help you move on a low budget with ease. Consider the following tips
and make a short note of all your funds that will be required in an entire
moving process.
1. Declutter Every Room in Your House
Purging unnecessary items is one of the best ways to reduce both the stress
and cost of a move. Instead of packing everything in your house, it is better to
sort out the things or items that are no longer needed.
De-clutter your rooms and collect all the stuff in three different boxes (for
waste items, donations/charity, and selling items) depending on their current
condition and usage.
You can earn extra money by selling the unused belongings online, or you
could also have a garage sale so that you can add that cash to your moving
budget.
So, take fewer items and save extra money while moving your house or office.
2. Compare the Estimates
Relocating valuable belongings is a complicated job and that the reason why
you need highly-trained Removalists in Adelaide for safe and quick results.
But most of the people don’t hire professional because of their expensive
services.

So, it is good to do thorough research and shortlist at least 5 to 6 companies.
Ask them to provide you a free estimate so that you can compare all the
quotes and pick the most suitable company that best fits your targeted budget.
Instead of hiring the very first company you researched, evaluate everything
and find out the one that can offer you affordable services related to moving
and packing along with adequate insurance cover for your belongings.
3. Pick your Moving Date Wisely
Yes, you can reduce some financial burden by picking the moving date during
the off-season. Rather than moving your house during peak season or hours, it
is advised to choose off-peak moving season generally during the winters.
Moving during these seasons is a bit cheaper than moving during summer or
spring season because these are the busiest time to move and expensive too.
You can ask your shortlisted removalists to schedule a move when the season
is off.
Make sure you plan your entire move and keep the date flexible so that you
can look for cheapest options for you (especially related to the moving date).
So, whether you are moving within Adelaide or relocating to the new city,
make sure you choose the dates in the middle of the month because the first
and last day of a month is the busiest days of all.
4. Pack your Items on your Own
Though moving is an expensive chore, you can minimise your budget by
saving money on packing. You can use old newspapers and even magazines to
pack fragile items. You can also look for used moving boxes around the local
market of Adelaide or use some creative ideas to wrap your household
belongings for safe removal.
You can ask your friends and family to assist you in packing your stuff two to
three weeks before your final moving day. If you don’t get enough time, you
can hire an affordable Removalists Company in Adelaide for quality packing of
both your delicate and expensive items.

Tip: Gather free boxes from grocery stores, local liquor stores, recycling dropoff
points and big-box chains. You can find different sizes of boxes that can be
used to store all your belongings for a move.
5. Book as Early as Possible
It is always good to book a removal service ahead of time, especially if your
budget is tight. Most of the companies quote better rates when people book
them in advance instead of those who wait for the last moments.
If you want to be flexible with your options, you have to get into the moving
process two to three weeks prior to your move. Do your own research,
compare different estimates and look for the affordable options to put down
the strain of expensive relocation.
Conclusion
Moving is always a difficult task, but you can achieve this by planning your
relocation in advance. Create a moving budget and know how much you’ll be
needed for a moving process. If you want to save your time and money, hiring
professional can be an ideal decision for you.
Putting all your belongings into boxes just so that they can be taken out again
is nobody's favourite activity, so we found these amazing moving tips follow
these tips and that will make moving to a new place cheaper and easier than
you ever thought possible.
References
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2018 | 24 Ingenious Moving Hacks That Make Packing Painless | Popsugar,
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