Nothing in life is certain – well, except taxes, death, rain (Vancouver, we're talking to you), and the inevitable stress that seems to always come with moving day!
We know exactly how overwhelming moving can be. We’ve heard it time and time again from people on the move, and even experienced that same stress in our own lives before! But fear not, when you’ve been around the block as many times as we have, it’s certain that you learn a thing or two.
We've learned from a few key tried-and-tested methods, which is why we are confident that we can help make the move to your new home that little bit easier.
So, here are our top tips for stress-free moving so you can make sure that you are always one step ahead:
First and foremost, assess your moving options
As a moving company, we know there are many options for people looking to move. Perhaps you want to rent a vehicle and do the heavy lifting yourself. To many people, moving can also be as simple as gathering a good group of family/friends. However, this often requires multiple trips and access to the right vehicle, which might not be the right fit for everyone.
If you are not sure about the best option, we recommend assessing the amount of stuff you have well before the day you actually plan to move. That way, you can find out what resources you will need, or if a moving company is actually the right thing for your move.
If you're looking to hire a moving company, here are some helpful tips:
We get it. You have a lot on your plate and the thought of trying to book a moving company feels like such a daunting process. Moving companies offer a lot to clients, and can help to simplify the process overall.
At 2 Guys with a Truck, will do all the heavy lifting for you (literally)! You just tell us when and where, and we will be there! Plus, if you're on the fence about pricing, you can request a free estimate online, over the phone at 604-628-7136, and in person (dependent on COVID-19 restrictions.) With our vast experience in the field and our flexible schedule, you can count on us to get the job done fast and efficiently. Contact us today to get a no-hassle quote and make a start on your moving journey!
Number Two: Assess and organize the packing supplies you need
When it comes to packing supplies, you can never have enough – trust us!
If you know the square-footage of your home, this should help to estimate the amount of boxes you need. Tell your moving company the size of your home, or use an online box calculator.
In addition, moving companies often have bulk-deals for supplies, which can be picked up or delivered to you before AND during your move. As a moving company, we offer this service because we know how hard it can be for clients to locate and transport boxes, especially when it comes to packing last-minute items.
Some item-specific packing tips:
When it comes to delicate items such as plasma tv screens, using a fitted sized tv box and foam kit will ensure that your tv is kept in position and will prevent breakage or damage during transportation.
For clothing, the last thing you want to do is fold every piece only having to re-hang it all when you unpack. Using a ‘wardrobe box’ will allow you to hang your hanging items inside a protective box that will shield them from dust, dirt and moisture – no wrinkles and no folding necessary!
Having the right supplies means that you can be sure your valuable items are properly protected, giving you peace of mind during the entire process. And if you somehow do order too many boxes or supplies, we will take them back off your hands with no added fuss or cost!
Third, Purge that Closet!
We all have a few skeletons in our closet – maybe in the form of an old pair of tennis shoes that no longer see the light of day, or perhaps in boxes that you’ve been meaning to sort for years, but they have just been collecting dust instead.
Moving is a perfect reason to get rid of all the clutter and junk that we tend to build up over the years. This is especially important if you are downsizing. However, starting with less items in your new home, regardless of its size, will help to reduce the overwhelming stress that can arise during the unpacking stage of your move.
A few weeks before your move, it’s best to offer items that you no longer need or use to family friends first. Afterwards, you can sell pre-loved clothing online, or organize donations to charities in your local community - they will appreciate your generosity and give your old stuff a new life! As for the real junk, 2 Guys with a Truck can take all of it off your hands for removal – no mess, no stress, and a fresh start!
Tip Number Four: Waste not, want not
There’s nothing worse than sifting through the back of the fridge, only to find leftovers that you know should have been tossed out weeks ago.
That’s why it’s good to eliminate food waste by cutting down on your grocery shopping. You should plan your shopping list and cut down about two weeks before your move date.
Use up any frozen meats and produce that you have in the freezer and buy dairy (or other short-life products) in smaller amounts. During this stage, it’s ok to be adventurous with your cooking. If you’re extra ambitious, you can try to implement whatever ingredients you have lying around into meal prep.
PS: Don’t forget to leave yourself time to defrost your fridge and clean it out too!
Fifth, look after the little things (they make a big difference)
Re-assembling furniture is hard work. It’s even harder when you’re missing something vital that holds the whole ensemble together.
Make your life easy by keeping all the screws, bolts, instruction manuals (and everything in between) in small re-sealable Ziploc bags and labelling them. This way, you know exactly what pieces you need to put everything back together again.
In addition, it may also be helpful to take photos of your furniture to help with the process – this way you won’t be scratching your head wondering where that one tiny screw is meant to go!
Number Six: Take Inventory
If you hire the right moving company, they can guarantee that your priceless possessions will be safely loaded up and transported to your new home. But for your own peace of mind and as a way to keep everything organized, taking inventory can be a blessing in disguise— especially when you start to unpack.
To keep on top of it, we suggest numbering each box.
Once you’ve done that, it's a good idea to list all items in the box in a personal document or notepad.
You will be able to find exactly what you need instantly and make sure you don’t misplace the smaller objects. For tech savvy folks, creating a spreadsheet is an efficient way to keep track and you can easily search items you need to find.
Number Seven: Label, Label, Label!
When it comes to packing, labels will be your best friend! It is best not to mix up all your plain cardboard boxes, as that will require looking inside each one in order to assess where they are going next.
Instead, pack by each individual room: i.e. kitchen, living room, bathroom etc. Labeling each box by room means that anyone handling the boxes will know exactly where they need to go when they are being unloaded from the truck.
Colour-coding can also be a helpful way to stay organized. For families, it’s also a fun way to get the kids involved in packing! Assign colours to each room, and you will not only speed up the process of moving but also the process of unpacking.
Eight: Clean Before You Move In
If possible, give your new kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms a deep cleaning before moving day. Your new place will feel more comfortable and smell extra fresh upon arrival. Plus, you won’t have to worry about scrubbing often forgotten places like countertops and top shelves on moving day, which you will probably want to stock up with the essentials right away.
With that being said, places like floors and lower counters might get dirty from all the movement in your home, so you might want to wipe counters and clean your floors after your last box is dropped off.
For easily scratched or stained surfaces such as hardwood floors, make sure to cover them and/or at least purchase felt pads for the bottom of your furniture. Moving day mishaps can happen, so taking these steps will help give you some peace of mind in the case of any accidents.
That first clean is vital and very time consuming – doing it prior makes the world of a difference!
Our ninth tip: Pack a first night box
Picture this:
It’s your first night in your new home. There are boxes everywhere, you are exhausted, hungry, and badly in need of a shower after all that hard work! Well, it's a good thing you remembered this list and made sure to pack a first night box!
Having some first night essentials is a must— these are the items you will be reaching for right away.
Some items for your first night box include:
- Fresh towels
- Pajamas
- Paper towels
- Garbage bags
- Toilet paper
- Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Phone charger
- And anything else you would typically need in your day-to-day
This extra step will help to help you feel right at home. In addition, it will help in the long run so you don't end up misplacing objects or boxes in the process of digging around for a toothbrush!
PS: Don’t forget to consider breakfast and a cup of joe for your first morning too. If you plan on unpacking the following day, you'll thank us for the caffeination!
Our last and most important tip: Relax!
You made it! It took some time but you have all the hard work done, and now you can finally relax – until tomorrow!
Forget about the boxes that surround you— you can worry about those in the morning (this is where the ‘first night box’ comes in handy). You made it this far. Plus, the rest of the moving journey can actually be pretty fun.
Get settled in, make yourself comfortable, and enjoy your very first night in your new home. You deserve it!
