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 carefully thought-out moving plan is important. Below are some of the best tips to help make sure your move is hastle-free.

Create A To-Do List

Moving involves a lot more effort than simply packing up with a Auburn Hills local mover, so make a to-do list to help stay organized.

Some items to consider adding to your to-do list timeline are:

• Changing addresses.
• Notifying companies to shut off the gas, electric, water, cable and internet.
• Take photos of your gadgets ports for easier reassembling, especially the wires in the back!
• Rooms that need to be cleaned or fixed.

Investigate Local Movers

Local movers are a great asset when you are moving.

Do some research on the top movers in Auburn 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 arrives, assign one person to work with the local movers to determine where the boxes should go.

While 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 getting settled
• What’s expected from their local movers

Donate/Sell Stuff

Allocate a box for donating and another for selling. If you haven't touched it in half a year to a year, it's time to give it away or consider selling it. Use the extra money towards your move, or to invest in your new home.

Moving Supplies Checklist

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

• a assortment of different sized, sturdy boxes
• packing paper
• bubble wrap
• Sharpie markers
• packing tape

Ask friends and family and see if they can donate any of these to you. Take advantage of laundry baskets, plastic tubs and duffle bags you may have around the house, by filling them with miscellaneous items. Keep in mind, professional movers will require all items be packed in moving boxes or totes with a lid. They can’t move items in garbage bags, open top boxes, etc., because these cannot be easily stacked inside the truck and/or can tip over.

Pack Decorative Things First

Decorative items like art, tapestries, art figurines, and other decorative objects are not essential in your home other than beautifying your surroundings. If they are not necessary to your everyday function in your home, pack them up first. Packing a little bit at a time this way takes a huge chunk of stress out of the process.

Categorize

Labeling boxes, especially when you will need necessary items right away like personal items, clothes, and essential belongings. When you get to your new location, having each box categorized and labeled helps you and your local movers know where they go.

Pack less

This tip: do not pack all your belongings. Well before your move date, begin decluttering. Moving is the perfect opportunity to donate, recycle, and if necessary, throw away things you don't need. It’s simple math: Less stuff equals less stress.

The right box. The right material.

"One size does not fit all." Be sure the dimensions of the box, and the packing material you use, are right for the items you pack.

For heavy items, compact is better; you don’t want a oversized box full of books. Fragile items need space in the box for cushioning material. Wrap China pieces individually before they are packed. Take the time to get the right boxes and materials.

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

Label Label Label

First, color code. It might be as simple as boxes with blue labels go to the living room. The idea is that the mover just needs to see the label to know where to go. Don’t make the color coding too complicated, but do make it helpful.

Write bold. You don’t want to have to search for the label. Make it easy to read and put it on more than one side of the box.

If you acronyms, make sure they easily understood 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 3, 4, 5+ bedrooms, it’ll be helpful if each room is uniquely labeled, with the correct label on the box.

Packing for the kids

Getting settled into a new home can be quite the undertaking, especially when when you have children. Prepare a few reserved boxes that have the must-have items your children will want during the first couple of days. It may be beloved stuffed animals, drawing pages, or electronic devices. Searching for these items while trying to get the rest of your belongings sorted and organized is a good time. Make it easy on yourself and keep these boxes easily accessible.

The early essentials

Adults aren’t much different than kids. There are things we want to have available right away. Pack a few boxes that will have your necessities to get through the initial week. Fresh clothes, shower needs, things to read, or even your own games. These are the boxes that, if you can get no other supplies, will get you through the starting week.

Contact Corrigan

Need more advice? Contact us today to schedule your no-cost, no-commitment, virtual move estimate. Our Auburn Hills move representatives and local movers have the experience to guide you through your most complex moving details. Reach out and see why Corrigan has been an industry leader for over 90 years!