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 thorough moving plan is the key. Below are some of the best tips and tricks to help your move go smoothly.

Create A To-Do List

Moving demands a lot more effort than just packing up with a Grand Rapids local mover, so develop a moving plan to help keep you on track.

Some items to potentially add to your moving checklist timeline are:

• Changing addresses.
• Contacting companies to disconnect the gas, electric, water, cable and internet.
• Take shots of your electronics ports for easier reassembling, especially the wires in the back!
• Rooms that need to be organized or fixed.

Research Local Movers

Local movers are a valuable asset when you’re moving.

Do some research on the top moving companies in Grand Rapids. Be sure to hire them a a few weeks ahead of time to help you stay on top of everything else.

When moving day comes, assign someone to work with the local movers to delegate which boxes go where.

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 protection plan or warehouse in case you need extra storage while you’re getting settled
• What’s expected from their local movers

Donate/Sell Stuff

Allocate a container for giving away and a separate bag to sell items. If you haven't used it in six months to a year, it's best to give it to someone who needs it or earn some cash by selling it. Use the extra money towards your moving expenses, or to invest in your new home.

Moving Supplies Checklist

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

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

Reach out to friends and family and see if they can donate these to you. Utilize laundry baskets, bins and duffle bags you may have around the house, by filling them with miscellaneous items. Keep in mind, professional moving companies will require all items be packed in moving boxes or plastic totes with a secure lid. They can’t move items in trash bags, unsecured boxes, etc., because these cannot stack inside the truck and/or can tip over.

Pack Decorative Things First

Artistic displays like paintings, tapestries, art figurines, and other knick-knacks are not essential in your home other than adding aesthetic value to your home. If they are not necessary to your everyday function in your home, add them first to your moving boxes. Packing a little bit at a time this way takes a significant amount of stress out of the process.

Categorize

Categorizing boxes, especially when you’ll need essential items right away like toiletries, clothes, and important supplies. When you reach your new town, having each box categorized and labeled helps you and your local movers know where they go.

Pack less

Here's something to keep in mind: don't pack all your belongings. Well before your move date, start the process of decluttering. Moving is the perfect time to give away, recycle, and if necessary, toss unwanted items. It is simple math: Less stuff equals less stress.

The right box. The right material.

Make sure you pack appropriately. Be sure the dimensions of the container, and the filler material you use, are adequate for the items you pack.

For heavy items, smaller is better; you don’t want a oversized box full of books. Fragile items need space in the box for filler material. Cover 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 suggestions page.

Label Label Label

First, use colors. It might be as easy as boxes with green labels go upstairs. The idea is that the mover simply needs to see the color to know where to go. Don’t make it overly complicated, but do make it helpful.

Write clearly. 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 abbreviate, make sure they are obvious as well. Is “BR” bathroom or bedroom? Better to take the time to clarify it now than waste time trying to translate it later.

Finally, label your new apartment. For more compact 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 appropriate room name or number on the box.

Packing for the kids

Getting settled into a new home can take a long time, particularly with kids. Prepare a few reserved boxes that have the crucial items your children will want during the initial settling-in period. It may be treasured action figures or dolls, drawing pages, or video games. Hunting for these items while trying to get the rest of your belongings sorted and organized is a good time. Simplify your life and keep these boxes handy.

The early essentials

Grown-ups are not that different than children. There are things we want to have available immediately. Pack a few boxes that will have what you need to get through the first week. Changes of clothing, bathroom essentials, things to read, or even video games. These are the boxes that, if you can get no additional items, will get you through the starting week.

Contact Corrigan

Have questions? Reach out to us to schedule your complimentary, pressure-free, in-home move estimate. Our Grand Rapids move representatives and local movers have the experience to guide you through your most complex moving details. Contact us and see why Corrigan has been an industry leader for over 90 years!