Moving Checklist

 

Moving. The physical act of moving all of your possessions from one home to another is one of the biggest headaches to overcome in a decision to… well, move. We don’t know anyone who actually likes to move, except maybe professional movers. There are so many unknowns in the process. Here's a checklist for moving based on information from the experts, so if you’re getting ready to plant your roots elsewhere, you can be as prepared as possible.

Moving Boxes

This is one of those times in life when it’s all about who you know. If you know someone who works at a grocery store, you’re set. And while personally, we’ve never had too many boxes for moving day, we found a handy little infographic about how many boxes are needed based on the size of the home you are moving from. Knowledge is power, even when it comes to recycled cardboard. This is the time to accept it if you could qualify as a borderline hoarder. If so, go ahead and plan for the higher number of boxes in this chart. Another handy tip: use a utility knife to cut handholds in your boxes.

Moving Labels for Boxes

One thing is for sure: you do not want to play hide and seek with your kitchen utensils when you are hungry after moving all your worldly possessions. Get a black Sharpie and detail the contents of your boxes on the side of them (not the top because they may be stacked). You should even go as far as saying which room they belong in. If your moving help is nice, they will end up in the room they belong in. But even if they aren’t, it will help you in the unpacking process. Another tip is to pack all the things you will need first in a clear plastic bin so they are easily located once your life has made it from Point A to Point B. Take it even further and pack an overnight bag. Keep it with you when you move so that when the day is done and you just want to change into your pajamas and brush your teeth, it’s all in one easy-to-find bag. Don’t forget to keep your morning coffee and cups in a handy location!

Clothing Packing

Save on bubble wrap and use towels, socks, and other clothes to protect your fragile items. Leave your dresser drawers packed with a towel on top for privacy, and move them as-is for time-saving simplicity. Put comforters and other fabrics in big trash bags and use them as cushions between fragile items on the moving truck. Clothing on hangers in your closet can be grouped together with trash bags slipped over the bottom. Use rubber bands or ponytail holders to group the hangers together on top. Even sharp kitchen utensils can be placed inside oven mitts. Now is the time to think outside of the moving box!

Packing Bags and Moving Tape

You will not believe how many screws and bolts you have in your life, but it will become all too clear as you are disassembling your furniture. Trust us when we tell you that you do not want those screws and bolts to become lost or mixed up! Keep plastic bags and packing tape handy so you can avoid this problem. As you take apart an item put all the small pieces in a bag and tape it to the furniture it came from. It’s a great idea to write on the bag, too, in case it gets separated from the furniture. When it comes time to reassemble, this trick alone will make you feel like a genius! Also, keep your electronic cords together with their devices in larger grocery bags. Label those, too, and if the tech stuff isn’t your thing, take a photo of how the cords are set up in the back of your devices. Again, this will make your life that much easier when you are setting up your new place!

Second Set of Sheets

We probably all have a second set of sheets for our beds. To help save on space during your move, and to avoid dirty mattresses after the move, use two fitted sheets. One will be put on normally, while the other one will be put on from the back. This way your entire mattress is protected.

Use everything.

That luggage set with wheels is perfect for heavy items, like all your books. Laundry baskets and hampers can hold towels or blankets, for example. Decorative baskets are great for little things. If it can hold something, it should during a move!

Find help!

The last tip is probably the best. If it’s within your budget, hire professional movers! They will make your day easier and much less stressful and painful. But be mindful of the fine print on their agreements. Read it over, ask questions, and definitely check their reviews.

 

If you have other handy moving tips, we’d love to hear them in the comments below! And if the time is right for you to make the move from Point A, we’d love to help you find your new Point B. Check out our floorplans and move-in-ready homes and let us know if we can give you a tour of one of our many communities in the Carolinas, Virginia, and Georgia!