This month we have moving tips! While I’m past the stage in my life where I’m going to ask my friends so move me, I understand hiring movers isn’t in everyone’s budget.

So to make sure you reduce your moving stress, here are some tips from Scott Herzog at We R Movers Inc.  Bringing small town values to the big city!

How to minimize move day stress

Well, it’s that time.  The fun of shopping for, purchasing and picking out furnishings and décor for your new home is over.  Now for the hard part. The move.

We R Movers Inc. wants your move to go smoothly, so here are some moving tips to consider as you prepare for your move.

Declutter

If possible, declutter anything you do not wish to have in your new home BEFORE you move. You don’t want the fresh start in your new home to be one of overwhelm, cluttered chaos and confusion.  Plus, why move something more than necessary?  Get it gone before you go!

Get an early start

As movers, we see procrastination from clients evidently and often.  Move bills are higher, move time is longer and stress levels are higher. You will thank yourself if you start the declutter/packing process sooner rather than later.

Service switch

Get your change of address list completed while you are still at your old home. This way you can track what mail you need to change your address with while you see it come in.  It’s a lot easier than trying to remember what mail you WERE getting before you moved.

Packing materials

For materials, you will typically need the following, at minimum:

  • Assorted sizes of boxes
  • packing paper (news paper can stain your belongings)
  • tape
  • bags
  • bubble wrap
  • felt markers and labels or coloured stickers (colour coordinating is recommended if using reused boxes)

Packing

  • Stack plates vertically in boxes
  • Pad bottoms of fragile boxes
  • Use more small boxes than large and try not to over pack them
  • Tape bottoms of boxes
  • Take pictures of electronics before disconnecting cables
  • Remove light bulbs from lamps
  • Empty substantial weight from dresser drawers
  • Ensure fragile items have as little room to shift inside their boxes as possible
  • Colour coding boxes and rooms is easier to recognize than writing
    • Pack boxes according to the rooms they are going to, not coming from. Place a coloured sticker on the doorway of the rooms in your new home and the same colour sticker on the boxes and furniture that go into those rooms
  • Bundle things like brooms and hockey sticks to decrease trips to and from the truck
  • Remove shelves and the pegs that hold them up
  • Pack boxes with heaviest items on bottom
  • Have a first day essentials box so you have everything you need while your new place is still in boxes

Other things to consider

Don’t forget the little things!

  • Reserve ample elevator time when necessary
  • apply for parking permits for move day when necessary
  • Disassemble items ahead of time (tables, gym equipment, etc.)
  • Make sure you have proper insurance in case of move day damages
  • Have more than enough help lined up for move day (uncle Jim likes to over promise and call in sick when the weather doesn’t cooperate)
  • Have a game plan on how you will load the truck
  • Use floor runners to protect your floors
  • Use pads to protect your furniture
  • Use stretch wrap to keep doors and drawers closed on furniture during the move
  • NEVER stack boxes floor to ceiling
  • Make sure to stop and refuel your helpers at meal times ad have lots of water available
  • Give neighbours notice as to when you are moving
  • Have sitters lined up for children and animals – that’ll give you a few less things to worry about the day of the move

Hiring movers

If you don’t feel up to the gruelling process of moving yourself and coordinating move day help and logistics, tell uncle Jim you appreciate his offer and go about using these tips to find the right mover for you:

  • We R MoversAsk for referrals
  • Look up online reviews and consider those reviews.  No company is perfect and not all reviews are relevant, but you should be able to pick out the honest ones this way
  • Make sure the movers you consider will come look at your items if you have a big move OR out of the ordinary items to transport
  • Get your quoted RATE in writing (most movers will quote a rate, not a final price)
  • Trust your gut when meeting their representative (they don’t have to be personable or the most knowledgeable depending on your move, but they DO have to care, and you need to trust them)
  • Make sure they have insurance
  • Use local movers if possible (this will keep your cost down)
  • The cheapest hourly service may not always end up being the cheapest cost

In an industry with so many negative connotations, don’t get discouraged!  If you do your due diligence, you will find the right mover for you!

I’ve used We R Movers myself, and have recommended them to numerous clients, friends and family. The feedback I get is always positive. If you are like me, and prefer to hire a mover, call Scott – you’ll be happy you did!