When we first moved to our apartment, we had no idea what we were doing. We took a few tips from friends who had already gone through the process and tried to keep a level head about it all, but we made some mistakes along the way.
We’re here to help you avoid those same pitfalls so you can make your first move a success! We know it can be overwhelming, but remember: it’s not as scary as it seems!
Here are some dos and don’ts for making sure your first move goes off without a hitch:
Moving Day Do’s
Do know that a move is rarely completely stress-free
Even though a move isn’t completely stress-free, you can minimize it. The key is to set your expectations and know what to expect. Moving is no different than any other process in life; often, how stressful it is depends on how much preparation you do beforehand. Know that life doesn’t stop just because you’ve got an epic moving checklist, and if you feel stressed or anxious during the process, know that it’s natural and understandable—the best thing to do is make sure that you stay as calm as possible while tackling your change of address list.
Do the math to figure out how much supplies you need.
We know you want to get started, but don’t forget to calculate the number of supplies you’ll need before you start packing. Boxes are essential for moving. They will protect your belongings better than towels or blankets, and they’re easier to stack and move around. To make things even easier, you should buy or rent a loading table to transport boxes from the garage or basement to the truck as quickly as possible. When you purchase packing materials, it’s always helpful to buy more than you think you need — you don’t want to risk running out before all your items are properly protected from dust, dirt, and damage. There are many materials to use for packing, like bubble wrap and moving blankets, but whatever material you choose, make sure that it is clean because recycled ones may have been contaminated with paint or chemicals.
To edit down your belongings.
Don’t pack everything you own, or you’ll end up with useless junk in your new house. Take time as you fill to only put things into boxes that you need and use regularly. If it’s taking up space in your garage or attic, consider getting rid of it.
DO tip your movers
If you’re hiring professional movers, consider tipping them for a well-done job. You don’t have to tip your movers, but it’s common practice and always appreciated by the crew. The standard gratuity is about $25-50 per mover, depending on the length of the move and how much stuff you have. Providing snacks and drinks throughout the day isn’t essential, but it’s a nice gesture that will keep everyone energized. If your friends are helping you move, have snacks and drinks on hand to keep energy levels high for yourself and anyone who helps you out during this stressful time.
Moving Day Don’ts
DON’T get in the way!
When you hire professional movers, they will do their job much better if you let them work without feeling like they need to guide around pets or small children cautiously. If you have pets or small children, consider having them stay with friends or family for the day so the movers can focus on the task at hand.
DON’T pack cash, jewelry, or prescription medications.
It’s safe to say that moving is stressful enough, so why add the worry of your belongings being stolen? When you pack cash, jewelry, or prescription medication (like insulin), you risk having those items disappear. Save yourself the embarrassment and frustration. Keep these items separate from your moving box, and carry them yourself until they arrive safely at your new home – where they will be well protected with our professionally managed storage facility.
DON’T keep obstacles a secret.
Before your move, the one thing you should do is check with your moving team about any obstacles you’ll be encountering. Let them know about stairs, narrow hallways, one-way streets, and difficult parking.
