boxes packed by window

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Key Points

Most people would not normally put moving in the same category as the divorce, or loss of a job or a loved one. But psychologists rank it in the top five most stressful life events.1

That is because moving is disruptive and chaotic. The good news is that, with some simple strategizing and planning, you can minimize the potential for turmoil and stress.

Below are six moving tips from our professional movers in Greenville, SC to help you prepare for and get through the big day. Keep reading for some basic plans and tactics to help your moving day run smoothly.

1. Plan Ahead

Planning is one of the most important things you can do to help eliminate stress on moving day. It reduces the chances of chaos and ensures efficiency. Also, a well-thought-out plan helps give you the organization you need to anticipate potential problems and be prepared to address them.

Put together a checklist of important tasks, such as lining up movers and filling out a change-of-address forms at the post office. You may need to schedule cleaning or repair services, or contractors. You can even set deadlines for yourself to accomplish specific tasks. Also have a centralized place for information about the move, such as a folder in your email or a binder for physical receipts.

2. Be Strategic When Packing

No one likes packing. It is boring and time-consuming. However, it is a necessary part of the process.

People who a relocating put off packing for a very good reason: it requires stowing items that they may need before the move. However, waiting until the last minute will contribute to stress and disorganization. Starting early gives you ample time to ensure it gets done.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to address all of these challenges. The main one is organizing your packing. Purchase suitable supplies, including:

  • Sturdy boxes
  • Bubble wrap
  • Packing paper
  • Tape
  • Labels

Then, follow two basic concepts: pack by room and clearly label boxes.

The main advantages of packing by room (rather than by item type, such as clothes) is that it simplifies the process and helps movers know where to put boxes at the new location. (Remember to use labels that reflect where you intend the boxes to go in the new home.) It also makes unpacking simpler.

Labeling boxes with a basic list of contents requires very little time and effort, but yields major benefits. Consider packing things that you will likely not need before the move first, then gradually pack essentials.

Accurately labeling boxes also allows you to easily find already packed items that you decide you need before the move. It also helps with unpacking, letting you prioritize boxes based on things you need more immediately.

3. Prepare Your (Current) Home

Before moving day, one easy thing you can do is get your home ready for the commotion. Clear pathways for movers. Remove any obstacles from hallways, doorways, sidewalks, or any spaces where people will be traversing.

Get rid of unwanted items by donating to charities, selling online, or having a garage sale. Dispose of hazardous household waste that cannot go in the trash but that you aren’t taking with you, like old building materials, paint, or batteries.2

Clean appliances that are staying with the home. You can also go ahead and tidy up areas that will not be impacted during the move (such as closets, floorboards, or remote areas). Alternatively, you can schedule a full-house cleaning after the move is completed.

Finally, plan disconnection of utilities and mail forwarding. You can also take the opportunity to schedule utilities to be turned on at your new home.

4. Hire Professional Movers in Greenville, SC

Another bit of moving advice for eliminating stress on moving day is to hire professional movers. DIY moving can be arduous and almost always requires enlisting the assistance of friends and family. This in itself can cause strife (no matter how devoted your friends and family members are, trust us, no one likes helping other people move).

Hiring professionals helps eliminate this hassle, but there are other advantages as well. They will have the right tools and equipment for getting everything from A to B securely and safely (and reputable companies have insurance, so you can rest easy knowing that you would be compensated, should anything unforeseeable happen). It helps you avoid scenarios that could lead to injury or damage to your belongings.

Finally, hiring movers can be cost-effective. Renting a vehicle and the equipment needed for a DIY move (like moving blankets, hand trucks, and straps for securing furniture) can really add up. Enlisting the help of a licensed, insured moving company consolidates all these expenses into a single cost.

5. Be Present and Take Care of Yourself

A small but important thing to consider is, when moving day arrives, take care of yourself. How to Pack Fast and Efficiently For a MoveLeaving a place you have lived and loved can be difficult, but try to be present in the moment.

Inevitably, movers will have questions. Remaining calm and collected can aid in the move.

At the same time, do not be afraid to take breaks to avoid becoming overly fatigued. Eat and stay hydrated. Also, do not overexert yourself by trying to do too much—especially lifting heavy objects, which could lead to injury.

If you have pets, make sure they stay out of the way of movers. If possible, seclude them to a specific area of the home or property (like the back yard).

Whether to allow children around moving activities depends on their age and proclivity for helping out. If you have young children, you might arrange for them to stay with a friend or relative. You may wish older kids to be present to aid in the effort.

6. Do Final Checks

Once all your personal items have been removed from the home, it is time to do a final walkthrough. Take pictures, which can be used to confirm the condition of each room.

To save energy, before you leave, be sure to turn off all lights and appliances that will not be in use. (Note: You will need to defrost freezers if you plan to unplug them.)

Learn More Moving Tips From movers in Greenville, SC

Moving can be an emotionally trying and stressful time, but employing the strategies and practices above can help minimize it and make the experience manageable. The more planning and preparation you do, the better.

Smith Dray Line are full-service, local movers in the Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, Asheville, and Charlotte areas. Since our founding in 1911, we have prided ourselves on exemplary customer service and satisfaction. Reach out to us today for a free quote or for assistance in planning your move.

References

  1. Katharine Chan, MSc, BSc, PMP, “What Are the 5 Top Stressors in Life?” Very Well Mind, October 2023, https://www.verywellmind.com/the-top-most-stressful-life-events-5547803.
  2. “Household Hazardous Waste (HHW),” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, from: https://www.epa.gov/hw/household-hazardous-waste-hhw.