Moving can be one of life’s most challenging undertakings. According to a report, the average American moves 11.7 times during their lifetime. And Florida is the fastest-growing state.
But did you know family (46%) and job opportunities (28%) are the primary reasons people leave Florida? The relentless heat and the unbearable humidity also drive some away.
Ensuring a hassle-free move requires the right decisions. From choosing the right moving boxes to safeguarding delicate items, every decision impacts the success of the move. And while every move is unique, some universal packing tips can simplify the process.
Hire Professional Services
From packing to transporting, each step of a move can be tedious and prone to errors if not handled with care. Take Fort Lauderdale, for example. With its elevated cost of living, a staggering 22% above the national average, it’s no surprise that many of its residents are looking for more affordable living opportunities elsewhere.
When you’ve invested so much in living in such an expensive city, the last thing you’d want is damage to your precious belongings during a move. So, if you’re feeling uncertain about the whole affair, consider getting professional help.
Hiring the best long distance movers in Fort Lauderdale can be a smart move. Not only do such movers possess the expertise to transport your items securely, but they can also assist in efficient packing. It’s about ensuring safety while easing the transition.
If you are struggling to move all your belongings at one time, consider renting a storage container to house them while you wait to move them. There are a number of alternatives to PODS rentals, such as Go Minis, which offer a 20 ft container, which is 25% more cubic feet than PODS.
Start Early and Declutter
The idea of starting early when preparing for a move can’t be stressed enough. By beginning the process in advance, you’re affording yourself the necessary time to critically assess what you own. Here’s why it’s essential:
- Avoid Rushing: Giving yourself ample time means you won’t be making hurried decisions, often leading to errors or oversights.
- Evaluate Possessions: Over the years, we accumulate things that we might not necessarily need or use anymore. By decluttering, you ensure you’re only moving what’s genuinely valuable.
- Reduce Moving Costs: The less you move, the more you save. Fewer items can mean fewer boxes, less loading time, and potentially lower fees from moving companies.
- Beneficial for Mindset: A decluttered space can lead to a decluttered mind, making the moving process mentally smoother.
Choose Quality Moving Boxes
When preparing for a move, the temptation to cut corners and save money where possible is real. However, skimping on moving boxes might not be the best idea. You see, the quality of your moving boxes can significantly influence the safety of your belongings during transit.
Imagine placing a heavy item in a flimsy box. The chances of that box giving way and your item getting damaged are high. On the other hand, quality boxes are designed to handle varying weights and protect the contents inside from external pressures.
Quality boxes come in various sizes tailored to specific needs, from books to dishes. This ensures a snug fit, reducing the risk of items jostling around.
Pack an Essentials Bag
An essentials bag ensures quick access to things you’ll need without unpacking everything first. And knowing where your essentials are can provide peace of mind during a potentially chaotic move. You’ll have the basics on hand whether you arrive late or are too tired. Key items to include in your essentials bag:
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap)
- A change of clothes
- Important documents
- Chargers for electronic devices
- Snacks and bottled water
Having this bag prepped and ready can be the difference between a smooth transition and an unnecessarily stressful one.
Use Appropriate Packing Materials
The success of any move largely depends on how well you pack your belongings. And a big part of that comes down to using the right packing materials. It’s not just about the box; it’s also about what goes inside and around it.
Placing a delicate porcelain vase in a box, even a sturdy one, isn’t enough. It needs cushioning, perhaps with bubble wrap or foam, to protect against bumps during transit. Similarly, items that might leak or spill benefit from being sealed in plastic bags before boxing.
The type of packing material you choose can vary based on the item’s nature, be it artwork, electronics, or kitchenware. Matching the item’s vulnerability and value with suitable protection is essential.
Prioritize Safety
Both for your possessions and for you, safety should be a top priority. Items can easily break or get damaged during transit. Secure packaging minimizes this risk. Incorrect lifting or handling of boxes can lead to strains or accidents. To ensure safety:
- Use ample tape to reinforce the bottoms of boxes to prevent breakage.
- Label boxes with “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” if they contain delicate items.
- Keep sharp objects wrapped and away from the surface.
- Wear protective gloves when handling boxes.
- Ensure clear pathways to prevent tripping hazards while carrying items.
Taking the time to prioritize safety can prevent potential mishaps and ensure both your belongings and well-being are taken care of during the move.
Label Everything
With boxes stacked high and rooms filled with packed items, a move can quickly become overwhelming. Amidst this chaos, the importance of labeling cannot be overstated. Imagine the convenience of knowing exactly which box goes in which room without having to peek inside each one.
Furthermore, when it’s time to unpack, labels save time by letting you prioritize. You can immediately identify boxes containing daily essentials from those with items you might not need immediately.
Pack by Room
You break down the moving challenge into manageable bits by focusing on one space at a time. This makes the packing process feel more achievable and aids in organization.
Let’s take the kitchen, for instance. By packing all kitchen items together, you ensure that when you arrive at your new home, setting up that space is a breeze. You won’t find yourself searching for that one spatula amidst bedroom linens. The same goes for other rooms.
Moreover, this method can be a psychological boost, allowing you to see clear progress as each room gets packed up.
Keep Important Documents with You
Essential documents can cause a lot of stress if misplaced. Think about passports, birth certificates, property deeds, or crucial financial records. These aren’t just papers; they’re vital components of our lives.
When moving, it’s wise to keep these documents close. Packing them separately and carrying them with you minimizes the risk of them getting lost amidst other belongings. It also ensures that you won’t be rummaging through numerous boxes to find them in case of any immediate need.
Conclusion
Moving is all about planning and preparation. Choosing the right packing materials and organizing everything efficiently can make the process much easier. Simple steps can make a big difference, like putting labels on your boxes or using clothes as padding.
Moving is ultimately about smoothly transitioning into a new stage of life, not just packing up your belongings and moving them. Proper moving techniques help your move be as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Read Also: Packing Up Your House: 7 Top Tips for Getting Ready to Move
