Whether moving long distance or just across town, there is no disputing that moving into a new house can be both exciting and time-consuming. Hiring a moving company to pack, load, and unpack on the other end certainly makes things easier but still requires a certain amount of preparation and vigilance. An organized relocation will relieve a lot of the stress of moving day. In this article we will learn how to manage long distance moving stress.
Everyone has heard a moving horror story, so doing the homework on moving companies is worth the effort. Begin by finding a reputable moving company and thoroughly checking their references, along with comparing the prices of various companies. Once a company has been selected and a packing day has been set, it's time to organize things.
Whether packing belongings personally or having the moving company pack everything, careful labeling of boxes is a key component of hassle-free unpacking on the other end. Merely labeling a box "kitchen" or "bedroom" isn't as helpful as knowing the contents of a box in order to assess better which box to unpack first. This may sound like a minor inconvenience, but knowing where the coffee maker is can be extremely helpful when faced with a new house full of cardboard boxes.
Before the packers come, take some time to go through the house room by room and de-clutter. Moving is a great time to finally get rid of extra things that have been piling up. Create three piles: one for donations, one for recycling, and one for garbage.
Take the time to look over valuable jewelry, collections, and papers. It's a good idea to move things like that personally. It's also important to know the moving company's policies on items like paint cans or propane tanks. The more things are in order on the day of packing, the more efficiently (and possibly cheaper) belongings can be packed up.
After boxes have been packed and carefully labeled with an inventory of the contents, it is time to come up with an unpacking plan. Most moving companies offer a variety of services, from basic to full-service unpacking. No matter who is opening the boxes on the other end, it's a good idea to map out where furniture should be placed ahead of time. This certainly doesn't mean adjustments won't be made once the furniture is in the house, but having a plan minimizes stress for everyone involved. Another good idea is to decide if boxes will be placed in individual rooms for unpacking or in a general unloading area.
The extra efforts that can be made to lessen the stress of a major relocation include preparation before packing, and attention to detail as items are being unloaded. Before meeting the moving truck at the new home, have a list of contacts from the moving company, such as the person responsible for the account and the dispatcher for the truck. It's important to set up a good line of communication immediately with the workers unloading the truck. Be sure to walk through the house with them before anything is unloaded to understand the exact expectations of both parties. An inventory list should be provided, and take the time to check each item as it is removed from the truck. Again, it sounds tedious, but even the smallest details count on moving days. You can learn more at Safeway Moving Inc.