Are You Ready For Your Small Move?

When you think about a small move it’s easy to underestimate the required time and effort. After all, small moves shouldn’t take that many steps. 

However, just because you’re only moving a short distance doesn’t mean you want to put everything off until the last minute. Having a plan can help ensure you’re ready for moving day and this can make everything go more smoothly for you and everyone else involved.

Decide How You’re Moving

As soon as you know you’re getting ready to move, start thinking about if it’s going to be a DIY job or if you are hiring professionals. There are ups and downs to each option. Hiring professional movers means someone else is taking care of almost every step of the process and this can be invaluable. 

Professional moving companies offer a wide range of services that often include handling everything from packing up belongings to reassembling your furniture at your new address. However, this convenience comes at a price. You can skip some of the offered services, and this can help lower moving costs.

If you’re searching for a budget-friendly option, you can turn your small move into a DIY project. You’ll typically see reduced moving costs but you’re also handling everything on your own. If you don’t have a ton of free time, it may make more sense to go with a professional moving service.

Start Decluttering

Hopefully, you have a few weeks before your upcoming small move. If not, don’t worry you can still accomplish this step. You only need to work a little faster as you go through your belongings.

A good tip is to go through your stuff one room at a time. This can also make it easier to stay organized as you’re packing. 

A good rule to follow is if you haven’t used an item in several months, it probably doesn’t need to move with you. There will be some exceptions like holiday decorations and cherished items passed down from friends and relatives.

Put everything you’re not taking with you into a separate pile. You’re probably going to have a use for these items before your moving day.

Pack One Room at a Time

Your goal should be to make unpacking as easy as possible. After all, you’re already putting in the hard work getting ready for your move. There’s no reason to make unpacking an unpleasant chore.

As you’re packing up each box, grab a permanent marker. Try to use a dark color like black or even blue. You want the ink to be easily visible. Label each box with the room it belongs in. This way, you can at least find your toothbrush and coffee marker at your new place without having to unpack a lot of random boxes.

You may also want to pack an overnight bag with the essentials like your toiletries and a change of clothes. Now, you don’t have to start immediately unpacking just to find your pajamas.

Announce You’re Having a Yard Sale

Remember the pile of stuff you’re not taking with you? Instead of tossing everything in the trash, why not hold a yard sale? You can sell at least some of your unwanted stuff and use the proceeds to help cover some of your moving costs.

Did you know what doesn’t sell may be a tax write-off? You can usually claim a tax deduction for items donated to charity. Your deduction may not be much but every little bit can help when it’s time to pay your annual income tax.

Schedule Utilities

You probably need to contact your utility providers to turn things off and on. You want to turn off everything at your old address or at least get the utilities out of your name. 

You can usually take care of this over the phone or even online. Just make sure you’re not turning off the electricity before your moving date. Generally, you want everything turned off the first day you’re in your new location.

Turning on the utilities at your new address is almost as easy as turning everything off. This can be especially true if you’re staying with the same providers. If the providers are changing the process may be a little more involved. You may need to supply the utility companies with ID and verify your new address. A bank statement with your new address is usually enough to get everything turned on.

Saving Money On Moving Supplies

You can always head to a moving supply store to pick up your supplies. If you’re going with professional movers, they typically bring everything they need. 

However, if your goal is to keep moving costs as low as possible you may want to consider some alternative options. Moving companies tend to charge higher rates for using their packing supplies.

A more cost-effective option is to hit up your local grocery store. They always seem to have plenty of old boxes lying around. The same is true for liquor stores. Don’t worry if the box is broken down. You can easily reassemble a cardboard box. 

Use some packing tape to support the bottom and you’re good to go. Just don’t overpack the box. Not only don’t you want the box breaking open during the move but you also want to be able to lift it without throwing out your back.

Don’t forget about protective wrapping, especially around your breakable items. Rummaging through your old bedding and towels can usually turn up something to use. You can also grab some old newsprint. Yes, the ink can rub off but the paper is ideal for wrapping things like dishes. 

Best of all, old newsprint is free. By recycling some of these items like cardboard boxes and newsprint you’re also doing something good for the environment.

Now, You’re Ready to Tackle Moving Day

These tips should make it easier to ensure you’re ready for moving day. You may also save some money on your moving costs. Remember to give yourself plenty of time to pack, even if you’re relying on professional movers.

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