5 Questions to Ask Before Moving
Moving is a big deal, and it’s important to ask the right questions before moving. Use this checklist to make sure you’re ready to make the move.
1. When and how am I moving?
Moving can look different depending on your timeline and distance. Because of that, it’s pivotal to identify the “when” and “how” of your move as soon as possible. Ideally, you want at least a few days of overlap between your old and new place.
Then, choose a move-in date to do the bulk of your moving. While this date represents a deadline to have your things packed, you should begin making arrangements with friends, family, and moving services now.
2. When should I begin packing?
It’s helpful to begin planning for your move around six weeks before you plan to move. You should first prepare for moving by decluttering and cleaning your things, then gradually packing the items you won’t need before moving.
In the last week before your move, begin adapting your routine to accommodate packing. For example, you can change your kitchen while you pack away most of your items or plan out your clothes so you can pack everything else in the meantime.
Long-distance moving tip: Moving can get quite expensive when long distances, so critically consider the importance of taking certain items with you. If you’re working with a moving company, get multiple quotes to help judge how you want to approach moving.
3. Do I have everything I need to move?
There are a lot of logistics to moving, and the items you’ll need are often a forgotten piece of this. You’ll need the following items to move:
- Boxes
- Packing tape
- Packing paper
- Plastic wrap
- Bubble wrap
- Toolset
- Plastic baggies
- Dolly
Many moving supplies are available at your local storage company, but you may also find free moving boxes from friends and family who’ve moved. Generally, it’s always better to overestimate your supply needs than underestimate them — you don’t want to be making last-minute trips to the store when you’re at the buzzer.
4. How should I pack?
Prepared packing is the backbone of a successful moving day. Pack your items according to their room and purpose, like various kitchen items or books. When working with items of different sizes, place the largest, heaviest items on the bottom of the box. Then, use packing paper or bubble wrap to cushion between glassware and other fragile items.
Be sure to mark each box with its contents, noting where important items are stored. You can also keep an inventory list with more specific details about the contents.
Moving safety tip: You may be tempted to maximize the space in each box, but you should consider the weight you’ll be carrying. Plus, you don’t want a heavy moving box to break open.
5. Will I be able to move in everything at once?
Packing and moving are huge jobs. Whether you’re running on short time, help, or energy, it’s best to prioritize your efforts. If that means you can’t move everything into your new place in your window, that’s OK. Freedom Storage offers a variety of storage solutions to meet your needs for as long as you need. Find a location near you, and get started today!