Moving Advice for Beginners

It's no secret that moving is one of the most stressful things you can do. And yet, it's also one of the most exciting experiences in life. It means a new start for your family and new opportunities for you personally. Are you in the process of moving, or are you considering it? If so, you're likely feeling a mix of emotions: excitement over the new possibilities ahead, anxiety over the unknown, and maybe even dread. After all, moving is a big undertaking! But don't worry – we're here to help. This article will provide you with some moving advice for beginners to help make the process a little bit easier.

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Create a Moving Checklist

The first thing you need to do is create a moving checklist. Doing this will help you stay organized and ensure that nothing is forgotten. Make sure to include Everything from packing supplies to hiring a moving company. You can find a moving checklist template online or create your own. Creating a moving checklist will help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

Declutter Your Belongings

One of the best things about moving is that it provides an opportunity to declutter your belongings. Get rid of anything you don't need or use and organize what's left. This will do the packing and unpacking much easier. Donate any unwanted items to a charity or sell them online or at a garage sale.

Organize Everything You'll Need to Take

You will need to organize all the stuff that will go with you when you move. This includes items like your clothes, furniture, and appliances. Start by creating piles of similar items, and then decide what you want to take with you and what you want to leave behind. If there are items you don't want to take with you but don't want to get rid of, you can always store them in a storage unit.

Also See: How to Get Organized for a Move

Gather All the Moving Supplies

You'll need to gather various supplies for packing and moving, including boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers. You can buy packing supplies at most stores or order them online. Be sure to stock up on enough supplies to don't have to run out later. You also might want to consider hiring a professional packing and moving company.

Pack Wisely

Packing is probably one of the most daunting aspects of moving. But if you pack wisely, it can also be one of the easiest. Start by packing the items you use least and save the items you use most for last. Label each box with a description of its contents, and make sure to pack heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top. 

• Use Garbage Bags to Move Your Clothes: If you're short on time or packing supplies, use garbage bags to move your clothes. Place your clothes in the garbage bag, and tie it shut. This will protect them from getting wrinkled or dirty.
• Use Styrofoam Plates to Transport Glass Plates: If you're transporting glass plates, use styrofoam plates to protect them. Place the glass plate on the styrofoam plate and place another styrofoam plate on top. This will help prevent them from breaking.
• Use Socks to Wrap Your Glasses: Glass items require a great deal of padding and protection. If you're transporting glasses, use socks to wrap them. This will help protect them from breaking. This is an easy way to keep track of your glasses because you'll know which socks correspond to each pair of glasses.
• Leave Everything In the Drawer: If you can, leave Everything in the drawer. This is one of the best ways to prevent your belongings from getting damaged during transit. Just pack your stuff in plastic containers and close the drawers. This will help keep everything in place.
• Utilize Sandwich Bags: Sandwich bags are a great way to pack small items. You can use them to protect your jewelry, coins, or other small items.
• Pack Your Toiletries In a Carry-On Bag: Always pack your toiletries in a carry-on bag. This includes items like shampoo, toothbrush, and toilet paper. This way, you'll have them with you when you arrive at your new home.
• Use Egg Carton to Pack Jewelry: Jewelry is fragile and can easily get damaged during transit. To protect your jewelry, pack it in egg cartons. This will help keep it from getting scratched or tangled.
• Pack Books in banker Boxes: Banker boxes are a great way to pack books. They're sturdy and will protect your books from getting damaged.
• Pack Your Mattress in a Plastic Bag: Mattresses can get dirty or wet during transit. To protect them, pack them in a plastic bag.
• Do not Over Pack Your Boxes: It's important not to overpack your boxes, making them difficult to carry. Pack only the items you need in each box, and distribute the weight evenly. This will make it easier for you to carry them and prevent them from breaking.
• Pack Strategically: When packing, be sure to pack strategically. Start with the items you use least and work your way up to the items you use most. It would be better to pack heavier items on the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top. Label each box clearly with its contents, so you don't have to open them up when you reach your new home.

Make a List of Utilities

When you move to a new home, you need to set up utilities like water, electricity, and gas. Make a list of all the utilities you will need, and contact the appropriate companies ahead of time. This will help ensure that your services are set up and ready to go when you arrive. Making a utility list is important when moving to a new state because the laws and regulations for setting up utilities can vary from state to state.

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Also See: Setting up Home Services and Utilities in New Home

Secure Your Makeup with Cotton Ball

Moving makeup from one place to another is a messy business. If you're transporting your makeup, secure it with cotton balls. This will prevent it from getting ruined in transit. Or you can pack your makeup in a small container and store it in your luggage. Another option is to purchase a makeup bag specifically designed for traveling. If you don't have enough budget to buy makeup bags, you can pack them in a plastic zip-lock bag and then again in your luggage.

Prepare Your Kids for the Move

If you have kids, it's important to prepare them for the move. Talk to them about what's happening and answer any questions they have. Let them know that they will still be able to see their friends and that there will be some fun new things for them to explore in their new home. Help them pack their favorite toys and clothes so they feel comfortable and excited about the move. You may read our article on Moving with Kids to know more on this.

Take a picture of Your Electronics Before You Pack Them

If you're packing your electronics, take a picture of them before packing them. This will help you remember how they are set up and make it easier to set them up again in your new home. It is always recommended to disassemble electronics before packing them to prevent damage. And if you can't disassemble them, then pack them carefully.

Pack a Survival Kit for the First Few Days

When you first arrive in your new home, you'll likely be exhausted from the move. Make things a little easier on yourself by packing a survival kit for the first few days. This should include items like toiletries, snacks, a change of clothes, and a sleeping bag. This will help you avoid running to the store or searching for your essentials right after you arrive.

See Also: Moving Essentials

Hire a Moving Company

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of moving, it may be a good idea to hire a moving company. This will take some of the stress off you and allow you to focus on the more important things. Make sure to shop around and compare prices before choosing a company. Similarly, it would help if you also weighed the pros and cons of DIY moving before deciding. If you are tight on budget, you can move some of your stuff yourself and hire a moving company for the big furniture.

Inform Your Employer

If you're moving for a job, it's important to let your employer know. They may need to update your contact information or send your final paychecks to a different address. You may also want to ask your employer for help in finding a new job in your new city. An important thing to remember is to keep your boss in the loop during the entire moving process.

Change Your Address with the USPS

One of the most important things to do when you move is to change your address with the USPS. You can do this online or fill out a form and send it in the mail. This will ensure that all of your mail is forwarded to your new address. It's important to do this as soon as possible, so you don't miss any important mail.

Update Your Driver's License

To drive in your new state, you will need to update your driver's license. This can be done online, by mail, or in person. You will need to provide your new address and driver's license number. Make sure to do this as soon as possible to start driving in your new city.

Pack an Emergency Kit

When you're moving, things can go wrong. It's important to be prepared for the unexpected by packing an emergency kit. This should include items like a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and an area map. This will help you if you get lost or encounter any problems during the move.

Also Read: Emergency Moving: Steps to Survive a Last-Minute Move | Moving Day Attier

Conclusion

Moving can be a stressful experience, especially for beginners, but you can make the process easier by following these tips. Make sure to start planning well in advance and to pack carefully. Hire a moving company if you need help, and remember to inform your employer about the move. Most importantly, relax and enjoy the journey!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important things to do when moving?

The most important things to do when moving are to change your address with the USPS, update your driver's license, and pack an emergency kit. Most importantly, fix your moving date and book your moving vehicle as soon as possible. You should also inform your employer about the move and hire a moving company if you need help.

Can I move some of my stuff myself and hire a moving company for the big furniture?

Yes, you can. You can move some of your stuff yourself and hire a moving company for the big furniture. This will save you some money and make the process easier. Just make sure to compare prices before hiring a company.

What should you not pack when moving?

You should not pack any flammable items when moving. This includes things like aerosol cans, fireworks, and lighters. You should also avoid packing any perishable food items or anything that could leak. If you're not sure if an item is safe to pack, it's best to leave it out.

See Also: Best State to State Movers in the USA