Moving Tips
Moving, whether it's a local or long-distance endeavor, requires careful preparation to avoid last-minute stress. Making crucial decisions ahead of time is key to a successful move. Burton Moves, we understand the importance of planning. By taking proactive steps now, you can ensure a seamless transition. Here is a few tips to consider before we arrive.
MAKE A LIST
We’re all pretty familiar with a moving checklist, but have you ever created a packing inventory list? This extra step can seem like a hassle as you begin your move, but trust me, you’ll be singing its praises as soon as you start unloading boxes in your new place. While you’re packing, assign each packed box and prepped individual item a number. I like to use a thick piece of painter’s tape for this so the number is easy to locate later, plus it won’t damage non-boxed items. On your list, write down the corresponding number and a brief but solid description of the item or what’s inside the box. When it comes time to unload, you can check against your list to make sure nothing went missing during the move, and, if it did, you’ll know what it was right away. I recommend creating a list whether you’re doing a DIY self-move or a full-service move.
SAY GOODBYE TO UNUSED STUFF
Moving is the perfect time to have a garage sale and make some cash off unwanted items—put it toward the move or maybe a massage after getting everything in to the new place.
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Crowdsource removal
If your items are still in decent shape, apps like OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace are great, quick ways to get rid of big items like couches and mattresses. Just snap a photo and upload it, but be careful about meeting people with no one else home. Good, old-fashioned Craigslist works, too. -
Get a group text going
Your friends and family undoubtedly make great resources for getting rid of things you no longer need. This is especially the case with gently used kids’ stuff! Ask around and see who might know someone in need of that loveseat or second crockpot you never needed. -
Schedule a donation
There’s undoubtedly a lot of stuff you unearthed while packing that doesn’t really need to come to the new place. Schedule a donation pick-up with Salvation Army or a local charity for good quality furniture, clothing, and household goods that someone could benefit from. This keeps your trash load low and you can leave your community better off! -
1-800-GOTJUNK
When something just isn’t in donation shape, you can call services like 1-800-GOTJUNK to help you out. For a small fee, they can make any outstanding items disappear and you won’t have to run to the dump on your way out of town.
GET STURDY, UNIFORM PACKING SUPPLIES
When it comes to packing supplies, a hefty roll of painter’s tape is a must for any move. Besides marking up the floor when I’m working with tight spaces, I also use it throughout the packing process — in fact, it’s never out of my reach. Use it to easily mark and identify moving boxes, tape together loose items like cutlery or pens, or to secure loose fixtures on furniture or decor, like a loose mirror inside its frame. I’m also a big fan of using a strip or two of painter’s tape to make sure pesky drawers stay shut or to tape a few loose screws and washers together (and on their main pieces) after disassembling furniture or electronics. The best part? It’s sticky but not crazy-adhesive so it doesn’t damage most materials and surfaces.
PACK THE BASICS YOURSELF
Details make all the difference, especially if you’re keeping things in storage for a while. No matter how annoying or unnecessary it seems at the time, I always make sure to be extremely detailed when I’m labeling my moving boxes.
List out everything inside, particularly items that you know you’ll want to unpack ASAP. This makes it easier when it comes time to unpack — you’ll know exactly where to find what just by looking at the box. On that note, be sure to write down the contents on the top and at least two different sides of the box so that you can easily see what’s in the box — even if it’s stacked or lost in a pile of moving boxes.