Smooth Moves: Tips On Making Your Move Safe And Easy

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

So, you’re married and ready to move on with your (adult) life….and for many, that may also mean an actual move into a new home or apartment. Packing up your life (lives) and moving can be an exhilarating and exciting experience, but it can also be an experience that may move you to tears. With so much to organize, pack, and, yes, even get rid of, you may be overwhelmed with what to keep, what to ditch and how to keep it all under control. Well, think outside the box, or boxes, as the case may be. Simply applying these simple strategies can help ensure a much smoother move.

1. Maintain High Visibility: Besides being involved you should also be present when your movers arrive. It’s wise to stick around until your movers and helpers have left. If you must leave, it’s best to make sure someone else, who is well informed, and can answer questions is present….and always furnish both your “proxy” and your workers a contact number where you can easily and readily be reached.

2. Make The Job A No Brainer: If you don’t have the time or ability to pack your belongings yourself, make sure you hire someone who is trusted and reputable to take on the task. Experts also suggest providing hired help with all the essential and necessary supplies to do the job and do it right. Remember, these are YOUR prized possessions, they don’t mean as much to others. Have and ample supply of boxes, tape, bubble wrap etc., and don’t hesitate to offer help or instruction. (Keep in mind, extra materials can often be returned, so, it’s better to have more than not enough).

3. Travel Light: While you “do” want to keep the number of boxes to a minimum, experts suggest making boxes easy enough to lift and carry. Do not overfill, and maintain a manageable weight for each. They recommend boxes that are easy enough for one person to carry on his/her own.

4. Label Boxes Thoroughly and Clearly: Make sure to mark heavy boxes as a warning to the lifter. Write fragile on boxes containing delicate items and this end up, contents, and destination room on all boxes to make unpacking easier. Professionals also suggest putting your name and destination address on each with a packing label to avoid confusion or getting your parcels mixed-up with someone else’s.

5. Thoroughly Pad Items: Make sure all items are carefully and thoroughly wrapped and packed as to prevent breakage and to keep sharp edges covered and prevent injury.

6. Create A Comfortable Working Environment: Make sure your home is amply lit, cooled or heated to make it easy for workers to comfortably do their jobs. Don’t forget to offer them something to drink or even eat (if they are there for a long time) and always offer access to the washroom. Experts recommend also making sure that the phone service in both locations (current and destination) are working on the days you are moving, so that you can be readily reached. Also make sure all amenities such as lights, air conditioning, water, and heat are working in your new residence prior to the movers arriving.

7. Protect Your Assets: Inclement weather may be dangerous and may be damaging to your home. Make sure to put extra carpet, tarp, etc. to protect against the elements such as snow, rain, mud, etc.

8. Easy Access: Be sure to remove and potential stumbling blocks by clearing paths in the house and yard making it easier for workers and movers to maneuver. Consider taking down stairwell handrails, trimming bushes, trees, and shrub, opening doors and gates or removing them from the hinges, etc., Make sure pets and children are also properly secured or out of the way.

9. Clean Up Your Act: Make sure to vacuum or dust furniture a day or two prior to moving. Remember, moving clean furniture is always more pleasant than moving items covered in dust, dirt, or animal hair. Remember, even movers, packers, and other house moving workers can charge extra or refuse the job if it appears too be too physically dangerous or a health hazard.

10. Conduct A Final Inspection And A Clean Sweep: Before giving the movers the “go-ahead” to head to your new destination, take one last look around for any remnants that you may have overlooked or missed. Experts suggest looking through all drawers, cabinets, and closets. They also recommend wiping down all counters and giving one final vacuum as a courtesy for those who follow in your footsteps.