Preparing for a Move: Little Things Now Save Big Headaches Later

Getting ready for a move can can make for a good, or bad, experience with local movers. A well-planned moving strategy is the key. Below we share some of the best tips to help your move go smoothly.

Create A To-Do List

Moving demands a lot more effort than merely packing up with a Buffalo local mover, so develop a moving plan to help stay organized.

Some things to potentially add to your to-do list timeline are:

• Changing addresses.
• Notifying companies to cancel the gas, electric, water, cable and internet.
• Take pictures of your gadgets connectors for easier reassembling, especially the cords in the back!
• Rooms that need to be cleaned or renovated.

Research Local Movers

Local movers are a wonderful asset when you are moving.

Do some research on the top local movers in Buffalo. Be sure to book them a a few weeks ahead of time to help you keep everything organized.

When moving day arrives, assign someone to work with the local movers to determine where the boxes should go.

When you are researching local movers, ask questions like:

• What are their rates
• What kind of additional services do they offer
• Do they have a valuation or storage facility in case you need additional storage while you’re getting settled
• What’s expected from their local movers

Donate/Sell Stuff

Set aside a box for donating and one to sell. If you haven't used it in half a year to a year, it's best to give it to someone who needs it or sell it. Use the extra money towards your relocation, or to refurbish your new place.

Moving Supplies Checklist

Draft a moving supplies list. It should include items like:

• a assortment of different sized, sturdy boxes
• packing paper
• bubble wrap
• Sharpie markers
• packing tape

Contact friends and family and see if they can donate any of these to you. Utilize laundry baskets, storage containers and other bags you may have around the house, by filling them with random items. Keep in mind, professional movers will require all items be packed in boxes or plastic totes with a tight-fitting lid. They cannot move items in plastic bags, unsecured boxes, etc., because these cannot be easily stacked inside the truck and/or can fall over.

Pack Decorative Things First

Decorative items like art, wall hangings, figurines, and other decorative objects don’t serve much purpose in your home other than adding aesthetic value to your home. If they are not necessary to your everyday function in your home, add them first to your moving boxes. Packing a little bit at a time this way takes a huge chunk of stress out of the process.

Categorize

Categorizing boxes, especially when you will need vital items right away like personal items, clothes, and other essentials. When you arrive at your new town, having each box labeled and categorized helps you and your local movers know where they go.

Pack less

Here's something to keep in mind: do not pack all your belongings. Well before your move date, start the process of decluttering. Moving is the perfect opportunity to donate, recycle, and if needed, toss unwanted items. It’s simple math: Less stuff equals less stress.

The right box. The right material.

"One size does not fit all." Be sure the size of the box, and the cushioning material you use, are adequate for the items you pack.

For heavy things, compact is better; you don’t want a large box full of heavy items. Delicate items need space in the container for cushioning material. Wrap China pieces individually before they are packed. Make sure to get the right boxes and materials.

If you are unsure about how to pack certain items, take a look at our packing tips page.

Label Label Label

First, use colors. It might be as basic as boxes with red labels go upstairs. The idea is that the mover simply needs to see the color to know in which direction to go. Don’t make it overly complicated, but do make it useful.

Write large. You don’t want to have to hunt for the label. Make it obvious and put it on more than one side of the box.

If you use abbreviations, make sure they are clear as well. Is “BR” bedroom or bathroom? Better to take the time to clarify it now than waste time trying to translate it later.

Finally, label your new condo. For smaller homes, this may not be a big deal. But, if you have a large number of bedrooms, it will be helpful if each was uniquely labeled, with the appropriate room name or number on the box.

Packing for the kids

Getting settled into a new home can be quite the undertaking, especially when with children. Prepare a few designated boxes that have the essential items your little ones will want during the first day or two. It may be favorite toys, coloring books, or video games. Scouring for these items while trying to get the rest of the moving process completed is not enjoyable. Simplify your life and keep these boxes handy.

The early essentials

Grown-ups are not much different than children. There are things we want to have available as soon as possible. Pack a few boxes that will have your essentials to get through the first week. Changes of clothing, personal hygiene items, books or e-readers, or even your own games. These are the boxes that, if you can get no other supplies, will get you through the first week.

Contact Corrigan

Need more advice? Contact us today to schedule your no-cost, no-commitment, on-site move estimate. Our Buffalo move representatives and local movers have the expertise to guide you through your difficult moving details. Contact us and see why Corrigan has been an industry leader for more than 90 years!