How many times have you moved? According to the United States Census Bureau, the average American moves 11 times in their lifetime. That’s a lot of packing, unpacking, and driving from place to place, not to mention finding new jobs for the adults and schools for the children!
If you’re spending your free time reading moving blogs, chances are you might be one of those people planning your next move. If so, streamlining, or making your move organized and efficient may be on your list of things to do.
Read on to find out some ways you can do just that using Mastodon Moving and our expert tips.
Hire Help
Friends are great when it comes to spending an evening out or when looking for a company for a concert or event, but professionals should be called in if you have a move to accomplish. Friends may have good intentions of helping with a move, but far too often timing is off or schedules get too busy.
Whether it’s across town or across the country Mastodon Moving can help you with downsizing (when necessary), organizing, packing, moving, and unpacking in your new home. We know the right way to pack that will keep your belongings safe along the route and how to make your move go as smoothly as possible.
Pro tip – schedule your movers early!
Create a Master Checklist
Two years ago, we published our Ultimate Moving Checklist, and want to remind you that checklists are a great way to stay organized and streamline your move.
Things that you will want to include on your checklist are:
- Names and phone numbers of all companies you will need to complete a change of address form.
- Utility companies and when service will be discontinued.
- Tasks to complete, organized by month.
- Contacts in your new locations such as pet sitters, new dentists, etc.
- A breakdown of what areas you will pack first, second …etc.
- Lists of supplies you will need to organize your move – boxes, crates, labels, tape, bubble wrap, and moving paper.
- Lists of locations where donations are accepted for items like clothing, appliances, and seasonal items if you are planning to downsize.
Pro tip – go digital with your lists and share them with family who can check things off as you go. There are plenty of moving apps that can help.
Label Everything
To streamline your move, be sure to label all boxes and moving containers. There’s nothing worse than taping up a box only to find you can’t remember what’s in it. This process may seem daunting but it will help you easily locate what you need when you move into your new home as well as allow you to access items while you are still packing.
Pro tip – use color coding to allow movers to know which room boxes should be placed upon arrival at your new location.
Prepare For Contingencies
Not all moves happen seamlessly. Be proactive and consider things like changes in weather, heavy traffic, sick children, a pet who gets anxious, and furniture that may be awkward or clumsy to move. Professional movers can adjust their techniques and have helpful ways to counteract each of these scenarios, but you should always have a plan B ready, just in case.
Pro tip – communicate potential issues with your movers in advance to understand how they would tackle each scenario.
