Did you know that an average American moves approximately 11.7 times in their lifetime? Yet, for many, moving days aren’t fun.
Going through the tedious process of moving heavy furniture, washer and dryer, kitchen equipment, and boxes of clothes can be a real pain. However, there are ways to make your moving day easy and hassle-free without losing or damaging valuable items.
Just follow some smart moving tips and hacks, and you’ll be good to go. Here are a few tips that will help you prepare for moving day.
1. Pack a bag with essential items
Get a duffle bag, suitcase, or backpack and fill it up with all the important items that you can access on the day of your move and right after you arrive at your new place.
Here’s a list of things you can keep in your bag:
- Passports, ID cards, credit cards, and insurance documents
- Wallet and keys
- Medication, clean towels, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and razors
- Jewelry, cash, and phones
- Snacks and water
In addition to these items, feel free to select any other items you’d prefer to keep with you.
The size of the bag you need for these essentials varies based on the distance of your move. For short distances, a gym bag might be sufficient. However, for long-distance moves, especially those involving at least a day of travel, you’ll need a larger bag as you’ll have limited access to the rest of your belongings.
2. Pick the right attire for moving day
On your moving day, choose comfort over trend. Wearing the right clothes will ease movement and keep you comfortable throughout the day.
Here are some tips for choosing the right clothes for moving day:
- Opt for comfortable fabrics like cotton or athleisure wear.
- Choose loose, breathable clothing
- Avoid tight clothing that restricts movement.
- Select closed-toe shoes with good support to protect your feet.
3. Don’t pack unnecessary items
During relocation, a significant amount of time is spent packing and unpacking belongings. If you have some belongings that you haven’t used in months, it’s a good idea to lighten the load and get rid of them.
Here’s the process:
- While packing, remove the items you don’t need and mark them as moving sale.
- Say no to broken items altogether.
- Prefer donating all unwanted toys and clothing to a local charity.
- Arrange for a moving truck to come and pick up and handle the junk removal.
4. Start early in the morning
The best time to start moving is early in the morning. This way, you have enough time to finish by the end of the day. Moving early means it’s cooler outside, the roads are less crowded, and people have more energy. This makes moving easier and safer for everyone.
Here are some moving day tips and tricks to help you start early on a moving day:
- Make a timeline of tasks before the moving day to keep yourself on track.
- Create a moving checklist and ensure all your belongings are included in that list.
- Start packing non-essential items early to avoid a last-minute rush.
- If you need assistance from friends or local movers, book them early to ensure availability.
- Keep all moving-related documents and information in one place to stay organized throughout the process.
If you plan everything before time, you can avoid last-minute rushing, reduce stress, and ensure a more organized moving process.
5. Have cash on hand
When it comes to moving day, having cash on hand is essential for various unforeseen expenses. Whether you tip your mover, get last-minute moving supplies, or cover unexpected moving costs, your cash will serve as an emergency fund. It is better to keep the cash in your pockets or purse, anywhere you feel it can be easily accessible.
6. Plan ahead for kids and pets on moving day
Moving with kids or pets can complicate the relocation process. One thing you can do is you can ask a friend or family member to look after them for you.
However, if your kids or pets will be sticking around, try these moving-day tips
Tips for Moving with Kids
- Talk to your kids about the move in advance
- Make sure you pack your kid’s belongings first
- Pack your favorite toys or activities
- Plan for restroom stops or diaper changes during the move
Tips for Moving with Pets
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Find a new vet in your new area before moving day in case of any emergency.
- Prepare a bag with your pet’s essentials.
- Pack chew toys or treats
- Crate train your dog for a smoother move
7. Make sure your phone is fully charged
While you may not have much time to use your phone on moving day, it’s still essential to keep your phone fully charged. This is because you never know when you might need your phone for navigation or coordinating with the moving company you hired.
Below are some moving day advice to make sure your phone is ready on that day
- Plug in your phone the night before the move to ensure it’s fully charged.
- Store your phone charger in your essentials bag for easy access in case you need to recharge during the day.
- Bring along a portable charger or backup battery to ensure you have power even if you can’t find an outlet.
- Try to conserve battery by minimizing unnecessary usage or closing unused apps to prolong battery life throughout the day.
- Activate your phone’s power-saving mode to extend battery life during periods of heavy usage.
8. Clear the path for the moves
Before the professional movers arrive, ensure that you clear a pathway for them to move your belongings smoothly.
- Remove any obstacles, such as wires or cords, that could cause tripping hazards.
- If there are any tricky spots, such as uneven steps, warn the movers to avoid injury.
- Keep the path clear until the move is complete.
9. Keep a first aid kit handy
Keep a first aid kit nearby on the moving day in case of injuries. Ensure it’s easily accessible and well-stocked with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. Being prepared can help you take the necessary steps if any minor accidents occur during the move.
10. Take pictures
Even if you don’t hire Craigslist movers, accidents can still happen. Before they arrive, take photos of all your valuable items, including furniture, electronics, and fragile items. If something does get damaged during the move, having these pictures will help you prove that the damage occurred during transit.
Here are the photos that you can take before the moving day –
- Take pictures of your old apartment before moving out to document its condition.
- Photograph large and precious items to record their condition before the move.
- Record a video of your electronics functioning properly before packing and labeling the moving boxes.
- Take photos of water, electricity, and gas meters to ensure accurate readings at both ends of the move.
- Take pictures of your new place upon arrival to keep a record of its initial state.
11. Stay hydrated and take breaks
Remember to take breaks and drink plenty of water, especially when moving during the summer. The heat can make you tired and thirsty quickly, so staying hydrated is essential. Take some time to rest and drink water to keep yourself refreshed and energized throughout the moving day.
12. Double-check everything is packed before you go
Take one final walk through your home before leaving. Check every nook and cranny, including cabinets and closets, to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything essential.
The Bottom Line
When you’re worried about what to do on moving day, you can follow these moving day tips and hacks, and you’ll be better prepared for any challenges that may arise.
Don’t hesitate to ask a friend to help out or hire a professional mover; it can make a big difference to your moving day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do on a moving day?
On moving day, stay organized and ready. Confirm plans with your expert movers and ensure your new home is prepared.
Do a final walk-through, check meter readings, and secure your old place. Be present to oversee loading and unloading, and keep essentials like toiletries, medications, and important documents with you.
How to make moving day fun?
Involve friends and family to help out, add upbeat music to energize the day, and play games to keep spirits high. Let everyone personalize their boxes.
Utilize creative activities, such as virtual tours or treasure hunts, to engage children. Focus on the positives by reminiscing about the old home and celebrating the new beginning with a special meal or first-night tradition.
How to prepare for moving to a new house?
Preparing for a move involves more than just packing boxes; it requires thoughtful planning, organization, and emotional preparation. Key tasks include sorting and packing your belongings, coordinating utility services, and ensuring your new home is safe, clean, and ready for your arrival.
What are some moving day hacks?
Moving day can be smoother with a few smart tricks. Declutter before packing. Organize boxes with heavy items on the bottom and light ones on top. Label everything clearly.
Keep an essentials bag handy, charge your phone, and ensure there’s a clear path for movers to work efficiently. If you feel you won’t be able to lift heavy furniture, consider hiring professional movers to assist you.
How much should I tip my movers?
A good rule of thumb for calculating movers’ tips is to give 10-20% of the total billing amount. You can tip $20-$40 per mover for a half-day (4 hours) and $40-$80 per mover for a full day’s work.
