So many things to think about when you’re moving. Too many, in fact! Here are some of our favorite quick tips we’ve compiled for getting yourself and your home ready (and making life a little bit easier) for the big event:
- As a great resource for cardboard boxes, look to your local liquor store. Liquor boxes are strong and reliable, and many include partitions that can be used to safely carry your drinkware.
- Mark your boxes on the top AND the side to give yourself an advantage when trying to find things – and don’t forget to include a brief description and what room the box should end up in.
- If you’re using a professional moving company, get to know them well. Do your homework to ensure they’re legitimate, and have all of the necessary licensing and insurance. You’re essentially moving your entire life, so don’t trust it to someone you haven’t researched and gotten to know.
- The less you have to move, the better – and there are plenty of “things” in your house or apartment that you know you don’t need in your new home. Have a plan to get rid of things you don’t need. We can help: if you have non-perishable food that you don’t want to carry with you, Lincoln Moving & Storage is a member of MoveforHunger.org. Ask your Lincoln rep for more information.
- At your new home, you’ll arrive to a sea of boxes which, no matter how organized you are, will take weeks or months to deal with. Pack the items you need first in clear plastic containers, so they’ll be at-the-ready for you, saving you lots of time searching.
- Keep sandwich bags handy for screws and small parts from items you have to dismount or take apart (and markers to indicate what they go to!). Physically taping the bags to the item the come from helps, too, but back yourself up in case things separate during the move.
- One of the great joys of moving is finishing up, grabbing a cold beverage, and vegging out in front of the TV in your new home. The last thing you want to do is deal with a web of cords behind your entertainment center. Take a photo of your set-up before disconnecting so you have an easy guide on how to put them back together.
- Think “outside the box” (literally) by using all available space to pack your things. Anything that has empty space inside it – from your washing machine to potholders to suitcases to desk drawers – can save your cardboard boxes and totes… and they’re making the trip anyway.
- Unpack the kids’ room(s) first – Unlike in the instructions you get from the flight attendant when the oxygen masks drop down from the ceiling, when you arrive at your new home it’s best to get the kids situated first. Not only will it make it easier for you to unpack the rest of the house, it’ll help them to settle in during the change.
- Yes, moving can be frustrating and at times it seems like everything is stressful and the whole thing is never going to be over. Remember that thousands of people move every day – and do it successfully. It’s going to be okay, and before you know it, you’ll be settled in your new home. And remember, a big part of what we do at Lincoln Moving & Storage is take that stress out of it for you by offering over 100 years of experience, customer service and know-how.