While moving means starting a new chapter, it is also one of the most stressful experiences anyone is likely to have. Moving office or commercial premises can rank pretty highly up there as well. The transition itself can take some getting used to, but it’s the moving process that many people find so demanding. Here, we will explore how the assistance of a professional moving service can transform your move into a smooth and stress-free experience.
The relief of having experts handle the logistics, combined with your proactive planning, can significantly ease the transition for you and your family. Here’s our top tips for a smooth move!
Planning Ahead with a Philadelphia Moving Service
Start Early
The power of early planning cannot be overstated. By initiating your move preparations as soon as you have a moving date, you gain a sense of control over the process. You can map out the timeline, explore your moving options, and prioritize the tasks that need to be completed before the big day.
Follow a Checklist
We will discuss in detail all the different things you must do to make the best move possible, but a moving checklist can help you easily keep track of the various tasks. Download the Master Your Move Checklist to keep everything organized and your plans on track. You can tick off each task as you go, making your move a breeze.
Set Your Budget
Moving costs money. This includes any services, vehicles, packaging materials, and the like that you’ll have to buy, as well as any storage costs or necessary expenses to help you get set up on the other side. Create a moving budget with estimates of costs to help you keep a close eye on the money side of things.
Choose the Right Moving Service
Do the Research
Before choosing a moving company, it’s crucial to do your homework. While some individuals manage their moves independently by renting vehicles for smaller loads, many families and businesses find that hiring a professional moving service with the right vehicles and skilled team makes a significant difference. Take the time to thoroughly research moving companies in your area and read reviews to identify which ones offer the best services tailored to your needs.
Get Multiple Quotes
You should know how much a moving company will cost you, so everyone you contact should be able to provide a cost breakdown of their services. At Best US Moving, we can gladly provide free estimates. You can use our site to let us know how far you’re moving and what type of service you need.
Verify Credentials
You should be able to trust the team that you work with. As such, be sure to check that they are licensed and legally able to provide the services they offer and, secondly, that they are insured. This protects you financially if, for instance, your items get damaged or lost in transit.
Decluttering before the move
Inventory Your Belongings
You should create an inventory of your belongings to declutter as you go. Not only will it help you get a more comprehensive view of everything you own so that you can better decide what to keep and what to throw, but you can also use it to check that everything arrives safely on the other side of the move.
Donate, Sell, Or Toss
There are different ways to downsize your belongings before a move and choose the way that best suits each item. Selling what you can ensures that someone gets some use out of it while helping you contribute to the costs of the move. Otherwise, you can donate what charities can make use of. You can also find sustainable ways to eliminate unwanted belongings, like finding centers to recycle them.
Why Declutter?
Decluttering can make your move easier and cheaper. If you have less stuff to sort through and move, you save space, which might allow you to use a smaller vehicle, which is typically less expensive.
Packing Tips
Gather Supplies
Take the time to find supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers ahead of time. To help cut your costs, you might be able to get some of these (like boxes) free from local businesses.
Pack Smart
You want to pack in a way that makes it easier for you to unpack on the other side. For instance, packing room by room and using large lettered labels on each box can help you quickly find where each box has to go in the new place. You can also leave the packing to Best Us Moving!
Protect Fragile Items
Ensure your fragile items are given a little more attention and care. Pack them separately, using extra cushioning, such as bubble wrap or even spare clothing, mark them as fragile, and ensure that nothing else is placed on top of them.
Create an Essentials Box
You’ll need to ensure that the essentials for living in your new home are put in one box or suitcase that you keep on your person. This includes your toiletries, a change of clothes, any medication, phone chargers, proof of ownership of the new home, and any other vital documentation.
Communicating With Your Moving Service
Confirm Details
First and foremost, to get the best out of your Philadelphia moving service, you want to make sure that you are on the same page. Confirm the moving date with them beforehand, preferably by a few days or even a week, so that you can be ready for moving day.
Offer Any Special Instructions
If you have any objects that require special moving instructions, such as those that are particularly fragile, heavy, or awkward to move, be sure to let your moving team know ahead of time. They can provide the right equipment to tackle the move in the appropriate way and consider the requirements for certain boxes or items.
Choose One Point of Contact
Having too many people communicating, giving instructions, and receiving advice can get confusing very quickly. It’s a good idea to have one person on your side act as the point of contact for the move. The moving team will have its own point of contact, meaning that you can ensure communication is consistent, leading to fewer misunderstandings.
Moving Day Tips
Dress Comfortably
When the big day comes, you want to ensure you’re ready. This starts by making sure that you’re dressed for the occasion. If you’re doing any of the lifting, be sure to wear clothes that fit, are comfortable, and do nothing to restrict your range of motion. You should also make sure that your clothes have no hanging or dangling parts that could get caught on doors, under boxes, and so on.
Stay Organized
Keep the move as organized as possible when loading things out of the house and into the vehicle. Make sure the paths of movement are clear for your moving professionals. If you have children or pets, find ways to keep them occupied or have a family member or friend watch them for the day.
Supervise the Move
Don’t be afraid to monitor how the movers are doing. They are professionals, equipped and ready for the job, but if you have any requirements, feel free to let them know to ensure that your belongings are kept safe and packed in a way that makes unpacking on the other side all the more convenient.
After the Move
Inspect Your Belongings
Take your trusty inventory, which should hopefully have all your items sorted by box, to ensure everything is on the other side. Take a quick peek inside boxes as they come off the truck to ensure they’re not damaged.
Unpack Using a Room by Room Strategy
Just as you packed by room, you should also unpack by room. Start with the most essential items first, and try to do it in one session so you don’t live out of boxes for weeks.
Settle In
Be sure to update your address wherever necessary, and take the time to explore your neighborhood. Introduce yourself to your neighbors and start getting your bearings, ensuring you know where to find everything you need, such as transportation links, local stores, and more.
Book Your Stress-Free Move with Best US Moving
Planning ahead and knowing the step-by-step of how to approach a move makes it a lot less stressful. However, the moving company you choose can also play a big role in that. Best is your best bet for a top-notch Philadelphia moving service. Look at what some of our past customers say about our services, and give Best US Moving a call or request a moving estimate today!