As a busy professional, the looming thought of a move can be enough to send shivers down your spine. Between work deadlines and personal commitments, carving out time for packing and coordinating logistics can feel like an impossible feat.
In such cases, hiring professionals sounds like a perfect idea. And it actually is. But before you start searching for the best moving and storage company around you, there are some measures you can take to ease up your job and save you enough time. Let’s look at some of these hacks and how they help you shift.
Planning Is Power
The key to a time–saving move lies in strategic planning. Don’t wait until the last minute – the sooner you start, the smoother your transition will be. Here’s how to get a head start:
Declutter Ruthlessly
Decluttering is more than just getting rid of junk. It’s about lightening your physical and mental load. Start by tackling a room or category (clothes, books) each week or two. Donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer need or use. This not only saves packing time but also reduces costs.
Create a Relocating Timeline
Map out key dates and milestones on a calendar. Include things like hiring professionals, booking cleaning experts, transferring utilities, and notifying important parties of your address change. Having a visual roadmap helps you stay on track and avoid last-minute scramble.
Research and Compare Options
Get quotes from multiple companies to find the best fit for your budget and needs. Consider professional brands like PODS that offer packing and unpacking assistance if your schedule allows some splurging to save significant time. Look for containers if you need some extra storage space. Finding the right companies will unburden you from almost all the responsibilities, save time, and help you in a frictionless shift.
Packing Like a Pro
Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to tackle the packing behemoth. Here are some hacks to make it a time-efficient process:
Invest In Quality Packing Supplies
Sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and permanent markers can look like a minor expense, but they save time and frustration in the long run. Cheap boxes are flimsy and prone to breakage, while sturdy boxes and quality supplies are a lifesaver when unpacking in your new space.
The Power of The Purge and Pack Method
Combine decluttering with packing. As you go through your belongings, pack up items you won’t need before you move (off-season clothes, holiday decorations). This frees up space and reduces the amount of last-minute packing.
Label Everything Precisely
Don’t underestimate the power of clear and detailed labeling. Include the room the box belongs to, a brief description of the contents (e.g., kitchen – pots and pans), and consider adding a numbering system for ease of unpacking. This saves you time searching for specific items later.
Utilize Space Efficiently
Fill boxes to capacity with appropriate filler material (crumpled paper, towels) to prevent items from shifting and breaking. Use larger boxes for bulky, lightweight items (clothing, pillows) and smaller boxes for heavier things (books, dishes).
Leverage Technology
There are numerous apps available that can help you with the shift by creating checklists, tracking quotes, and managing inventory. Use online resources for change-of-address notifications and utility transfers. Every technological advantage you can leverage translates to more time saved and less stress endured.
The Relocation Day Chaos
Relocating day can be a whirlwind, but with some smart strategies, you can minimize the mayhem:
Delegate and Hire Help
Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks. Enlist friends, family, or onboard professionals to lighten the load. This frees up your time to focus on work or supervise the overall move.
Fuel Your Crew
A well-fed crew is a happy and efficient crew. Prepare snacks, drinks, or maybe even a special meal for everyone involved in the move. This keeps energy levels high and reduces stress.
Stay Connected
Keep your phone and laptop charged and readily accessible. Inform colleagues of any potential interruptions related to the move and let them know how best to reach you if urgent matters arise.
Making Your New Place Feel Like Home
The move is complete, but the work isn’t quite done. Here’s how to make unpacking and settling into your new space a less daunting task:
Essentials Box
Pack a separate box with all the essentials you will need immediately upon arrival in your new home. This can include toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, chargers, and a few basic tools.
Unpack Room By Room
Focus on unpacking one room at a time. Prioritize high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathroom first. This allows you to regain a sense of normalcy in your daily routine more quickly.
Connect and Explore
Once the basic unpacking is done, take some time to explore your new surroundings. This could involve finding nearby grocery stores, parks, or coffee shops. Connecting with your new environment can help reduce feelings of isolation and make the new space feel more like home.
Your Time-saving Move Awaits
With these hacks in your arsenal, you are well on your way to conquering your move without sacrificing work. Though shifting paints a messy picture in our minds, a little planning, organization, and strategic delegation can be the keys to a smooth transition. So go ahead and make a streamlined shift. Your time and sanity will thank you.
