Moving to a new home in Beaverton can be an exciting and stressful process, getting professional moving tips can help make your relocation stress free. The Smoove Movers share their best moving tips on packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking during local or long-distance moves. As professional local movers, we want to ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible. Proper planning and preparation are key to an efficient move. Our experienced movers can guide you through every step, from creating a moving budget and timeline to properly packing and loading your belongings. Read on for our top 5 moving tips for making your Beaverton move great.
Summary:
Start Planning and Organizing Early
Starting the moving preparation process early is key to ensuring your relocation goes smoothly and efficiently. Beginning 2-3 months in advance gives you ample time to sort through belongings, obtain supplies, coordinate logistics, and prepare family members. Proper planning and organization early on will help reduce anxiety and stress while moving.
When embarking on an upcoming move, resist the temptation to procrastinate. Take the time upfront to thoroughly assess what needs to be done and create a realistic timeline. Break down the move into manageable steps and tackle a little each week. As professional movers, we recommend dedicating time every weekend to declutter, sort items room-by-room, and handle planning tasks.
Create an Inventory and Purge Unneeded Items
One of the first things you should do is take a full inventory of possessions. Walk through each room and garage to list furniture, appliances, decor, and other items. This helps determine how many boxes and supplies you’ll need. It’s also the perfect opportunity to purge unused belongings. Anything you haven’t worn, used, or even thought about in over a year can likely be donated or sold. Reducing clutter makes packing easier and lowers moving costs.
Research Logistics and Create a Calendar
With your inventory complete, you can start researching logistics like mover options, truck rental, storage units, change of address details, and more. Gather quotes and reserve services at least 1 month in advance. Then create a moving calendar detailing every task and deadline from packing supplies and change of address to utility shut offs. Post it somewhere visible as a constant reminder. Update it as tasks get accomplished.
Pack Room-by-Room and Label Clearly
Now it’s time to start packing! But don’t just haphazardly throw items in boxes. Craft a room-by-room packing plan and timeline. Start with non-essentials like seasonal decor then do kitchen, bedrooms, living spaces, and so on. As you pack, properly label each box by room and contents. Numbering boxes keeps load-in organized. Clearly marking boxes saves frustrating searches later.
Proper preparation is crucial to an efficient, stress-free move. Contact our team today to learn more about our extensive moving planning services. Our experts handle the details so you can focus on your family.
Large Boxes or Heavy Boxes? We Can Help
Communicate and Coordinate Logistics in Advance
Communication is key to a smooth move. With so many logistics involved, being organized and proactive about reservations, scheduling, and coordination will prevent stressful last-minute issues.
Start communications at least 2 months before move day. Confirm the following details in writing:
- Hire movers and confirm arrival time, number of crew, and contact info. Get a signed contract.
- Reserve moving truck/van and verify rental dates, equipment needs, insurance, and mileage allowed.
- Book storage unit if needed and obtain a contract with rate locks and insurance details. Measure the furniture to get the proper size unit.
- Schedule disconnection/connection of all utilities at old and new homes. Remember water, power, cable, internet, phone, gas, trash, etc.
- Arrange change of address with post office to forward mail to new home. Update accounts and subscriptions.
- Transfer medical records and prescriptions to new healthcare providers in the new city. Obtain referrals.
- Enroll kids in new schools/daycares and coordinate file transfers from old schools.
- Update insurance policies with new home address and moving truck/storage coverage.
- Notify credit cards and banks of upcoming address changes.
- Create accounts with local service providers like power companies in the new city. Schedule activation.
- If flying or using accommodations, book travel for family and pets early. Factor in mover arrival dates.
- Develop alternate lodging plans in case of move delays. Prepare for unexpected hurdles.
Print out a master list of all reservations and contacts. Share with family members involved in the move. Make extras to keep in your moving day binder as well. Having all the details in one place prevents frustrating last-minute scrambling.
Another pro tip – confirm every reservation 7-14 days in advance. Verify the movers, truck rental, utilities, and more are still scheduled as planned. Moving dates can get accidentally switched, so double-check. Staying on top of communication ensures things go smoothly when it counts – on a moving day!
Relocating can involve coordinating many details. Our move managers excel at handling logistics so you can focus on your family. Contact us today to learn more!
Use a Checklist to Stay on Track
Staying organized and on schedule during a move can seem daunting. There are so many tasks and logistics involved! An extensive moving checklist is essential to staying on track and reducing stress.
Checklists ensure no detail gets overlooked. They provide a clear plan of attack so you can methodically work through each task. Maintaining a master checklist also aids communication between family members. Assign specific items and set deadlines.
Create Detailed Room-by-Room Checklists
For each room, make an itemized list of everything that needs packing like furniture, decor, storage items, and more. Break it down wall-by-wall. Check things off as you pack. This prevents overlooking scattered items like desk drawers or closets.
Use a checklist for unpacking too. List items and boxes by room so you know what has been unpacked versus what’s still missing.
Maintain a Master Moving Checklist
Your master checklist contains every moving task, reservation, and deadline in chronological order. Include:
- Reserving movers and truck
- Packing supplies and picking up boxes
- Scheduling utility and address changes
- Booking travel and pet accommodations
- Transferring records and shutting off services
- Returning keys and cleaning old home
Post this list somewhere visible. Assign family members specific tasks and deadlines. Check in daily or weekly and update as items get accomplished.
Prepare a Detailed Moving Day Checklist
Itemize every step that needs to happen on move day such as mover arrival time, disassembly of furniture, loading order by room, labeling boxes, etc. Also include arrival time at the new home, payment and tip for movers, unpacking order, furniture reassembly, etc. Having a detailed plan avoids chaos on an emotionally stressful day.
Checklists are proven to reduce moving errors and keep you on track. Our move coordinators can provide customized checklist templates and guidance. Contact us to learn more!
Pack Strategically with Proper Materials
Packing properly is one of the most important tasks when moving. How you pack will directly impact the safety of your belongings and your moving efficiency. Follow these strategic packing tips to keep items protected.
Obtain High-Quality Packing Materials
Don’t skimp on supplies – use quality boxes, bubble wrap, and tape designed specifically for moving. Packing paper can also cushion fragile items. Other useful supplies include:
- Furniture pads – Protects furniture edges and prevents scratches.
- Moving blankets – Provides padding for furnishings, TVs, and mirrors.
- Mattress bags – Keeps mattresses clean during transport and storage.
- Wardrobe boxes – Specially designed to hold hanging clothes securely.
- Color coded labels – Helps organize boxes by room for easier unloading.
Take Inventory Before Packing
Number and label boxes methodically as you pack. An inventory list of each numbered box’s contents prevents frustrating searches later. You’ll know exactly which box to look in when needing a specific item.
Pack Room-by-Room
Pack one room at a time, starting with non-essentials like seasonal items in the basement or attic. Check items off inventory as you go. This method prevents chaos and forgotten spaces.
Wrap Fragile Items with Care
Utilize bubble wrap, paper, or linens to individually wrap delicate plates, glasses, picture frames, vases, lamps etc. Pack these extremely well in small boxes – heavy items can crush fragile ones if not separated.
Fill Empty Space in Boxes
Balled up packing paper, blankets, or towels should fill excess room in boxes to cushion contents. Loosely packed boxes risk damage as items shift during transport.
Label Boxes Clearly by Room and Contents
Utilize a color coded labeling system with room names and box numbers. This keeps boxes organized for movers and makes unpacking easier in a new home. Clearly detailing contents also helps locate specific needed items quickly.
Let our experienced movers handle packing for you, so your move is seamless and stress-free. Contact us to learn about our packing services and supplies!
Hire Professional Movers You Can Trust
Hiring professional movers is one of the best investments you can make for an easy, stress-free move. But not all movers are created equal. Doing research and vetting companies is crucial to finding reliable movers you can fully trust.
Check Reviews and Ask for Referrals
Online reviews offer transparent insights into a company’s service. Look for movers with consistently positive feedback on responsiveness, professionalism, efficiency, and care in handling belongings. Speaking to past customers you trust is also wise. Ask friends, family, realtors etc. about their moving experiences.
Look for Experience and Licensed Status
An experienced moving company that has been in business for many years is ideal. They’ve handled countless moves and have proven systems. Ensure the company is licensed and insured. This protects you in case of damages. Ask about their hiring practices as well – experienced staff reduces moving day headaches.
Get In-Home Estimates
Avoid vague online quotes – have movers do an in-home walkthrough to assess your specific moving needs. This allows them to provide an accurate estimate based on home layout, distances, and inventory. It also lets you vet companies in person vs. online-only movers. Assess professionalism, communication skills and knowledge during the estimate.
Understand Services Clearly
When comparing estimates, understand exactly what is included – packing supplies, packing/unpacking labor, inventory list, truck, mileage restrictions, insurance etc. Get guaranteed quotes and service details in writing via a contract. Be wary of vague verbal quotes. Reputable movers provide transparency.
Do a Final Background Check
Before signing a contract, do a final check of the company’s DOT license, insurance, BBB standing, and online presence. Ensure no major red flags are found. A last round of due diligence protects against moving day scams.
Trusting your belongings to strangers is nerve-wracking. Our movers’ experience, integrity and meticulous care provide complete peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more!
Relocating can be overwhelming, but proper planning and hiring reliable movers makes all the difference. The Smoove Movers have decades of experience guiding Beaverton families through smooth, stress-free moves. Our licensed and insured movers provide customized planning assistance and meticulously care for your belongings like they were our own. We handle all the stressful details so you can focus on your family. Contact The Smoove Movers today to get a quote for your upcoming Beaverton move. Let us put our expertise to work for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How early should I start planning my Beaverton move?
It’s best to start planning 2-3 months in advance. This gives you time to organize, sort possessions, get packing supplies, and coordinate logistics.
2) What is the most important thing when choosing a moving company?
Hire licensed, experienced, and insured movers with good reviews. Ensure they provide reliable and affordable service. Professional movers help reduce stress and prevent damages.
3) What packing supplies do I need?
Essential supplies include boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, labels, and inventory list. Also use furniture pads and dollies to safely move large items.
4) How can I make moving day smoother?
Organize belongings room-by-room and label boxes clearly. Confirm arrival time with movers and prepare drinks/snacks. Hand off boxes systematically and do a final sweep before departing.
5) What tips help children handle a move?
Give them time to say goodbye to friends and pack special toys first. Let them help pack to feel involved. Stick to normal routines and assure them it’s an adventure.
Packing Tips For Your Upcoming Move
Moving can be both exciting and stressful, but with the right tips and advice, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation. The Smoove Movers have shared their expertise on packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking during local or long-distance moves. By following their professional tips, you can make your move as seamless as possible. If you have any further questions or need assistance with your move, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced Beaverton moving company today. We’re here to help make your relocation a success.
