Many people dislike the moving process, as it involves effort, time, and money. However, moving doesn’t have to be disastrous, and you don’t have to spend a lot of time preparing to relocate. The hacks below will save you time during your move.

1. Create a Moving Checklist

A moving schedule keeps you on track and determines the appropriate timeframe for various tasks. The checklist also prioritizes relocation activities like canceling subscriptions, notifying utility providers, and organizing documents so you avoid mistakes. 

You can create the moving checklist as early as 60 days before the move to give yourself ample time to get organized. While you can print the list the old-fashioned way, moving apps simplify the process and send reminders to your phone that keep you on top of things.

2. Declutter

The more stuff you have to move, the more time and money you spend on the relocation. As you pack all the rooms in your house, keep items you no longer use or need aside. Some things to eliminate are old toys, ripped clothes, old cookbooks, broken or outdated appliances, and shoes you haven’t worn in a year.

Survey storage areas like the basement and attic, as they often accumulate unused items. Also, consider the dimensions of your new home, and get rid of anything that won’t fit or things that will look out of place.

Another tip is to declutter by category rather than by room. For example, place all books or beddings in one place to determine the excess. Organize the pared-down items into three piles to sell, donate, or throw away. A garage sale for possessions in good condition is a great way to make money during your move.

3. Gather Packing Materials

Packing consumes a lot of time, so you need creative ways to pack as quickly as possible. One time-saving tip is to determine the type and quantity of packing materials you need beforehand. Then, stock up on moving boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, permanent markers, and packing tape to avoid running back to the store. You can also use items you already own, such as trash bags, clothing, towels, suitcases, and bags.

4. Pack Like a Pro

To save time, sort and pack everything ahead of the moving day. Designate a central place in your home, such as the garage or living room, to store packed boxes. Label boxes in detail with the room they belong to and the contents they contain to guide movers. 

Another idea is to color code every room in the new place and mark the corresponding boxes. For example, blue can indicate the primary bedroom, while green signifies the kitchen. Sketch a floor plan on moving day, where you indicate the colors that correspond to each room. 

5. Pack an Essentials Bag

You often need chargers, a change of clothes, toiletries, important documents, and medication during and after the move. If you lose track of these items, you often have to unpack boxes on moving day to find them, wasting more precious time. So, pack essentials in a small bag that you keep with you to prevent movers from loading it onto the truck.

6. Hire Professional Movers

The ultimate secret to a quick move is hiring professional movers with the experience and equipment to safely pack, load, and unload your items. Clear the path for the experts and give them a walkthrough of your home after they arrive. The movers also have an easier time if everything is packed and unplugged. Leave some time-consuming tasks like disassembling, assembling, and wrapping the furniture to the movers. 

Switching homes is often time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. At Island Movers Inc., we are committed to helping you save time and money and keep your items safe during loading, unloading, and packing. Contact us today for an efficient move.