Cross Country Moving Tips and Tricks

ChildrenFamily

Jul. 13

My family and I have moved 5 times now, and as a result, I have some cross country moving tips and tricks to share. First of all, the process of moving starts long before the day you lock the door, hop in the moving truck and hit the open road. The more forethought you put into your move, and the organization you approach it with, the less stressful it will be in the long run.

1) Get rid of items that you no longer want or need

If you have any “big-ticket” items, you may want to have a yard sale. Be sure your items are clean, in working order and nicely displayed. Be sure to advertise your sale. Otherwise, the time invested, in my opinion is not worth it. Whether you have a yard sale or not, any other items can be donated to an organization such as Goodwill or The Salvation Army.

2) Pack a storage tote with essential items

Keep this with you during the move. Items in my tote include paper plates, paper towels, plastic ware, plastic cups, a skillet, a pan, wooden spoon, spatula, sharp knife, cleaning cloths, cleaning sprays, wash cloth, dish soap, towel, plastic shower curtain & hooks, toilet paper and any other essentials you’ll need when you first arrive at your new home.

3) Smart Move Color Coded Tape

Color-coding your boxes makes unloading so much easier. This is a lifesaver!

4) Create a binder with tabs for New Location & Old Location

In my binders I keep a list of all utility companies, banks, realtors etc. relative to each city we have lived.

5) Pack important documents in a small, fireproof safe

Keep this safe with you instead of in the moving truck. You will have easy access if you need them while traveling or when you first arrive.

6) Securing your furniture

Wrap your furniture in furniture saran wrap for protection. Remove all screws and legs from your furniture and put these in separate bags and label them. I put all the hardware in a toolbox so they are in one place when we arrive and easy to assemble.

7) Use bubble wrap and moving boxes

These help keep breakable items safe and limit the amount of shifting your items endure during the move.

8) Re-arranging your furniture

Many times, your furniture may not fit in your new house the way it did in your old one. Or maybe it looks out of place in your new home. You may want to refurbish or repaint some of these items to closer match your new décor.

9) Accept help

Often people will help you load or unload moving vehicles, or clean your home. All you have to do is ask (and provide them with pizza and beer!) Friends are often willing to help out and we have been blessed by many who were willing to help us in many ways. Don't be afraid to accept help or meals from others. It's truly is a blessing. Some day you'll have the opportunity to pay it forward as well.