Tips for Moving: One Week Before Moving Day
It’s no secret that moving can be stressful, especially when moving day is right around the corner and you’re not fully prepared. Good news is there’s still plenty you can do to make sure everything goes smoothly even just a week before moving day.
Make a Moving Checklist
Begin by creating a moving checklist with all of your necessary tasks. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed while allowing you to keep track of your progress. Remember to keep your checklist simple. Here are some example to-dos to get you started:
Gather your packing supplies - If you don’t have time to order your supplies online, you can visit a U-Haul® center and pick up everything from boxes and packing tape to furniture pads and plastic wrap all in one trip. Use the U-Haul® Moving Supply Calculator to see how much you will need.
Clean out your pantry and refrigerator - You can donate any seeled, non-perishable food to a food bank or offer it to a neighbor. Clear your fridge, freezer, and pantry of any open foods you know you won’t finish by the end of the week.
Gather important documents and valuables - Plan to carry any passports, wills, social security cards, and other important documents with you in a clearly marked folder. You may want to keep valuables, like jewelry or small electronics, with you as well for added peace of mind.
Finish any errands and pay bills - The last thing you will want to do is run errands on moving day. Pay your remaining bills, put gas in your car, pick up dry cleaning and complete any other remaining errands before moving day arrives so you can focus solely on moving.
Reserve a moving truck and professional movers - One way to alleviate moving day stress is to hire help. Start by searching for moving labor on movinghelp.com. You can even sort by customer rating to find the right fit. Don’t forget to reserve your U-Haul truck rental in advance as well!
Get your moving day supplies ready - You likely won’t have food in the fridge, so have some snacks and water ready. You may also want to gather some basic tools and cleaning supplies. There may be spills to clean up or furniture to assemble or disassemble.
Have a garage sale - Schedule a day to sell any unwanted clothing, furniture, appliances, and other belongings. What you don’t sell you can donate or discard. Having less items to pack will simplify moving day.
How to pack for a move in a hurry.
If you haven’t started packing yet, you may feel overwhelmed at the thought of getting everything stowed away in a matter of days. While it’s always best to pack thoroughly over the course of several weeks, it can be done in a short amount of time if necessary. Here’s how to quickly pack for a move:
Start right away - You may be tempted to organize your belongings, but the reality is it’s better to start immediately and pack as is. You can always sort everything after you get to your new place.
Don’t empty drawers/boxes - Don’t empty dresser drawers unless absolutely necessary. Use packing tape and plastic wrap to keep drawers in place during the move.
Utilize bags and suitcases - Small, loose items like utensils, pencils and pens, and toiletries can be put in bags, then the bags can be placed in boxes. Use rolling suitcases for bulky items like books.
Stay focused and be consistent - You may be tempted to watch TV while you pack, but you’re better off focusing on the task at hand. Try to do some packing whenever you have a moment, even if it’s just one or two things.
Recruit some helping hands - Remember that you’re not alone! You can enlist friends and family members to help pack. Certain professional movers also provide packing and unpacking services as well. Use Moving Help® to browse movers that offer packing services to help speed up your move.
Pack a bag of essentials - Don’t pack absolutely everything. Be sure to set aside some essentials and pack them in a separate bag. This could include toiletries, a change of clothes, phone charger, medications, and important documents.
Whether your move is in a week or a year, Moving Help®- Powered by U-Haul has professional movers ready to complete your move safely and efficiently. Go to movinghelp.com and find local movers today.