{"id":36783,"date":"2016-04-02T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-04-02T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/movinginsider.com\/?p=36783"},"modified":"2019-06-27T14:42:50","modified_gmt":"2019-06-27T21:42:50","slug":"9-steps-to-moving-like-a-pro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/2016\/04\/02\/9-steps-to-moving-like-a-pro\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Steps to Moving Like a Pro"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When you decide it is time to move, you experience a mixture of emotions. \u00a0One minute you are excited at the possibilities of a new start, the next minute you are stressed and thinking about all the things that must be done before you experience the benefits and last you can be found on the couch overwhelmed, procrastinating and eating a loaf of french bread while watching Netflix. \u00a0Well, that last part may just be me! \u00a0Usually, you wish you had a professional moving assistant, but you can be a pro too! \u00a0Moving like a pro is easy with these tips!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-36795 \" src=\"https:\/\/movinginsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Everything-you-Need-to-Know-1.jpg\" alt=\"Pro Moving\" width=\"224\" height=\"336\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Everything-you-Need-to-Know-1.jpg 735w, https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Everything-you-Need-to-Know-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Everything-you-Need-to-Know-1-683x1024.jpg 683w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 224px) 100vw, 224px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Establish a Preferred Moving Timeline<\/h3>\n<p>Set reasonable expectations for when you would like to move.<\/p>\n<h5>Apartment<\/h5>\n<p>If you have a lease and know you do not want to stay where you are at, check your lease for how far in advance you need to give notice. \u00a0Many times this is 30-60 days ahead of time. \u00a0Not meeting the notice deadlines can cost you fines or even an extra month in the residence. \u00a0You must also take into account how long it will take you to find the right place. \u00a0Starting in advance and checking multiple places can help you avoid moving in another year if you are unhappy with the location or the amenities of your new place.<\/p>\n<h5>House<\/h5>\n<p>If you are planning to buy a home plan to start this timeline around 4-5 months before you like to move. \u00a0Finding the right home and closing\u00a0can take more time than you anticipate. You do not want to be stuck making the choice to renew your lease or pay higher monthly rent for a month-to-month arrangement while you wait on finding the right home and the financing. \u00a0Remember that this timeline may need to be a bit flexible, but by setting the timeline you will stay organized with all the other moving arrangements you will need to coordinate. \u00a0Give yourself the time to find the right fit!<\/p>\n<h3>Start Looking For a Place<\/h3>\n<p>Once you have established when you need to start the process based on your timeline, start looking for your new place. \u00a0If you are not familiar with the area, start looking online for neighborhoods that fit your needs.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If you are single and enjoy the nightlife or being close to public transportation use google to determine the areas best for what you are looking for.<\/li>\n<li>If you have kids you can search the best neighborhoods for children with parks and lots to do for kids.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you know the neighborhoods, start researching complexes and get an idea of what is available in your price range. \u00a0Sites like <a href=\"http:\/\/www.areavibes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">areavibes.com<\/a> can help you with finding the right neighborhoods as well. \u00a0Once you find a place you like secure the place by putting your deposit down and scheduling your move-in date.<\/p>\n<h3>Inventory your Belongings<\/h3>\n<p>Now that you know when you will be moving and have given yourself enough time you can begin preparing for your actual moving day! \u00a0Chances are you have forgotten how much you actually have and there are probably items you no longer need or want. \u00a0This step can sometimes happen at the same time as step 4 if you are efficient like me. I like to do the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pull everything out of the closets, cabinets, and drawers one section at a time.<\/li>\n<li>Keep a box for things you\u00a0want to sell, a box for things\u00a0you\u00a0want to give away and a box for things\u00a0you\u00a0can pack right away.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>No sense in putting items back that you know you will not need in the next month. \u00a0Once you know exactly how much you have left it makes it so much easier to determine how many boxes you need and the size moving rental equipment you will need.<\/p>\n<h3>Sell or Give Away Unwanted Items<\/h3>\n<p>As you take inventory find the items you want to get rid of and as mentioned above pick the items that you would want to sell or give away.<\/p>\n<h5>Giveaway<\/h5>\n<p>For give away items, consider giving to Big Brothers Big Sisters, Salvation Army, and Goodwill. \u00a0They are all pretty good with taking all items and not picking and choosing items. \u00a0If you lug the items to donate and they turn you away or do not want what you have it can be frustrating to haul it back home or find someone else to take it.<\/p>\n<h5>Selling<\/h5>\n<p>For selling items you can use places like <a href=\"http:\/\/www.buffaloexchange.com\/how-it-works\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Buffalo Exchange<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.platoscloset.com\/how-it-works\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Plato&#8217;s Closet<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/urban-exchange.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Urban Exchange<\/a> or even try selling them on these <a href=\"http:\/\/mashable.com\/2013\/09\/03\/clothes-resale\/#ToMq06fxBsq4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">online stores<\/a>. \u00a0For selling used furniture try using Facebook Sales, Craig&#8217;s List or local second-hand stores. \u00a0The more you get rid of, the less you have to pack, move and unpack.<\/p>\n<p>The worst thing you could do for yourself is to move with things you do not want anymore. \u00a0It is too much work! \u00a0Use these tips to help you with <a href=\"https:\/\/movinginsider.com\/2013\/11\/09\/five-tips-to-get-rid-of-clutter-when-downsizing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reducing clutter<\/a>. \u00a0The more you can prepare ahead of time the easier your move will be and the sooner you do this the sooner you will only be looking at what needs to be moved.<\/p>\n<h3>Reserve Your Moving Equipment<\/h3>\n<p>Believe it or not, there is a busy moving season! \u00a0It is important to reserve your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/Truck-Rentals\/?utm_campaign=uhaulsm&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=trucks&amp;utm_content=20160402-9stepstomoving\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">moving equipment<\/a> ahead of time to ensure you get the size you need. \u00a0Since you took inventory you should have an idea of what you need to put in the moving truck or trailer, but if not use this to help you <a href=\"https:\/\/movinginsider.com\/2013\/01\/14\/truck-rental-siz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">choose the right size truck<\/a> for your move. \u00a0Don&#8217;t forget to reserve a dolly and order your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/MovingSupplies\/?utm_campaign=uhaulsm&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=movingsupplies&amp;utm_content=20160402-9stepstomoving\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">moving supplies<\/a>. \u00a0You can even order online and pick them up the same day at the store near you.<\/p>\n<h3>Pack Ahead of Time<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-36793 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/movinginsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/12_15_Moving_Supplies-271.jpg\" alt=\"Move like a Pro\" width=\"759\" height=\"506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/12_15_Moving_Supplies-271.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/12_15_Moving_Supplies-271-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/12_15_Moving_Supplies-271-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/12_15_Moving_Supplies-271-1024x683.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 759px) 100vw, 759px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If you successfully followed the above step you already have your needed supplies. \u00a0So get started packing!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Start by packing seasonal items that are not needed right now. \u00a0Then you can move to your knick-knacks or other decorations around your home.<\/li>\n<li>Pack all items that you will not be using in the next 2-3 weeks. \u00a0This is the step that everyone pushes back because who wouldn&#8217;t rather watch Netflix or do pretty much anything else? \u00a0But this is the most important step to move like a pro! \u00a0Saving it all for you moving day or the night before will ensure exhaustion and will make it hard to stay on track and on time!<\/li>\n<li>You should also take the time to label all your boxes. \u00a0Be very descriptive and do not pack items from other rooms in the same box. \u00a0It is better to use a brand new box than mix them like that. \u00a0Imagine every box feeling like that one &#8220;junk drawer&#8221; everyone has! \u00a0Chaos will ensue and it will take you much longer to unpack later. \u00a0Using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/MovingSupplies\/Tape\/Smart-Move-Tape?mid=90&amp;utm_campaign=uhaulsm&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=movingsupplies&amp;utm_content=20160402-9stepstomoving\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Smart Move Tape<\/a> also helps divide the boxes by color so you can take them directly to the right room. \u00a0For more tips on packing, read this blog on <a href=\"https:\/\/movinginsider.com\/2016\/02\/26\/packing-tips-for-a-move\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">everything you need to know about packing<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Hire Moving Help\u00ae<\/h3>\n<p>If you really want to move like a pro, hire professionals. \u00a0They know moving hacks, the safest way to load the trucks and they can move especially quick if you have done most the packing ahead of time. \u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/MovingHelp\/?utm_campaign=uhaulsm&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=movinghelp&amp;utm_content=20160402-9stepstomoving\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Moving Help\u00ae<\/a> is reliable, convenient and has reasonable prices from local moving companies. \u00a0If you do not want to hire help, ask your most reliable friends and give them enough time to put it on their calendars! \u00a0But again this is moving like a pro and even the pros hire help because it just makes the process so much easier!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-36835 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/movinginsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/1_16_Moving_Help_148.jpg\" alt=\"Pro Movers\" width=\"759\" height=\"506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/1_16_Moving_Help_148.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/1_16_Moving_Help_148-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/1_16_Moving_Help_148-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/1_16_Moving_Help_148-1024x683.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 759px) 100vw, 759px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Un-Pack in Order<\/h3>\n<p>Once you get to your new place you usually will not want to unpack. \u00a0There have been times I have left boxes packed for a couple of months just trying to avoid it. \u00a0If you follow these steps you will have an easier time just jumping right into unpacking or will know what you can wait on to unpack depending on your mood!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Take your well-labeled boxes to the room they belong right away. \u00a0This allows you to unpack your boxes based on what you need right away.<\/li>\n<li>Remember the seasonal boxes you packed first? \u00a0These will be the last boxes you need to unpack.<\/li>\n<li>The first items you unpack can be the bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom. \u00a0This allows the guest room, office and other spaces like the garage to stay packed for a couple of days or until the next weekend. \u00a0This takes the stress and urgency out of unpacking and also organizes the process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Make your New Place a Home<\/h3>\n<p>After you get unpacked make your place home by adding some DIY decorations or projects. \u00a0After all this work you should enjoy your home. \u00a0Once you are settled and have everything unpacked you officially moved like a pro!\u00a0Now get out there and show the world how to move like a pro!<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>What tip for moving do you think makes you move like a pro? \u00a0Tell us in the comments!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you decide it is time to move, you experience a mixture of emotions. \u00a0One minute you are excited at the possibilities of a new start, the next minute you are stressed and thinking about all the things that must be done before you experience the benefits and last you can be found on the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":198,"featured_media":36797,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[117,2367,284,184,185,2241],"class_list":["post-36783","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-moving-2","tag-moving-help","tag-moving-like-a-pro","tag-pack","tag-u-haul","tag-uhaul","tag-unpack"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36783","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/198"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36783"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36783\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48254,"href":"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36783\/revisions\/48254"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36797"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}