Back to Blog

How To Organize a Move in Advance in 6 Steps

well organized house for moving and packing

Simple 6 Steps To Successfully Plan And Organize Your Move

Whether they handle the move themselves or hire a full service moving service, nearly 50% of people say moving is one of their most stressful life events.

The good news is that by following a few simple moving and packing tips, you can achieve a nearly stress free move that saves you time, energy, and possibly money.

Here are some of our favorite packing and moving tips to ensure a streamlined process that makes moving to a new home more enjoyable and trouble free.

1. Make a List

Planning a move adds a lot of tasks to your to do list. Instead of trying to remember them all, make a list of everything that needs to be done and then prioritize it by date.

You might want to create a calendar specifically for the move and spread out activities, so you aren’t overwhelmed. Plus, you’ll get a lot of satisfaction in crossing off the date once you complete everything!

2. Declutter in Advance

Clear out old, unwanted, or broken items so they don’t make their way into the moving truck or a storage unit. Donate, recycle, or discard things you won’t need where you’re going.

Why pay to transport things you’ll only throw away once they arrive? And remember, if you’re putting some items in storage, be sure to distribute the weight of the contents evenly throughout the container. That way, they’ll stack nicely and securely.

3. Pack Early

Packing always takes longer than we think it will. Start early to pack up things like seasonal decorations and yard tools you won’t need before moving day. Use the correct size box for each item and try not to over pack them, as you’ll risk the box falling apart, hurting the person carrying it, and potentially damaging what’s inside.

4. Deal With Paperwork

Put all essential documents such as house deeds, wills, and insurance policies in a sturdy briefcase that locks. It’s a good idea to make digital copies and save them in two separate places, such as a thumb drive and the cloud.

5. Go Slowly

It’s tempting to try to get everything done as quickly as possible, but it can also be exhausting — and that makes it more likely you’ll slip up. Be realistic about how much you can get done, not what you hope to get done.

6. Pack a Moving Day Survival Kit

Before moving day, make sure to pack a “moving day survival kit” of essentials. It should contain necessary items to get everyone through the first day and night.

Think things like phone chargers, toiletries, bottles of water, snacks, and provisions for coffee and tea, plus clothing for the next day or two. When you’re well fed and hydrated, you’re better equipped to handle whatever comes up on moving day.

We hope these moving and packing tips are helpful as you get ready for your next move. Though nothing guarantees a 100% stress free move, planning in advance almost certainly guarantees your move will be easier than if you hadn’t planned at all!

GET A FREE ESTIMATE
Start Now

Which Tips on Labeling Would Make Moving Easier?

Proper organization and labeling will facilitate an error free and swift move. The following is a breakdown of how to set up tips that will help you retrieve items and scope out your new living space:

  • Be Descriptive: Make sure you list away boxes with all items inside them as compared to writing little vague phrases like “miscellaneous” on them. This makes the work of looking for belongings later quite effortless.
  • Put Numbers on Your Boxes: In addition to writing descriptions, assign a number to each box to facilitate tracking. To ensure even greater clarity, consider maintaining an inventory list that matches the numbers.
  • Fragile Items Marking: Fragile items boxes should be clearly labeled with bold lettering stickers of some kind, so that everyone in the moving process is made aware of the need to handle these boxes with utmost care.
  • First Unpack Prioritization: Mark boxes designated for immediate unpacking with a star or some unique color. These should contain essentials such as toiletries, kitchenware, and bedding.

Following these labeling strategies will not only change the nature of unpacking, but will completely change it into an easier and smoother process. You can also call moving company for assistance with your project.

GET A FREE ESTIMATE
Start Now

What Are the Benefits of Self Packing While Relocating?

Self packing boxes for your move can have a lot of positive benefits which may exceed the advantages of hiring a professional service. Below are factors that can buttress why self packing might be a better approach:

  • Cost Savings: If you pack by yourself, your moving expenses will be considerably lower. Professional packers can be very costly, and eliminating this expense can save you thousands.
  • Opportunity to eliminate clutter: You can pack your own items and declutter as you go. You will move only thatwhich you actually need. While packing put aside items that you wish to donate instead of packing them. This will make your life simple and help you start anew.
  • Personal Control: All sorting and packing of the items is left entirely to you. This modest autonomy guarantees that delicate items receive the care required, and that well organized belongings make unpacking hassle free.
  • Time Flexibility: Although self packing can be quite a chore, you alone can decide how long it is going to take, and can pack at your own pace. You can pack during your evenings or weekends, making the process as flexible as possible without having to work around the schedule of the movers.
  • Emotional Considerations: A sense of closure and association with the moving process comes when one decides to pack their own belongings. It allows them to reminiscence and let go of their past memories.

Managing the logistics of your relocation presents an opportunity to save money while simultaneously assisting you in organizing your possessions in a more effective manner, which gives you more control over how you wish the move to unfold.

GET A FREE ESTIMATE
Start Now

How to Pack Hanging Clothes for a Move

Organising your clothes packed on hangers does not have to be a hassle.It can actually be quite simple with the right strategy. To keep your hanging clothes neat and orderly during a move, here is a handy method you can use:

  • Gathering Your Clothes: Begin by categorizing your clothes into easy to lift stacks. Each stack should have a reasonable amount of bundles of hangers that, when filled, will be easy to carry.
  • Cover with Trash Bags: Employ large, unscented trash bags to safeguard your clothes. Inside out the bag and cut a small slit at the closed end’s bottom center.
  • Thread Hangers Through the Hole: In the previous step, we covered placing the bag over the clothes. Now, pull the tops of the hangers through the hole so the bag comes down over the clothes. This case protects garments from coming into contact with dirt and dust.
  • Close the Bottom: Tightly knot the open end of the trash bag at the bottom which will keep all contents enclosed and prevent clothes from slipping out.

With this technique, not only will you save time, but you will also have an orderly wardrobe that can immediately be hung once you arrive at the new house.

GET A FREE ESTIMATE
Start Now

In What Ways Do Matching Boxes Enhance Efficiency in Streamlining the Moving Process?

The use of matching boxes can greatly aid in streamlining and making the moving process more efficient and less nerve wracking. Here’s how:

  • Stress Free Stacking and Loading: Transporting your goods becomes simpler when all boxes are the same size since they can be stacked on top of each other, making more efficient use of the space in moving vehicles. This reduces movement of goods in transit and therefore prevents damage during movement.
  • Assist with Labeling and Organization: Uniform boxes create order and systematically organized labels. It is simple to organize things by area, and clearly labeled boxes assist movers in knowing precisely where each box should be placed when they arrive at the new house.
  • Enhances Efficiency in Packing and Unpacking: Standardized boxes facilitate a uniform technique for packing or unpacking. For example, books or delicate collectible items typically go into rigid containers or boxes of standard sizes, which simplifies both the loading and unloading processes.
  • Eliminates Need For Excess Tape And Supplies: Some boxes such as banker boxes do not require packing tape at all. This helps use time and money more efficiently with packing supplies while keeping your belongings secure.
  • Simplifies Renting and Storage Services: In case you want to rent or store a mobile storage container, uniform boxes allow easier identifiocation of space needs by the rental company which most of the time results in financial savings to you.

All in all, investing in matching boxes will potentially make moving day less stressful while improving organization so you can settle into your new home quicker and with less fuss.

GET A FREE ESTIMATE
Start Now

Activities to Help Children Settle Into a New Home

The entire family will experience stress when moving their home, especially children. To mitigate their stress and restore some semblance of normalcy, fun and familiar activities can prove quite useful. The following is a list of activities that may help children adapt to their environment:

  • Go on local expeditions: In order to get used to their new house, children explore new places which, in this case, would be new for them. Take walks around the neighborhood, or explore nearby parks, or go on a family bike ride to explore the community.
  • Become a member of the community: Look into local amenities such as a swimming pool or civic center because membership at these facilities also makes it easier for your children to get the social interaction that they require.
  • Plan separate outings: Devoting time to every child individually will enable them to feel appreciated. A short walk to the nearby cafeteria or a stroll to the bookstore followed by an ice cream treat can serve as a great bonding experience while making the transition simpler.
  • Relatable at home activities: Capture all the activities your kids cherish when at home. For instance, setting up a movie night accompanied by popcorn or painting are relishing comforts that can be reassuring in times of distress.

Indeed, families can turn a daunting move into an enjoyable experience by engaging in fun activities they can do together which the whole family can enjoy. Moving to new place can be done by hiring right moving company like Georgetown Movin and Storage Company. We will keep moving costs down, provide you with moving guide to make your moving date a success! From all moving companies, Georgetown Moving and Storage Company is just the best!

GET A FREE ESTIMATE
Start Now

What Is the Rationale Behind Using Clothing Bags to Pack Soft Items?

Clothing bags are an excellent choice for packing soft items like clothing, linens, and pillows. Their flexibility allows them to accommodate various shapes and sizes, often fitting more than standard boxes.

  • Space Efficiency: These bags can hold a generous amount of items, making better use of available space. This reduces the number of containers required for moving.
  • Protection for Fragile Items: When placed strategically, filled clothing bags can act as cushioning. They provide a soft buffer around delicate furniture, mirrors, or any item you’re worried about safeguarding in transit.
  • Easy Handling: Unlike bulky boxes, clothing bags are lightweight and have handles, making them easy to carry and rearrange within a moving truck or storage unit.

By choosing clothing bags, you optimize both packing space and protection, ensuring a smooth moving experience while keeping your belongings secure. For moving boxes and other moving supplies please contact our moving company.

GET A FREE ESTIMATE
Start Now

A Tactical Guide To Relocating Across the Nation With Kids and Animals

Coordinating a move across the country with family, kids, and pets can be quite overwhelming. Consider the following strategy to simplify the process.

Strategic Planning and Packing

  • Prioritize Essentials: Since there is little space available in your home and the vehicle you are travelling in, start by packing the essentials first. Think about what will be useful to you and your family when you reach the destination. Plan and start packing in advance, optimally weeks or months closer to your moving date in order to avoid a last minute rush.
  • Sort Out The Clutter Before You Move: Lessen the burden by selling, donating, or getting rid of items that are not adaptable to your new lifestyle. This is particularly the case when your new home is different in style, or your requirements have changed. This decreases the expenses associated with relocating as well as eases the burden of unpacking later.

Logistical Considerations

  • Shipping Supplies Ahead of Your Move: If you are using something like PODS, remember that you might not have any furniture for a little while. Air mattresses, cleaning items, and basic toiletries ought to be shipped ahead of time. This ensures that a few boxes do not need to be searched through for comfort during the first few nights.

Creating Comfort Amidst Chaos

  • Encourage Products that foster Positive Associative Signals: Adapting to a new environment is often anxiety provoking. Have retainer toys, blankets, or family portraits on hand to make unfamiliar settings warm and inviting. Involve children and pets when creating spaces to house these comforting objects.
  • Engage the Children: It can be beneficial to help children pack a “comfort box” consisting of their favorite items. This can provide a sense of control and help lessen anxiety.

Engage Help and Prepare for Settling in

  • Request Help: Family and friends can be extremely helpful while moving. Allow them to help in practical ways like buying groceries, or babysitting, so that some of the pressure is relieved when it comes to settling in.
  • Understand the Rollercoaster: Make room for the fact that relocating can be quite overwhelming at times. To balance one’s expectations, accepting the positives as well as the negatives is crucial. Allow yourself to feel both exultation and fatigue, it is all part of the journey.

Organizing a cross country move with children and pets does not have to be stressful. With adequate planning and a few proactive approaches in place, relocating can easily be made positive new chapter for your family. Georgetown Moving company can provide you with moving checklist to help you perform an organized move.

GET A FREE ESTIMATE
Start Now

Contact Georgetown Moving and Storage Company For Your Moving Quote

Georgetown Moving and Storage Company – professional movers, Washington DC Metro Area company is your packing professionals is here to help you organize and execute your move, whether you are packing a house or apartment. As industry leaders in packing, we also offer both local and interstate moving services. Furthermore, we offer storage units to accommodate your personal possessions.

Rely on our vast experience so that your move is as seamless and worry free as possible. For any inquiries about moving and storage, contact us – your local Washington DC, Northern VA & MD mover today. For a small or big move, for help with packing process on your moving budget we can help.

Contact us online today or call (703) 889-8899 for more tips on planning a successful move in advance.

Looking for something else?
What Our Customers Are Saying What Our Customers
Are Saying

Thank you for your service. The move went smoothly and your crew members were great – very helpful and professional. I will refer friends to your company in the future!

James Moving from Washington, DC to New York, NY

My husband and I had an excellent experience with Georgetown Moving. From the first phone call, I felt that we had picked the right mover for us. When moving day came, I truly appreciated that the team came in and…

Claire Moving from Alexandria, VA to Durham, NC

I have to tell you that my experience with your company was superb. Mohammed and his co worker (I am not sure I got his name) were so quick, courteous and professional. Their attention to everything was thorough. I will…

Claire Moving from Washington, DC to Washington, DC
  • Do You
    Need Storage?
  • GET A FREE ESTIMATE

    Short Form - Free Estimate

    GSA Approved logo