Tips From A Lifelong Mover: Making Moving Easy

Whether you're planning a cross-country relocation or are just moving a few towns over, professional movers can make your life a lot easier. While you're in transition between two homes, you're bound to have a lot on your mind as well as an overflowing to-do list. If your moving budget allows it, hire movers to do the packing and heavy lifting for you.

Professional moving services range from sorting items, packing boxes and loading a moving van, to actually transporting your belongings for you. They can also provide all of the boxes and packing materials, such as tape and protective pads, for you.

While the professional movers will do most of the packing and moving, there are a few things that you'll need to do before they arrive on moving day. Taking the time to go through your items beforehand will ensure that your delicate items and important papers will safely make it to the other side. 

Here are some ways that you can prepare for professional movers:

1. Hand-Pack Fragile Items and Documents

Although the movers are trained to pack delicate and fragile items with care, you still may want to hand-pack your valuables, such as family heirlooms, expensive crystal pieces and China dishes yourself. You can also keep smaller valuables with you and transport them to your new home yourself.

Other items that you may want to keep within reach are important documents, such as financial statements and medical records that you will need in the near future. Not only will you be keeping them safe, you'll know exactly where they are when you get to your new home. When you're in the middle of a move, the last thing you'll want to do is dig through boxes to find something in an emergency. 

2. Ask About Plants

Some moving companies won't move plants, especially if you're moving across state lines with different agricultural regulations, so inquire before moving day. You may have to decide to get rid of some plants, or pack them up to transport them in your car yourself. 

3. Clean Out Appliances 

Be sure to clean out any kitchen appliances, such as toasters, convection ovens and microwaves prior to packing them. This is especially important if your belongings will be in storage for a time, since food particles can attract pests such as rodents and cockroaches. 

Also, vacuum any rugs and fabric items, such as seat cushions, to remove any dust or debris before they're transported or stored.