The busiest time of the year to move is May 15 through August 31, with more than 65 percent of the annual moves happening over the summer months.
If you can move during the non-peak period, it’ll automatically make things less disruptive, but that’s not always possible. Let’s look at five tips for a hassle-free move no matter what time of year it is.
1. Plan Your Move Ahead
One of the things that makes moving so disruptive is all the steps involved. Between gathering moving boxes and other packing supplies, booking a moving company, arranging temporary storage, and various other tasks, there’s a lot to deal with.
It’s not something you should try to throw together on short notice.
If possible, start planning at least 6 to 8 weeks before your moving day. Write up a timeline with all the important tasks – booking movers, gathering supplies, etc. As the weeks pass, you’ll have targets to compare against your actual progress.
2. Notify Everyone Who Needs to Know
You’ll need to notify a lot of people and organizations that you’re moving, including:
- Friends
- Family
- Credit card companies
- Banks
- Clubs and associations
- Utility companies
Some need to know sooner than others, but you should send them the details as early as possible. This will help avoid having bills or other necessary correspondence to go to your old address.
3. Pack in Waves
Part of the first step of planning your timeline is to figure out what you can pack and when. Some things can get packed away earlier than others.
For example, if you’re moving in the summer, you can safely pack your winter clothes as soon as you know you’ll be moving. You’ll need other things, like kitchen utensils and toiletries, up to the day you move.
Knowing when to pack up specific items and areas in your home gives you a head-start without disrupting your day-to-day life.
4. Rent a Storage Unit If Necessary
As you pack things, it can help reduce disruption around your home if those boxes and containers are out of the way completely. A storage unit can help with this.
As things get packed up, move them into storage and out of the house. You’ll have more space to work with, and it will be easier to clean as you go.
5. Get Rid of Anything You Don’t Need
Most of us have things around the house that we don’t need, especially if you’ve lived in your home for any length of time. Don’t feel like you need to take it all with you, particularly if you’re downsizing.
Decide what you won’t take with you as early as possible, so you aren’t forced to deal with it right before you move. You could start with a garage sale, then try to sell it on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, and eventually give it away or donate it if it doesn’t sell.
How Professional Moving Companies Can Help
Working with professional movers like Arrow Moving will also help make it a less disruptive experience. We can help you with any questions ahead of time, and our expert staff can help you save a lot of time and effort compared to doing it yourself.
Today, get in touch to discuss your moving plans and get a free, no-obligation quote.