3 Shortcuts to Make Moving Easier and Get Settled Quicker

Even though some 40 million Americans move each year, packing up all your belongings and saying goodbye to a home and/or community you’ve lived in for years is still a daunting and emotional task for most people. Of course, it’s easy to see why, as moving requires a ton of work and logistics to ensure everything gets from Point A to Point B without too many hiccups.

But taking on this chore doesn’t automatically mean you have to accept your fate as being overwhelmed or underprepared. Moving can be manageable, though it helps to follow a few tips and tricks from industry insiders. Keep reading to learn a few shortcuts you need to master your upcoming move.

1. Declutter, Donate and Recycle

First things first: Before you start filling any moving boxes, make sure you’re packing items you actually use and that still serve a useful purpose. As hard as it may be to part with some of your belongings, think of everything you’ll be gaining in return, including more time spent with family and feeling proud that you’ve donated items to those in need. Plus, less clutter means more potential space for you to turn your next home into one of your dreams.

Pro tip: Donating unwanted items, especially your old sofa and dining room table, means you can start fresh with furniture and accessories that fit your new space. Buying from a reputable furniture retailer that offers free delivery is also a good way to go. And by having larger items delivered, set up and assembled directly in your new home, you can take a lot off your unpacking to-do list.

2. Pack an Essentials Box

Now that you’ve pared down your belongings, it’s time to get serious about packing everything that’s left. But before you get down to the nitty-gritty of silverware and photo frames, start by labeling and filling up your “essentials box.”

An essentials box is just that: a box loaded with items you’ll need for the first night or two after moving into your new home while everything else is still sitting inside boxes. Having this so-called survival kit will give you access to the things you need most and prevent you from having to run to the store to pick up these essentials.

Pro tip: Not sure what else belongs in your essentials box? Stash things like toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, over-the-counter medication, a change of clothes and bedding.

3. Keep Track of Items

Though there are a variety of ways to go about keeping track of your things, the main goal here is to save you from unnecessary stress when it comes time to unpack. The more organized you can be when packing, the quicker you’ll be able to get settled in after your move. 

So, try using markers and labels or colored packing tape to differentiate between rooms. Or, number your boxes and create a quick guide that corresponds to each number and lists the contents in each box. Additionally, be sure to indicate whether the items are fragile. Keep in mind that if you’re the one doing the packing, adding bubble wrap, newspapers, sheets and the like will help keep everything in one piece and avoid things arriving broken or shattered.  

Pro tip: Don’t pack different items from separate rooms or living spaces. Instead, pack up your belongings one room at a time and put like with like. In other words, don’t toss bathroom necessities in with kitchen glassware. Even if there is space left in a box, resist the urge to add additional items from other parts of your house.

Moving Means Having a Fresh Start

While moving isn’t always an easy task — it can undoubtedly have its roadblocks — maintaining a positive outlook is key. Moving means creating a fresh start, whether that’s with your furnishings or daily routine, and it’s a chance to make changes to your lifestyle as you see fit.