14 Moving Tips That Save You Time and Money

How to Make Your Relocation Smooth and Hassle-Free

Moving to a new house can be overwhelming, but with the right moving tips, the process becomes much easier. Proper planning, organization, and a step-by-step approach can help reduce stress and make the experience more manageable. Whether you’re relocating across the city or to another province, following the best packing and moving tips ensures a smooth transition. From decluttering your home before packing to labeling boxes for easy unpacking, every small effort adds up to a hassle-free move. Hiring professional movers can also save time and effort, ensuring that your belongings arrive safely at your new home.

Tips #1: Think about selling your house with furniture

To speed up the moving process, consider listing your home for sale as furnished. Selling furniture and decorative items with the house not only saves time on packing, especially when moving long distances but also creates decorative elements for potential buyers looking for a fully furnished home.

Tips #2: Sort belongings effectively

Given the accumulation of belongings over the years, sort your possessions wisely. Make a plan for the items you will take with you and consider options such as renting a dumpster for bulky items, donating clothes and household items to charities, giving away items to friends and family, organizing a garage sale or selling antiques and collectibles to local shops or online auctions.

Tips #3: Book a moving service early

It’s important to plan ahead when booking a moving company. To make sure you get the right truck and the date you want, it’s best to book several months in advance, especially during peak moving seasons. Being proactive can help you avoid any issues and ensure a smooth move.

Tips #4: Choose a reliable moving company

Finding a trustworthy mover requires research. Ensure the company you choose has proper licensing, insurance, and a good reputation. Look for companies that offer comprehensive moving tips and checklists to help streamline your move.

Tips #5: Get multiple estimates

To make an informed decision when choosing a mover, obtain at least three in-person estimates. Make sure you choose a licensed and insured mover who can provide you with a binding estimate, which guarantees a fixed price after the loading process. When interviewing potential movers, prepare a comprehensive list of questions regarding timelines and down payments, and make sure to avoid upfront payments that exceed 50%. This will help ensure that you are making the best possible decision for your move.

Tips #6: Choose a company with customized services

When looking for a mover, first assess your needs. Not all movers offer the same services. Make sure the mover you choose can provide the specific services you require, such as temporary storage, vehicle transport, or delicate relocation of valuable items like a baby grand piano. If you need to transport fragile items like artwork, make sure the mover offers full value coverage and, if necessary, specialized crating for oversized art.

Tips #7: Check out insurance options

It’s important to have the right moving insurance, no matter how far you’re moving. Your homeowner’s insurance may cover damages during transit or storage, but it might not cover damages that occur while packing. To ensure comprehensive protection, consider other options such as full value coverage or third-party insurance.

Tips #8: Follow smart packing techniques

As a general rule, allow one day to pack each room in your home. For rooms with significant contents, such as the kitchen and garage, add another day. The estimated time required to pack your home depends on its size:

Studio Apartment: 1 day

1-Bedroom Apartment: 2 days
2-Bedroom House: 3-4 days
3-Bedroom House: 4-5 days
4-Bedroom House: 5-6 days

Efficiency and stress reduction can be achieved by hiring two or three experienced movers to do the packing, although this will cost 75% to 100% of the total moving costs. To streamline the packing process, ascertain the number of boxes needed based on your home’s square footage, considering various box sizes.

House size	Small boxes needed	Medium boxes	Large boxes	Extra-large boxes
400-700 square feet	7-15	9-15	6	3
700-1250 square feet	17-23	15-22	7-11	4-6
1200-1700 square feet	32-37	25-35	16-20	10-12
1700-2200 square feet	38-42	36-47	21-26	13-15

Tips #9: Purchase packing materials

In addition to the boxes, it’s important to gather the right packing supplies. Your checklist should include essentials such as packing tape, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, thick permanent markers, ziplock bags, labels, clean newsprint, scissors, and tape. For those who are moving on their own, it is advisable to invest in moving blankets. A frugal approach involves using sheets, towels, and blankets to wrap fragile items, which minimizes the need for excessive bubble wrap. Ensure that items are packed tightly using newspaper and newsprint to prevent them from shifting during transportation.

Tips #10: Start packing early

Begin packing months in advance to minimize last-minute stress. Start with non-essential items like books and seasonal clothing. If you’re moving in the summer, pack winter gear first. Creating a moving checklist can help keep everything organized.

Tips #11: Label your belongings

Labels serve as a navigational aid in a sea of boxes. Attach labels to the side, not the top, to ensure visibility. Clearly define the contents and designate a place for each box. Keeping an inventory list in a nearby notebook adds an extra layer of organization to the process.

Tips #12: Protect furniture fittings and cords

Disassembling furniture becomes a simplified process when you place screws and hardware in labelled plastic bags attached to the respective items. This practice guarantees quick access to the necessary components, whether it’s an HD cable for your TV or a power cord for your computer when you arrive at your new place of residence.

Tips #13: Organize your documents

Important documents such as passports, deeds, and leases deserve a dedicated folder for easy access. By centralizing these items, you’ll avoid the anxiety of searching for important papers among packed boxes.

Tips #14: The essentials for moving day

By following these best moving tips, you can ensure a smooth, hassle-free relocation experience. Whether you”re looking for expert moving tips and hacks or need a comprehensive moving checklist, proper planning will make all the difference in your next move.

A successful move requires careful planning and organization. By following these proven moving tips, you can streamline the process, reduce stress, and ensure a smooth transition to your new home. From smart packing strategies to choosing a reliable mover, every step plays a key role in making your relocation trouble-free.