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Whether you are moving by yourself or you have local movers helping you, good preparation for your moving day is half of the quality job done. We created a list of 20 useful tips when it comes to moving and packing.

1. Make a list

Organization is the most important step of every move. You have to plan ahead of time and have things ready for your move regardless if you are moving by yourself or having a moving company to move you. Have a dedicated notebook for your upcoming move where you will write everything that you need to get, do and organize for your move. Don’t rely on your memory when it comes to moving because there are a million little things you will need to think about.

2. Set the moving date

You don’t want to call your local packers and movers and reschedule your move dozen times. Think about the moving date that works for you and clear your schedule for that day. You don’t want to stress about the dates, you want to plan it ahead.

3. Do your research

You shouldn’t book the first local movers that appeared on Google when you typed movers near me. Do your research, call at least 3 moving companies that look legit. Check what they offer, what is included in the price and what additional services they might charge for. If you have friends or relatives that moved recently, ask them for recommendations.

4. Set your budget

Once you did your research and got few moving quotes, now it is time to set your budget. Don’t forget to ask what is included in the service of your local moving company. If you want them to do packing service for you, check if it is included in the price. Ask for gas and fuel charges. See if they will disassemble and assemble your items, is wrapping service included etc. Don’t forget to check if they are insured.

5.Book your movers ahead of time

Don’t wait until the last moment to book your moving company. Especially if you have only one date that is preferred for you, you don’t want to lose that date. Also, if you wait until the last moment, prices might go up based on their availability.

6. Sort your items by category

Once you start preparing items for your local move, you should sort them out. Try to sort them by category, the best would be by room. It would be easier for you to see what you want to take to your new home and what not. Also, it would be easy for you to unpack and find a place for your items in your new home.

7. Get rid of everything you are not using

If you haven’t used those plates for years – get rid of them. Anything that doesn’t fit in your new home or it is not usable – get rid of it. You can organize garage sales or donate whatever you can. You don’t want to make a mess at your new home.

8. Get packing material

Don’t try to save money on packing material. You need quality packing boxes in order to keep the safety of your items. You don’t want to damage your valuable belongings over a few dollars.

9. Start packing in time

If you don’t want to have stressful moving, you should start packing it time. Once you decide what you want to take with you and what to leave behind, it will be easier for you to anticipate how much time you will need for packing. You don’t want your local movers to arrive on a moving date and you are not even half packed.

10. Check if you still have original boxes for your electronic devices

This is a great tip to save you some money. Local moving companies might have TV boxes, but you will have to pay extra for that. If you have original boxes of your devices, it will be easier for you to pack them and you will know they are protected.

11. Take a pictures of your electronics before unplugging

We don’t even have to mention how much you will help yourself if you do this. You will save a lot of time when you get to your new home and need to plug them back. And not only that, you will have a proof of how they looked before the move in case something gets damaged.

12. Keep your valuables and documents with you

Sometimes during the local move, some boxes might be displaced and you can have a hard time to find them. Anything valuable like this should go with you in your car. You don’t want to even think about what can get wrong.

13. Pack an essential box

Don’t forget to pack your essential bag or box. You don’t want to go through dozens of boxes to find sheets for your bed the first night in your new home. Also, during the move you might need your charger, spare clothes or anything – keep those things next to you.

14. Have baby/pet sitter

Moving sites can be very dangerous for your little kids and pets. You should organize someone to take care of them during the move. You will also have to be in control and take care of the things during the move and you won’t have that much time to check up on your pets and kids. It will be less stressful for everyone involved.

15. Charge your phone

You don’t want your phone to turn off on your moving date. Not only will movers call you before they arrive at your pick up location, but they might need help to find your new home. You have to be ready to give them instructions.

16. Defrost your fridge

You don’t want to have a fridge full of groceries on your moving date, so stop buying them a few days before your move so you can defrost your fridge before your movers arrive. They will move your fridge even if it’s not defrosted, but you will raise the chance of damages on the rest of your items.

17. Set a side cleaning supplies

We believe you don’t want to leave your old place dirty after the move. Have some cleaning supplies aside so you can clean everything up when movers leave.

18. Prepare your new home

Make sure you are done with painting and renovating before you bring your furniture in. It will be way easier for you to have your home ready. And not only that, you will feel like you are home since day 1.

19. Create a layout of your new home

Usually local packers and movers charge the hourly rate. You don’t want them to waste your time and money while you are changing your mind for the 10th time where that china cabinet should be placed. Create a layout of your new home and plan ahead where you want them to take what items.

20. One last walkthrough

Before you leave your old home for good, check if movers loaded everything in the truck one more time. Don’t forget to check cabinets, drawers etc. You don’t want to leave anything because you might not be able to get back there to take your items.