Moving Resources

Having a moving company on your side who supports and guides you through every aspect of your relocation journey is key to having a smooth and streamlined experience free of worry or chaos. Use our tips and tricks below to make your move the best it can be.

Planning & Scheduling Your Move

No matter what distance you’re moving over or the type of move you’re embarking on, having the right moving timeline and packing schedule makes all the difference between being less stressed and well-prepared and throwing things into bags at the last minute on moving day. Keep reading to make sure your moving timeline works for you.

Scheduling Your Movers

As soon as you decide to move or settle in an area or specific location, you should start researching your moving company.

Especially if moving in peak season, which is April-September, deciding on movers and getting your date locked down as soon as possible will allow you to not only have your ideal moving day but will prevent you from missing out on working with the movers you want entirely. Competition amongst moving clients is much higher during peak season, so booking as soon as possible will allow you to get this big task and stressor out of the way early. Try to schedule your movers at least 6 weeks prior to your move, but ideally even as much as 3 months prior to your move. This might seem excessive, but your peace of mind is worth it!

When looking for professional movers, make sure you know what kind of move you’re embarking on and any specialty services you might require. Do you have antiques, particularly large or awkward furniture, or vehicles that need moving? Is your move long-distance or international? Make sure your moving company has experience and specializes in the type of move you need so that your process is smooth and straightforward.

Before shopping around for quotes, thoroughly check the reviews of any potential company you’re considering to ensure they’ve provided good experiences for clients of all types, especially those with moves similar to your’s. Don’t just take the reviews provided on your movers’ website at face value; look on third-party review sites for real reviews from real people to ensure you’re hearing from actual past clients. Think Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and more.

Free Moving Quote

Organizing Your Move

Keeping your move as organized and streamlined as possible will reduce stress and chaos and keep you on a structured schedule. Consider the following to keep your move as organized as possible:

Make a Moving Binder/Folder: Especially for those embarking on a long-distance or international move, staying as organized as possible will make a world of difference in the success of your process. Consider making a moving binder or folder to specifically serve as a hub of sorts for all of your moving-related documents, estimates, and notes. Creating a moving checklist to keep in this binder will also help keep your packing schedule and process on track. Having a central place to keep all of this information will reduce stress and help you stay organized during your process.
Set Your Budget Early On: Before looking for a moving company, make sure to set a budget and include a buffer in case of unforeseen circumstances or costs associated with your move. When working with reputable movers like Siracusa Moving & Storage, you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees, but having a buffer for services you might not know you need yet (think auto moving, storage needs, etc.) will help you keep all of your things in order without going over budget. Additionally, having a working budget before getting quotes from potential movers will help you rule out companies that charge too much right away.
Create a Moving Timeline: Knowing your goals and creating milestones for yourself leading up to your move will lower your stress and make your move run as smoothly as possible. After establishing your moving date, create milestones or goals leading up to your moving day to keep you on track and organized. Key aspects or goals might include when to start the packing process, when to notify utility providers, when to get your address updated with banks/credit card companies/other relevant parties, and when to book any travel for yourself and your family for long-distance or international moves. Make sure to give yourself a roadmap of sorts for this process and make sure you have a clear timeline of what should be completed by when.

Creating a Packing Schedule

It’s no secret that packing is one of the most dreaded parts of moving. It’s arduous, labor-heavy, and stressful. However, you can make your move that much easier with a well-planned packing schedule that starts well before your relocation looms.

Decluttering & Downsizing: Before you even begin your packing process, one of the most important things you can do is to go through your home and declutter/downsize anything you don’t need or won’t take with you. Think clothes you’ve outgrown or haven’t worn in a long time, furniture in disrepair or that won’t work in your new space or junk that’s piled up in out-of-the-way spaces like closets, garages, or outdoor sheds. Getting rid of unnecessary and unneeded items will make your entire process easier and more affordable.
Gathering Packing Supplies: If not using professional packing services, make sure to begin gathering packing materials very early on to avoid running out. You’ll need things like boxes, plastic totes, bubble wrap or packing paper, tape, and more. You don’t have to buy all of these things, either. Try to keep costs down by asking local businesses like grocery stores or retail establishments or any extra boxes they might have from shipments or packing materials they might have lying around. Consider buying specialty boxes separately for fragile items or valuable possessions. Having the right packing supplies ready to go will help streamline your entire packing process and keep it easy and organized. Oh, and don’t forget to label!
Pack Room by Room: Amidst your packing schedule, you should organize your packing by taking things room by room. This will keep like items with like and will help with unpacking. Start with nonessential or decorative items, like paintings or wall art, and then work your way through each room until you’re left with only the essentials you’ll need in the days leading up to your move.
Pack Essentials Separately: Especially if you’re embarking on a move traipsing long distances, make sure you have your essentials packed separately and kept with you during your own journey. Things like important documents, toiletries, clothes and shoes that are needed as you wait for your items to arrive at your new home, and essential electronics should be kept with you as you travel.