Tips for Moving in 2021
We have some tips for moving in 2021 if you want a fresh start after the chaos of 2020. While moving can certainly be a headache, we can help you make it easy. The most crucial part of the move is in the weeks and months leading up to the move. Careful planning and preparation will make a world of difference.
Imagine if you don’t have a plan. You start with the best intentions and try to make everything as simple as possible in your mind until you begin to pack. That’s when you realize you’re in over your head. The boxes you have are too flimsy. You have no idea how to pack some fragile items. You need to order a lot more bubble wrap. Before you know it, you’re in a self-made mess.
Good news! This doesn’t have to be you. Our 2021 moving tips will help you prepare for a smooth, stress-free move. Keep reading to find out how.
What Don’t You Need? When people make the final decision to move, they usually start to wonder how they’ll possibly get everything from their old home to their new home. Our first tip for moving in 2021 is to start by eliminating items from your move.
Before you start labeling and packing, you should part ways with anything you don’t need or want anymore. Go through your attic and basement. Separate whatever you haven’t used in the last year from what you know you need to take. Donate what you can and chuck the rest.
You’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel when you realize you don’t have to bring absolutely everything in your home. It’s a simple mind trick, but it does wonders to relieve a bit of stress. The less clutter you have to deal with during the move, the smoother it’ll go.
Research Moving Companies. How lucky are we to live in a day and age where everything is online? It is easier than ever to find out prices, time frames, and services from the comfort of your couch. Because a moving company can make or break your moving experience, it is vital you research them ahead of time. If there’s one tip for moving in 2021 that you remember, let it be this one. And if you’re still debating on whether or not to hire movers, check out our article on the pros and cons of hiring movers.
You absolutely have to do your research when you’re hiring a moving company. There are a lot of companies out there who aren’t interested in helping you whatsoever and will happily take your money. We put together a guide on how to avoid moving scams. As long as you follow those guidelines, you’ll be alright.
Tip: Make Checklists for Moving in 2021. Once you’ve gotten rid of all the clutter and are ready to pack everything that’s left, it’s time to make a plan. Having a concrete plan and a list you can check off will not only make the transition smoother but quicker.
To be clear, this checklist is for packing. What all do you need to pack and how will you pack it? The more detailed, the better. When it comes to moving in 2021, you can never be too precise, especially during the planning phase. We suggest breaking things down by room. This checklist is going to be your best friend when you start packing.
Gather All Your Supplies Ahead of Time. Once you’ve made your plan, gather everything you’ll need. Include even the smallest and most “insignificant” piece of supplies. You won’t be very happy when you realize you’re low on tape and barely started. Again, checklists are your friend.
Include boxes, tape, markers, zip ties, bubble wrap, box cutter, scissors, plastic bags, Ziploc bags, and even tools like a hammer, pliers, and screwdrivers to help you disassemble things. Find a designated workstation area and try to keep everything there after each use.
Pack Least Used Items First. Anything that you’re keeping for mere sentimental value should be packed first. These are things you never use but want to keep. This includes books, movies, and décor. Make sure you label those boxes as non-essential, so they’re stored all the way in the back of the moving truck.
Like the decluttering we mentioned at the beginning of the guide, packing non-essentials helps to tackle one thing at a time. The more you can break large tasks into smaller tasks, the better.
Color Code by Room. One of the most helpful tips for moving in 2021 is this genius little trick. Rather than just labeling your boxes, color code them. Doing something as simple as using different color markers to label boxes can save you a lot of time in the long run. Our brains are wired to group things. By putting a system together to recognize what box belongs in which room just by looking at the color of the marker, you’ll make your move a bit smoother.
Create a “Fire Bag.” If you’ve ever wondered what you would take with you if there were a fire, you know what a fire bag is. It holds all your most valuable documents. Maybe some pictures and a few prized possessions. The moving version is very similar, but it’s in the form of a suitcase. It includes pajamas, toiletries, toilet paper, and a change of clothes. It is basically everything you need on your first night at your new home.
Packing this in advance is helpful for two reasons. One, you won’t be frantically looking for your things all over the place while trying to put it together. It will also ensure you have everything you need on your first night in the new home, which is super helpful when you’re beyond exhausted on moving day.
Tip: Move Slow and Steady in 2021. If there’s one thing most people moving have in common is that they are understandably entirely overwhelmed. The secret to being one of the rare (less stressed out) movers is changing your perspective and doing things slowly. Moving can be a great experience. You are, after all, starting a new chapter in your life. You’re purging away old things and making way for new opportunities by moving in 2021. With that said, try to enjoy every step of the way and handle each task with the intention of making things easier on yourself.
Don’t Forget to Take Pictures. One of the best things you can do to avoid creating a confusing mess for yourself at your new destination is to take lots of pictures of your electronics. Take pictures of the back to help you remember what plugs go in where and with what. Trust on this; even when you know exactly where everything goes, this is still a way to help your future exhausted- self a lot of trouble.
If you follow these easy tips for moving in 2021, your move will be smooth and even enjoyable. Try them out for yourself, and don’t forget to pay it forward and share this article with other people that might need it.
