I Want My Move to go Faster!
Movers often hear this question: “What can I do to make my move go more quickly?”
Moving takes time. However, there are several things you can do to help your move go faster and smoother. But realize that if you push too much, you may end up compromising the very important thing: quality.
So, if you push your movers too much, it may cost you more in the end. If you are truly interested in speeding up your move, here are a few things you can do that will help your relocation team stay on task.
Where and how to start
Another question movers often hear is which rooms are set up first. Usually, things go well if the beds are up in the bedrooms, and then the furniture can be filled in around them. We’ll tell you why in the list below.
Prepare a floor plan for your new home. Rooms should be labeled on the floor plan and at the new location. Movers will use this as a guide to unloading the moving van.
Be packed and ready to roll! Open boxes and people rushing around packing at the last minute can prevent a moving team from doing their job well. But being 100% packed is a time saver. Anything that can go in a box should be in a box before the relocation team arrives. Get a plan in place and work it to ensure it is correct. Being prepared always saves time.
Disassemble beds and large items. Before your movers get to your house, make sure your beds are broken down and placed against a wall. Label them so movers will know which room they belong in at your new home. This is another big timesaver. Your relocation team can do this for you, but it takes time. Also, pull drawers out of chests and dressers. You would be surprised how fast a move will go if you have things ready on your end.
Secure loose items Loose items take time to gather up and move. Tape or bind together items like rakes, brooms, shovels, with strong wrapping tape. The same is true with bed slates and always remember to mark which set of slates go with which bed. Use plastic wrap to secure drawers, protect mirrors, pictures, and wall hangings. Don’t wait to the last minute to remove and pack your artwork. Do that in the first stage of your move so nothing is broken.
Remove shelves Empty shelving can be packed or taped together. Glass shelves from bookcases need to be carefully packed and labeled to prevent breakage. Also, gather pegs that hold shelves in place and put those in a plastic bag that is then taped to the shelves. Glass shelves should be wrapped in padded moving blankets. Moving supplies usually can be rented or purchased from your moving company.
Wrap up cords. Moving computers and printers along with other electronics does not have to be frustrating, but it does take time. Wrapping cords and labeling them will save time on the loading end and the unpacking end. If possible, pack your electronic devices (TVs, sound systems, etc.) in well cushioned boxes.
Label furniture. In addition to labeling boxes be sure to label your furniture. Labels along with an assigned person on the unloading end, will save time and money. The last thing relocation team members want to do is to stop and ask for clarification.
Make sure your home is accessible. Make sure your moving team has quick and easy access to your new home. This may mean removing doors or taking down obstacles like a baby gate. Also, don’t block hallways or entry points with boxes or furniture. Move these into their proper rooms. You want your house to be as accessible as possible so everyone can move easily.
If there are things in an attic or basement, pull those out. Your goal is to have empty spaces on the packing end so movers can pick up items and get them out to the truck. Remember, there are some things that movers can’t and won’t move: lawnmowers with gasoline and pets are just two things on the list.
Move some items yourself. If possible, move fragile items yourself. It can take the movers a good bit of time to find the right safe place to pack something like a wall mirror. If possible, move items like cameras and computers yourself. And if you have keys to your new home before your move-in date, you can do this before the rush of moving day begins.
Take care of your pets Moving day really needs to be for you and your moving teams. Arrange for your pet to be boarded or placed in a secure location until the move is over. Some people choose to kennel their pets in a bathroom that is marked off limits. An over-friendly pet can pose a tripping hazard or even run away.
Make sure there is parking space for the moving truck. You may need to relocate your cars before the truck arrives. Also, reassure neighbors that you are moving in and that you will watch over the process. The best way to meet your neighbors is on a friendly basis. Try not to block anyone’s driveway.
Be available During the unloading process, be available or have someone stand at the best entry point and direct traffic: “That box goes to the kitchen or bedroom, etc.”
Hopefully, these tips will guide your efforts to make your move as fast and smooth as possible. If you have any questions, or if you have any moving questions in general, please get in touch with us: Lambert Moving Systems and allow us to help you plan your move. We’ll get you there!
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexel
