Moving Day

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Since I'm currently in the process of moving, I thought it would be the perfect time to write a post and share some tips and tricks to a more stress free move. Because come on, we know it's never going to be completely stress free.

Hiring Movers:

Can I just say that hiring professional movers can be a god send? If you have the ability to budget in professional movers, I highly recommend it. Look at reviews, use a reputable company, and ask around before you jump on the first option you find. Beware of companies that give you an estimate over the phone without looking at all your stuff first, and don't feel shy to ask any and all questions you have about their process, fees, and licensing/insurance information. Do not use a company that can not provide you with proof they are insured to cover any damage to your belongings.

Tips:

• Use color coordinated tape as box labels, and then put the same colors above the rooms they will go in at the new place. The movers can easily see which items go in which room.
• Pack overnight bags with things you'll need right away, like toiletries, clothes, and phone chargers. That way you have everything you need and don't have to hunt through boxes.
• Speaking of an overnight bag that you keep with you, pack your expensive tablets, laptops, ipods, and so on, in that bag if you can. Then the most expensive and easily damaged or stolen things are with you at all times and you'll know for sure that they're safe.

Moving Yourself:

I loath cardboard boxes. They're expensive, prone to damage, and they're a huge waste since they're usually used once or twice and then tossed. I've found that there are a few different options that keep your things safer, are more hassle free, and easier on your wallet.

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You can go to Target and get the most inexpensive of the big plastic storage containers for just a little more than buying cardboard boxes, but then you can use them for storage at the new place. They're heavy duty and stack incredibly well, and they stack in themselves so you can tuck them into the garage and use them as you will over the years. If you find that a lot of them are in very good condition at the end of the move, return them! Or place an ad on Craigslist to sell them to someone else.

Ikea sells these huge blue bags at about 60¢ a piece, and they can hold so much stuff! They're also surprisingly strong, although they're not going to be very sturdy when it comes to stacking. Use these to move clothes, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals... Anything that takes up a lot of space or is awkward for a box.

If you're moving locally, there are starting to be companies popping up that you can rent durable plastic boxes from. They drop them off, you use them to pack and move, and then they pick them up from your new place. It's not always an option for many yet, but it seems to be a trend that could pick up steam, so keep that in mind for future moves.

Packing Tips:

• Use clean clothing to wrap your dishes, and clean socks to wrap glasses and stemware.
• Put saran wrap on the top of soap or toiletry bottles, then screw the cap on over it. 
• Buy some Glad press and seal, it'll seal up or keep together so many little things in drawers.
• Put any hardware for furniture in ziplock bags and label them.
• Use blankets to wrap furniture and electronics like your TV. 

I hope some of these tips come in handy for you, although I'd never curse my worst enemy with the burden of moving... Good luck, and keep me in your thoughts this weekend!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez