You can make bulky things easier to move by removing all the attached parts. For example, don’t move a desk with drawers and contents still inside. Instead, empty drawers, shelves, etc., and then remove those drawers and shelves if possible. If you can’t remove them, wrap them up or tape them shut so they don’t open while you carry them. You’ll also want to remove furniture legs and protruding handles, pulls, and knobs. Be sure to label everything you remove so you can put it back in its correct place. Painter’s tape is a great option for labels on the fly. Not only will this make your furniture and appliances lighter, but there will be fewer parts to scratch floors, gouge walls, and pinch fingers.

If you’re moving right before a holiday, make sure to set up your decorations first to stay in the spirit of the season. Pack these festive items together and label them to ensure you can find them easily. Items like Christmas decorations, holiday cards, ornaments, and clothing should be in these labeled holiday boxes. Any gifts you’ll be bringing with you are important to label as well. After all, giving is the most important part of the season! And don't forget to give yourself some time off when you're done!

Missing bills because you never received them is stressful. Change the address on all of your utilities, medical bills, insurance companies, and credit or bank statements as soon as possible to ensure you are getting all of your mail. And don't forget to submit a Change of Address form with the post office as well!

 

“I first used Brothers Movers back in 2003 when I needed to relocate around $300K of networking equipment from a site in Wilmington DE to a site in Philadelphia PA. I was so impressed by how they handled that move that I have never considered using any other mover for either my personal or corporate needs. I have used them for at least five other moves, including one last week. Each time, Brothers’ pricing has been fair, their crews have been great, and the service has been excellent. I strongly recommend using this company as your mover.” - Chris Q.

Take a cue from Marie Kondo and organize your belongings by category, not by room (note that the category part only applies to the organization process, not the unpacking — that’s a whole separate ordeal). Instead of spending a day cleaning out your entire bedroom, spend an afternoon sorting through every article of clothing you own. Scour every coat closet, dirty clothes hamper, and laundry room until you’ve got all your clothes in one place. Then sort. Do the same thing for books, shoes, important papers, and the like. You'll find yourself moving a lot less!!

 

 

To help yourself – and your movers - get organized, use brightly colored boxes, and give everyone a different color! You’ll be able to see at a glance which boxes belong to which person, and where those boxes will go in your new home. Let each family member also prepare an ‘Open Me First’ box with items they’ll want ‘right away’ in the new home – a set of sheets, a towel, a couple of extension cords, a phone charger, nightlights, toothbrush, pens and paper, keys, tissues and toilet paper, travel cosmetic case, and so on. And don’t forget the snacks!

Here’s an easy way to keep track of your important and first-needed items: Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, toiletries, and paper goods! Even for short moves, you’ll be able to quickly spot your navy suitcase holding your favorite sweaters, whereas “Box #189” might remain elusive for days. Besides... you gotta move ‘em anyway!

 

 

It might seem like common sense, but there are some things you should never put into a moving van -- your personal, must-need papers! Your list of “important” papers might include birth certificates, school records, mover estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, maps, and more. Don’t leave these with the mover. Keep them with you and move them personally.

 

Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for kitchen, orange for the dining room, etc. As you pack your boxes, apply colored moving tape or stickers on the box near the box number. In your new home, put a matching sticker on the door to each room so the movers will know where to put everything when they arrive at the destination. It’s also helpful to post a big sign on the wall in the room where you want boxes stacked, (“Boxes here please”) to keep them out of furniture and traffic areas.