Tips To Make Your Next Move More Organized
You’ve heard our exciting news that Graceful Spaces is expanding to Charleston, SC! (Stay tuned for more news on Charleston preview projects late 2021!) Christina and her family are heading to the east coast and we’ve been so excited to share her experience and lessons learned.
Whether it’s a move across the country or just down the street, moving can be about as stressful as it comes. But, we’ve learned some tricks along the way - likely things you may not have considered before!
Donate on the front END
Before moving, go around your home and do a first edit of trash and donations. Ask yourself, “do I want to pay to move this?” and set a dollar threshold for what you’re willing to pay to move. Once you’ve determined what you’re donating, schedule that drop-off before the movers arrive.
PRO TIP: Tape off your donations so that the movers and others know know not to touch them. Otherwise, that mattress you were donating might end up on the moving truck!
Minimize the transition choas
Don’t wait to pack your personal belongings while the rest of the house is being packed up. Movers typically arrive bright and early, so have your suitcases and other personal items packed and out of the house (either stored in your car or at a friend’s home) prior to the movers arriving.
PRO TIP: Even if your moving just down the street or have white glove unpacking, having a suitcase of all your daily items and a few easy to grab outfits will make it easier during move week.
Don’t assume your belongings will translate the same in your new home.
More than likely, the layout of your current home will not be the same as your new home. Rather than packing items by room, we suggest packing some items in categories (i.e. throw pillows, lamps, frames, etc.). This will allow you to focus on placing the more important items in your new home first, and then you can easily shop from your own decor when you’re ready.
PRO TIP: Group decor, lighting, photos, bedding etc to be packed together rather than by room.
Consider how your belongings will be packed into the moving truck.
Thinking ahead and planning how your belongings will be packed into the moving truck can save you time and headaches when you’re unpacking.
A real life example of this is that we have two couches that we’re moving with: one that we’d love to use but are unsure if it will fit in the new house, and the other that will be donated if the first couch does fit. We made sure to load the couch we’re hoping to use last so that it will be the first off the truck when we unpack. That way, we know right away whether or not it’s going to work and can plan accordingly. The couch that will potentially be donated was packed first, so it will be the last to be taken off the truck. That way, if we are donating it, it won’t be in the way while we’re unpacking everything else.
Don’t move piece by piece.
For local moves, we see several clients who try to move a little at a time. However, we believe this can lead to more chaos. We suggest preparing for a local move the same way you would for a cross-country move.
Don’t assume your work is done once the movers arrive.
No matter how prepared you feel prior to using a moving service or how great a company rating, we always suggest being present while the movers are packing up your home. Even with the greatest of intentions, mistakes can be made (remember that mattress from the donation pile?).
Looking for a moving company? Heavenly Moving & Storage shared with us 3 Tips For Choosing a Moving Company.
Ready for more tips from the Pros? Christina and other professionals weigh in with 9 Things You Should Never Do When Moving.
Looking for a 5-Star Professional Mover? Christina used Heavenly Moving & Storage for her move from Austin, TX to Mount Pleasant, SC in May 2021 and here is what she had to say:
Heavenly Moving & Storage is making it a priority to be known as a 5-star moving company and it shows! Our family relocated from Austin, Texas to Mount Pleasant, SC in May 2021 and we are so grateful for the care and personal connection from the Heavenly Team.
From the start, both owners of the company took the time to understand my past experiences with moving companies and what was most important to me in my move (punctuality and care for our personal items). Throughout the process, they took the time to answer my questions - showing me that they understood that while moving is “everyday” for their team, it was a big life event for our family.
From the day leading up to packing, to the delivery day, the team at Heavenly stayed in personal communication with texts and phone calls leading up to their on-time arrival. They were professional, respectful and fun!
Packing was done professionally and thoroughly including packing blankets and wrap. Glass was packed efficiently and safely.
It was clear that some of the team members did not work together weekly, however, two of the four team members were long standing employees of Heavenly and clearly managed the process and stayed on top of all actions, which gave us peace of mind. Moving to the Charleston area we had some stairs to climb. The team carefully and efficiently moved in our items and did it with no complaints!
With any move there are hiccups. During our move we had painters and other workers who were delayed, meaning they were in the house during the unpacking (chaotic!!). The team did a great job making the process as easy as possible and showing their understanding for the events out of our control.
A move is still a move and I would always recommend someone from your household be present through a move project to confirm special items are handled properly and that items (especially big ones!) are in the right place. Make a list of big actions that you want to make sure are completed - moving is physically and emotionally exhausting for the homeowner and the movers. Having a list to go back to will ensure the job is completed to everyones standards. Take the time to walk your house twice before movers leave. Even the best of movers will not be able to read your mind and need clear direction.
What impressed me the most about Heavenly is the quick response when we had a few items broken. In past experience following up on broken or damaged items has been impossible. We are pleased to have only three items damaged during the move and the Heavenly team was FAST to find a resolution to replace and to repair the few damaged items to our satisfaction. They even followed up with us!
It is very clear that the owners and Heavenly staff care about their reputation and are committed to providing families with a smooth move during a chaotic life event.
Thank you Heavenly team for your care and help! We couldn’t have done it without you!
-Graeme, Christina, Nora & Addalyn