There’s nothing better than a smooth, efficient move when relocating to a new home—whether you’re moving right down the street or to a new city, state, or country far away. This is often much easier said than done, however, and it’s easy to lose control of your relocation project if it’s not well-organized. 

In this guide from your moving experts at Bekins of South Florida, we’re giving you our best tips for making your next local, long-distance, or international move a breeze. Take a look at some of the ways you can avoid relocation chaos while giving yourself the best chance possible for a seamless fresh start in your new home.

1. Choose a Moving Date Weeks in Advance

One of the best ways to get started off on the right foot with a move is to know exactly when you’re moving and how. Reserving your moving company or a moving truck early will force you to pinpoint an exact move-out/move-in date, which is helpful for setting other important dates to make it all happen.

2. Create a Moving Calendar

Once you’ve chosen your moving day, create a moving calendar to really stay organized. Fill the calendar with all of the goals you’ll need to hit before moving day arrives. 

Here are some of the important tasks you may need to complete while preparing for the move, depending on your moving project:

  • A day-to-day packing schedule
  • Change-of-address form deadlines
  • Shut-off of and transfer of utilities and other services 
  • Real estate appointments or meeting with a landlord

3. Start with the Storage

The first things you should pack up in a move are the things you use the least. This usually means the storage areas for most people, including the hall closets, garage, attic, basement, and others. Once these rooms are packed, choose the next room of the home that is used less frequently than the others. In most households, the kitchen will be the last room to be packed up. 

While unpacking, use the same rule in reverse. Unpack the kitchen or the room that you use the most, and continue from there.

4. Pack Early 

Packing usually takes a lot longer than you would expect it to. If you have plenty of time before a move, don’t procrastinate—start early and get it done on time and without hassle. Leaving it all to the last minute is an excellent recipe for moving chaos!

To make packing easier on everyone, focus on working for a couple of hours each day. Make it a point to follow the packing schedule you’ve outlined in your moving calendar and you’ll be ready to move out without hassle on moving day. If you don’t have time for packing, contact a professional company and ask about their full-service packing and unpacking services.

5. Get Rid of the Clutter

As you pack, streamline your belongings of things you don’t need or want to take with you. Most households have plenty of unused and unwanted items, including trash, old toys, and old clothing. There’s no sense in taking these things with you if you don’t need them anymore. 

You can donate old, unwanted items in good condition to charities like Goodwill or the Salvation Army, or sell nicer items online or in a garage sale. Whatever you do, don’t take trash or junk with you—throw out what’s no longer usable or recyclable to avoid taking up unnecessary space in the moving van and in your new home.

6. Use the Right Supplies, Tools, and Equipment

The moving process is always easier when you’re prepared with the latest supplies, tools, and equipment. A professional moving company will make the entire process look easy with the right packing materials, dollies, pullies, furniture sliders, moving straps, harnesses, and other equipment necessary to move each of your belongings safely and securely. 

If you’re feeling unsure about a DIY move, or if you own particularly large, oversized, bulky, or heavy furniture, pianos, fragile items, or sensitive computer equipment, call a professional. They’ll take over the heavy lifting and complicated moving logistics for you so that you can concentrate on other things.

Experienced Moving Professionals in South Florida

Bekins of South Florida is one of the most trusted moving companies in the state. We’re highly committed to helping our customers achieve a positive, relaxed moving experience, with customized moving plans and 24/7 support for peace-of-mind, ease, and tranquility during a relocation.

Whether you’re moving to a new home nearby or out-of-state, or even out of the country, Bekins of South Florida is here for you. For more information about our movers and packers, or to schedule a free, in-home estimate with our team, give us a call or fill out our online form now.