Moving at any time of the year can be stressful, but this can be especially true during holidays or the end of the year when many people already find themselves quite busy. Luckily, moving at the end of the year can have a few perks! In general, it tends to be a little less expensive due to non-peak pricing.
The best way to handle any end-of-the-year move is to stay organized during the process. In addition, hiring a moving company can make moving significantly easier, lending you a hand packing and transporting your possessions.
Read this article to learn more about handling end-of-the-year moves, the benefits of hiring a moving company, and other helpful moving tips!
Ten Tips for Holiday Moving
Looking for tips for holiday moving? Here are ten tips to help simplify your move and help you stay on track when planning your move:
1. Always Plan Your Move Well In Advance
To ensure a low-stress move, you should try to begin planning it as soon as is feasibly possible. This gives you time to secure necessary moving supplies, like packing tapes and boxes, as well as allows you to survey your current possessions.
2. Declutter and Downsize When Possible
Once you have evaluated your belongings, it’s a good idea to try to declutter and downsize the items that you no longer have a use for. Some good things to consider include:
- Clothing that is worn out or doesn’t fit
- Furniture that won’t fit or match your new space
- Excess clutter and papers
- Household items like dishes or knick-knacks
- Perishable foods
Don’t just throw away items you don’t want into the trash! Many items can be given a second life by donating them to a local charity or thrift shop. You can also consider selling them online to make a little extra income for moving, such as on Facebook Marketplace.
3. Begin Packing Early
Packing is one of the parts of moving that generally requires the most time and effort, so start packing early. Don’t wait until the last day to begin sorting items, which can lead to a chaotic and disorganized move. In addition, it can make it difficult to locate important items at your new location if items aren’t organized properly.
4. Always Label Your Boxes
Each box that you pack should be carefully labeled according to the contents inside. Other important information to include is:
- What room each box should go to in the new location
- Whether or not it’s breakable
- Any other special handling instructions
Don’t forget to pack any delicate or breakable items with packing peanuts or wrapping paper to prevent damage while in transit.
5. Wear Weather-Appropriate Clothing on the Day of the Move
The end of the year can often include extreme weather conditions, such as snow or high or low temperatures. In order to have a successful and comfortable move, be sure that you have clothing that is seasonally appropriate.
For example, if there is heavy rain predicted for the day of your move, pack a rain jacket to ensure you remain dry!
6. Consolidate Your Holiday Decorations
Moving during the holidays doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the festivities of the season! Consolidate your holiday decorations together for quick and easy access or designate a small box of decorations to have on hand.
7. Secure Your Important Documents
Keep essential documents, such as passports, IDs, and moving paperwork, in a safe and easily retrievable place while you are moving. Consider purchasing a heavy manilla envelope or documents folder for safekeeping and keep it with you while you travel to your new destination.
8. Notify Utility Companies of Your Move
Arrange to transfer or disconnect utilities at your old home and set them up at the new one. Be sure to pay any connection fees that are required and settle any outstanding balances that may remain.
9. Hire a Professional Moving Service
Consider hiring a reputable moving company to ease the stress of a holiday and ensure a smooth transition from start to finish. An experienced moving company can quickly and professionally transport your possessions, saving you time and labor while moving.
How to Hire the Right Moving Service: 3 Tips
Here are three tips to help you find a reliable moving company to make your move as smooth as possible:
1. Conduct Research and Gather Recommendations
Your first step should be to conduct thorough research into the available moving services in your area.
Use the many resources available online to find potential options and compare their services. In addition to looking at each moving company’s website, make sure you also check out their social media pages.
Pay special attention to any reviews you can find from previous clients. Recommendations from satisfied customers are extremely valuable when it comes to picking out the best moving companies.
2. Obtain Multiple Quotes
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of moving services to a few potential options, get quotes from each company you’re considering.
You may be able to find general pricing information on each company’s website, but it’s also a good idea to communicate your needs directly and verify a specific price for the required services.
After you get a price from each candidate, compare them against one another and consider which is the best price for the service offered. You should also research the typical cost of a move like yours to ensure the quotes you receive align with industry standards.
3. Verify Credentials
It’s very important to make sure the mover you choose is properly licensed and insured. Some moving companies have this information available on their websites.
Any reputable moving service will be happy to tell potential clients about their credentials when asked.
You can also verify your chosen moving company’s licensing and insurance status directly through the Department of Transportation.
Planning Your Next Move? Make It a Smooth One
Smooth Moves offers professional and friendly moving services in South Carolina. We have experience handling a variety of different moves, including:
- Apartment
- Dorm
- Residential
- Office
Planning a move? Contact us now for a free online quote!