Moving can be an exciting or stressful experience depending on how prepared you are. It can be overwhelming because you have to deal with moving services to bring your belongings to the new location.

You also have to go through several car shipping companies to find the best one to transport your car. Here are some tips you can use to make your move stress-free and straightforward.

1. Book As Early As You Can

Avoid the hassle of things happening outside of the schedule. Book your service providers ahead of time. Hiring movers and auto shippers can become challenging especially if your move falls in the peak season, so booking them in advance is imperative.

Also, ensure that work on the new house, such as cleaning and painting, will be finished before you arrive and bring in the furniture. Utilities should be up and running as well.

2. Pack Light, Pack in Advance

One thing that will make a move more difficult is your inability to let go of clutter. Packing only the essential things from your current house will make it easier. The fewer things you pack, the easier it is to move and unpack them later.

They say moving can give you a fresh start. Here’s a chance for you to get rid of the mess you’ve accumulated over the years.

Give yourself enough time to declutter before the move. It’s easier to let go of a few pieces daily than do a one-day sorting. Avoid rushing and packing things inefficiently by starting packing as early as possible.

There are some things that you can pack even weeks or months before the move. You can begin packing stuff you don’t use regularly or during the season, such as books, swimwear during winter or winter clothes during summer, and hiking gear.

Remember to pack heavy items in smaller boxes and lighter ones in bigger ones to make it easier for the movers to carry them and avoid breakage.

3. Create a Moving Checklist and Folder

Movers and other service providers have checklists that you can consult. However, it’s still more convenient to have your list of tasks to complete for the move.

Place this checklist in your moving folder, where you place essential documents for the move. These documents include moving contracts, rental or purchase agreements for the new house, and new addresses.

You may already have these files on your computer or mobile device. However, it’s still handy to have printed copies if your batteries get depleted in transit.

4. Prepare Your Car for Shipping

If you’re moving across states or hundreds of miles away from your current location, the most convenient way to transport your car is through an auto shipping company. Remove all personal items inside your vehicle, even your GPS chip, before dropping your vehicle off with the shipper.

Don’t risk having your belongings stolen or adding weight to the car, which may cost you extra. Inspect and take photos of your car before and after shipping it to check for damages during transport.

5. Bring Essential Items With You

The day before the move, pack a bag containing essential everyday items, like your toothbrush, change of clothes, and medication. Keep this bag with you during your travel. In case the moving truck gets delayed for some reason, you won’t worry about not having access to your essentials.

Final Thoughts

Following this simple guide can make your move a pleasant experience. Avoid skirmishes and prepare yourself for uncertainties during the moving process by following the steps above. Then, settling in your new home will be a breeze.