Moving takes time and can turn quickly into a hassle. To cut down on the stress, many people hire movers to do all of the heavy lifting. But many movers can do much more for you. Jesus Santibanez of Two Men Movers in Houston says the best thing about hiring a moving company is that the fact that they can do everything for you, from packing and shipping to assembling and dissembling furniture. “A good moving company wants to make your move as painless and worry-free as possible,” says Santibanez. “We pack, move and unpack everything.” While movers can make your move easier by doing almost everything, Santibanez says that there are certain things that you should pack yourself to ease your peace of mind and make sure that the transition to your new home is as seamless as possible.
Before your moving day, make sure to give yourself lots of time to plan carefully and pack your essential items. While movers will take care of larger items, your valuables and items that require special packing and handling should fall under your responsibility. Pack and move heirlooms, irreplaceable documents and certificates, jewelry, and mementos. If you don’t want these things damaged and need to have them close by, take extra care in packing them and keep them near you in the moving van or your car. These items should be of high-value to you. They may not be expensive but if they have sentimental worth, losing track of them in a move can be heartbreaking.
Santibanez suggests thinking about packing and transporting the items below yourself, especially if your move is long distance.
- Personal Identification Items (marriage license, passport, birth certificate, wills, insurance papers)
- Bank Statements
- Personal letters, photos and photo albums
- Anything you’ll need during the move, for example car keys, house keys, wallet, ID, check books.
- Deeds, tax papers, stock certificates and school records
- Any family heirlooms like jewelry, art or coin collections
- Laptops or computer software
- Any medicine or toiletries that you will need and don’t want to have to search for as you unpack
Some people prepare an essentials box before they move, containing items they may need during their last nights before the move and the first nights after. This collection can include items that will help you clean, deal with small emergencies, and live comfortably the first few nights while you unpack the rest of your house. It can contain everything from toilet paper, cleaners and dish soap to snacks and plastic silverware. A general rule is to include anything you may need within the first 24 hours in your new abode.
There are also certain household items that you may have lying around the house or garage that should not be moved. Any material in your garage that is flammable, explosive, or generally considered dangerous should not be moved. You can call your local recycling center, fire station or EPA office to find out how to dispose of these items properly, or otherwise ask friends or neighbors if they want these items.
If your move is local, then you can easily transport perishables as long as they are stored and packed properly. If your move is long-distance, disposing of your perishables is important so that nothing spoils when left behind in your old home.
Being prepared for your move is the best way to make your day stress-free. And knowing what to pack and keep near you is the best way to start your new life in your new home.