Does Moving Scare the Hell Out of You?
At OFab, we have helped so many families pack, move and unpack their homes and we know it can be a very scary endeavor. But fear not! We can help keep you from being overwhelmed. See our heavenly tips below!
Once you know you are moving…
1. YIKERS...! Book your movers - 1.5 - 2 months ahead
Contact 2-3 moving companies ASAP to get estimates. Since the pandemic, booking movers 1-2 months in advance is mandatory.
Make sure you include everything you currently own, regardless of what you are donating etc. Cost is all based on weight and hourly labor.
2. FRIGHTENING...! Edit your stuff - 3 weeks ahead
No one likes to get rid of things, but why pay money to move things you don’t need?
Go room by room to keep yourself on task.
Tackle one room at a time, and make 3 piles (Keep, Donate, and Trash).
There may be items you would like to try and sell - don’t bother, you’ll never get any money and it’s not worth your time.
3. EEEK...! Packing yourself? - 1 week ahead
Begin your packing with the hard stuff, eg. breakables - gather all of them together, and pack at the same time.
Create a “wrapping station” with packing paper - not bubble wrap.
Use dish packs (which are tall thick boxes made especially for breakables).
Pack all dishes/glasses like you load a dishwasher (vertically - nest same size plates, bowls and glasses from largest to smallest).
Label all boxes with what room they belong in, on all four sides of boxes. (This will help when they are stacked.)
4. GROSS…! Clean out the fridge and pantry - 1 day before
Determine what is expired and GET RID OF IT.
Don’t pack anything that is already opened (ie, cereal, flour, sugar etc.)
Movers will not move oils and liquids because spills get boxes wet.
Don’t save condiments - it’s more headache than it’s worth to pack and move them.
Clear out the freezer and keep frozen/cold items in an ice chest for move day.
5. SCARY…! Managing move day - day of
Be up early - movers arrive at 6:30 - 7:30 am.
Put all bed linens in trash bags to transport to make beds for your first night in your new home.
Make sure to have water, get lunch, and cash for tips for movers. They work so hard and will really appreciate knowing this from the start.
Put sticky notes with the name of each room in your new house, so movers will know correct box placement.
Lastly, rest when you can and relax because everything is fixable! Just remember, it’s all going to get there, even if it’s not in one trip.
Yes, moving can be frightening and intimidating, but with these OFab tips, you’ve got this! If it’s all too terrifying, we’re here to chase the moving scaries away for you!