Did you know that over 1.3 million people in the US move annually without any assistance? If you plan to relocate on your own, our excellent moving hacks will enable you to organize the entire process without any difficulties. Even if you’re starting with essentials, it won’t be long before you’re relocating like an expert.
Organizing a relocation on your own is not an easy task. Fortunately, these following seven tips will show you how to prepare all the essentials without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re a complete newbie or you have some experience with packing plates for relocating, you’ll undoubtedly learn something new here.
#1 Keeping a Checklist Is the Best Way to Track Your Progress
Creating a detailed relocation to-do list is the best way to keep track of everything that has to be done throughout the relocation process. Always start by writing down all the essentials, after which you can expand it to be as detailed as you like. In most cases, the list should include tasks such as:
- Plan a budget,
- Transfer utilities,
- Look for movers,
- Get supplies,
- Organize packing,
- Prepare the essentials.
#2 Start Looking for Professional Movers in Chicago on Time
Did you know that only 22% of people prefer to move entirely on their own? If you feel that you can’t do everything by yourself, start looking for local movers in Chicago as early as possible. Most professionals require at least a month’s notice, so if you decide to hire movers at the very last minute, you will likely find only the most expensive moving companies in Chicago, IL.
How Can I Move Cheaply? Try Relocating Out of Season
Most people prefer to move during the summer, as plenty of homes go up for sale, numerous rentals become available, and the weather conditions are just right. If you’re looking for a place in the best neighborhoods in Chicago, you’ll have the highest chance of finding a decent property during the period.
However, summer is the peak relocation season, and the stronger demand causes many Chicago moving companies to increase their rates. If you’re looking for the most cost-efficient option, try relocating from late September to April. Even the best movers in Chicago are available during this period, so you won’t have a problem finding a company with more affordable rates.
Avoid Hiring the Cheapest Moving Company in Chicago
When looking to save some money, hiring the cheapest movers and packers in Chicago may seem like a good idea at first. However, a significantly lower estimate is often a clear sign of a relocation scam in the making. If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with a true professional or a scammer, you should always get a quote from several Chicago movers before deciding who to hire.
#3 Declutter Your Home Before You Begin to Pack
We live in a consumer-driven society, so there’s no shame if you’ve acquired all kinds of things over the years. However, having to move every single object will not only take up a lot of your schedule, but it will also cost you more money to properly prepare it for transportation. The good news is that relocation is the perfect time to declutter. Although it may seem difficult at first, getting rid of things you don’t require always makes the whole relocation process a lot more straightforward.
Sorting Everything Inside Your House Helps You Declutter
To figure out what you need, you will have to go through your whole inventory. Think about when was the last time you actually used the item and how you could use it in the future. Based on the answers to these questions, you’ll be able to sort your inventory into several categories:
- Keep – This is the only group that needs to be packed, as it contains everything you use throughout the year. If you still end up keeping too many things, invite a friend or someone who’s a professional organizer to guide you through the process.
- Donate – Giving away some of your belongings is an excellent way to reduce your inventory size. Many charity organizations such as the local Goodwill and thrift shops accept all kinds of donations, from food and canned goods to furniture and electronics.
- Sell – If you’re looking to cover some of the costs in your relocation expenses checklist, try to sell anything you haven’t used in the last year or two. The simplest way to do this is either online or by organizing a yard sale.
- Throw out – There’s no reason to pack something that you’re not going to use in the first place, so belongings that are severely damaged beyond repair or lost their primary function should either be recycled or thrown away. If you have any items that movers won’t move, remember to deal with them accordingly.
#4 Use Everyday Objects as an Alternative to Regular Materials
Do you know how to pack dishes without using any traditional materials? In fact, you can secure even the most fragile objects with everyday belongings. Towels, linens, and clothes are neat alternatives to conventional materials such as paper and bubble wrap, and household objects such as hampers or pots can be used for storage instead of boxes. Suitcases are great for transporting heavier items, so if you’re not sure how to pack books, just load them into one, and you’ll be good to go.
Check Out Some Tips on Where to Get Boxes and Other Packing Supplies for Free
While household objects can be used to wrap almost anything, you’ll likely still have to get some boxes. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can find some supplies for free. Firstly, see if someone from your inner circle has any leftovers. If you want to meet with everyone at once, organizing a going-away party is the quickest way to do it. Next up, try looking at your local store, as they often separate packaging materials for recycling. Finally, you can browse for free listings on Freecycle, an online network where people exchange reusable goods.
#5 Check Out Some of the Best Packing Hacks for Moving
It’s no secret that boxing up is the most time-consuming task on your relocation checklist. However, having a detailed packing plan makes a huge difference, allowing you to prepare everything for the trip quickly without breaking a sweat. On top of that, if you want to learn how to move efficiently, the following few tips will make it look easy:
- Keep the clothing on the hangers and wrap them in plastic or trash bags,
- Secure the dressers and drawers with all the objects in them,
- Place smaller items into pots and sealable containers,
- Wrap anything that might spill with plastic,
- Use binder clips or rubber bands to keep the cords from tangling,
- Take a picture of the back of electronics for an easy reattachment.
If you want to see some more of these tips in action, check out the video below.
How Do You Pack to Move in a Hurry?
There’s no doubt that having a plan is the best way to prepare for the move, but sometimes you’ll have to cut corners, especially if you’re relocating on a very short deadline. This means that most of the organizing rules will have to go out the window. While you still have to declutter, you’ll skip sorting altogether and box up everything on the go. You should also contact some friends to help you out or consider hiring a professional mover in Chicago, IL.
Know Where Your Valuables Are at All Times
Even if you’re relocating to one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago, it’s not impossible for a box or two to get mixed up or lost during transportation. Although this rarely happens, avoid adding more relocation stress by keeping your most valuable possessions with you at all times. These don’t just include the most valued objects, but anything you can’t replace, like a family heirloom or an old photo album.
#6 Properly Label All the Packed Boxes
With so many containers lying around, it’s very easy to forget where you placed each item. Unless you plan to unpack the same day you move in, you should label each box as you pack it. There are several ways to do it, and it can be as simple as writing down the contents and room or as complex as doing inventory or color-coding. Whatever option you choose, unpacking everything is going to be much easier.
Use These Tips to Unpack Quickly
While properly labeled boxes will help you find the items you require quickly, this doesn’t mean that you should prolong the unpacking process indefinitely. Many have a habit of leaving unopened containers lying around the home for weeks or months after relocating. Thankfully, there are several ways you can incentivize yourself to start unpacking right away:
- Give yourself a deadline – Organizing a housewarming party is the easiest way to stimulate yourself to unpack as soon as possible.
- Make unpacking fun – Putting on some tunes or involving your friends will keep the process from becoming boring or monotonous.
- Do little at once – Are you terrified at the thought of unpacking? Avoid getting overwhelmed by the process by devoting ten to fifteen minutes of your time at once.
#7 How Can I Make Moving Easier? Prepare a Separate Bag With Essentials
If you’re looking for hacks to make moving easier, prepare a separate bag with all the essentials you’ll need during the trip. Set aside a few key things, like a change of clothes, basic toiletries, crucial documents, and some food and water. Don’t forget to bring your charger and daily medication, as they are some of the most commonly forgotten things.
Set Aside a Box With All the Home Essentials
Besides your essentials, you should also set aside boxes with all the apartment essentials. These will include everything your new home needs to run smoothly, such as:
- Pillows, blankets, and bedding,
- Kitchen utensils and dishes,
- Bathroom supplies such as towels and toilet paper,
- Enough food for a day or two,
- Pet bowl and food if you’re relocating with pets,
- An entertainment option like the radio or board games.
That’s All the Moving Hacks You’ll Need to Have an Easy Move
We congratulate those who made it this far, as all the moving tips and hacks on this list will allow you to have a much easier relocation experience. In case you still require some professional assistance, know that you can always count on Legit Movers. Whether you want to move a piano or any other expensive object, our packing and moving services in Chicago will be at your full disposal. If you have any questions, contact our local representative, and they’ll be more than happy to provide you with a free estimate.