Save Yourself Some Trouble, Use This Checklist the Next Time You Move

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in the United States, every year more than 15% of the population relocates. Personally, I have moved at least five times in the past four years, but that is a different article altogether. What about you? According to a population survey done by the Census Bureau, between 2007 and 2008, 34 million people moved. You would think that with everyone getting so much experience in moving that there would be more advancements made towards making the process less painful.

Fortunately, some improvements have been made, and they are worth trying out. Have you heard of storage and moving pods? If you have and are interested in using them for your next move, here is a checklist to help your move go more smoothly.

1. Plan ahead.

While this may be an annoying step, it is very useful. You should call your utility company and schedule all utilities to be turned off at your old place on the day after you move, and have the utilities turned on in your new place scheduled for one day before your move. This will ensure against a potential headache where you come into a pitch black house with a warm refrigerator. Also, as soon as you know you are moving, start looking at moving pod companies and choose one that fits your needs.

2. Simplify and declutter.

First, go through your house and get rid of any items that you do not need, or never use. Sell, recycle, or throw them away, whatever you need to do so that you can move as little as is humanly possible for you. Once you have a better idea of what does need to be moved, look at moving and storage pods to figure out how many you will need. The average family needs two.

3. Save some money.

If you can schedule your move to occur in the middle of the week or month, it may be less expensive when you hire a moving service. Moving container services are great, but they generally do not help you unpack. Look for affordable movers who can help you with the unpacking process. Optionally, enlist some friends and be prepared to pay in beer and pizza.

4. Pack in advance.

Consider that your pod will have a rectangular shape. If you pack everything in boxes, you will have a lot easier time than if you have to wedge a lamp, or an unevenly shaped item into the pod somehow. You will pack more carefully if you have more time, so get started early. Also, set aside an easy access box to be put in last. This way you can get to your essentials if you do not get to unpack on schedule.

Moving may never be fun, but it does not have to be as painful as you are accustomed to it being. Remember to plan, simplify, hire help, and pack smart to make full use of your pods.