Moving Day is just around the corner! To help make it run as smoothly and stress-free as possible, Polysleep has put together an essential checklist just for you.
Here are the Top 5 Moving Day Must-Haves:
1. Book Movers
There’s no point in breaking your back for your move… or having your friends and family break theirs either! Moving goes a whole lot smoother when you have the help of professional movers. Take time to research moving companies ahead of time and find one that is reasonable, in your budget and available for your moving day.
Polysleep Tip
It’s best to take adequate time off of work to move. The preferred moving day is Friday as you have the weekend to unpack and settle in, however that’s not always a possibility. If you work full-time, a 3-day leave can help you prepare, pack and even pick up some last-minute items for your move.
2. Order Supplies
Something you’ll never say to yourself when you’re moving is that you have too many boxes. Prepare ahead of time by getting many moving boxes and bins/containers. A great rule of thumb to know how many boxes to get is to gauge how big your space is.
The square footage of your current home or apartment will help you estimate how many boxes you’ll need. For instance, if your space is between 700-900 sq. feet you’d want to get around 40 boxes - from small to extra large. If your space is 1,200-1,600 sq. feet you’d want to get around 90 boxes - from small to extra large - and so on.
Once you’ve determined roughly how many boxes you’ll need based on the size of your home or apartment, you’ll need to determine what size boxes you need for your items. Here is a breakdown for you (from Home Depot):
- Extra Small (15 x 12 x 10 inches): Collectibles, books and tools.
- Small boxes (16 x 12 x 12 inches or 1.5 cubic feet): Books, DVDs, canned food, glasses and dishes.
- Medium boxes (18 x 18 x 15 inches, 22 x 16 x 15 inches or 3 cubic feet - The most common moving box): Office supplies, toys, small appliances and most household items.
- Large boxes (18 x 18 x 24 inches or 4.5 cubic feet): Comforters, pillows, linens, large dishes.
- Extra large boxes (22 x 22 x 21.5 inches): Large pillows, towels and blankets.
Polysleep Tip
Don’t forget to get lots of packing tape, bubble wrap and permanent markers! It’s much easier when you label your boxes; especially when it comes to packing your essential, breakable and valuable items. Make sure to wrap your breakables properly in bubble wrap and mark them as “Essential”, “Breakable”, “Valuable”, etc. so that movers are more cautious with those boxes.
3. Declutter
As you get ready to pack your things, make sure to set things aside that you absolutely don’t need and will never use again. Be honest with yourself: If you haven’t used something in the last few months and know that you have no plans of using in the future, then there’s no need to hang on to it anymore. It can go to better use and make someone else happy! Not only does it feel good to declutter and donate but it’s less to unpack when you get to your new home.
Polysleep Tip
Planning in advance is key in the moving process. The more you plan ahead, the more time you’ll have to sort and purge your items and do the essential things like research movers, make a budget, order supplies, sell and/or donate your non-essential items and more. Also, giving yourself more time ensures that it’s not a rushed or stressful process.
4. Pack One Room at a Time
It can feel overwhelming to start the packing process at first. The best way to go about this is to start with one room at a time. For one, you’ll be able to easily store your boxes in one location and keep your walkways and living areas clear. You’ll also keep each room’s boxes together and organized. That makes things a whole lot easier when you arrive and start unpacking at your new home!
Polysleep Tip
It’s easier to start packing items you won't need, or don’t use often, right away. That way you won’t be digging through boxes to find things you need. A good place to start is with things in storage like holiday decorations, gift-wrapping supplies, and more. It’s best to leave the kitchen for last since it’s being used right up until Moving Day - or other items you know you’ll need or use every day.
5. Clean Up
Last but not least, cleaning is a necessary part of the moving process.
Before the Move
Step one - as mentioned above - is decluttering. The next step is wiping down the main areas of the home with cleaning products. This includes the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas. Wash down the surfaces, floors, and appliances. Make sure to dust, vacuum, sweep and mop the floors. Don’t forget to clean the inside of the cabinets and drawers as well as the inside of your fridge, stove and microwave!
After the Move
Unpack your belongings and declutter once again. Start by cleaning the main areas of the home like the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas using cleaning products. Make sure to clean and disinfect the heart of the home - the kitchen. Do the same for the bathroom and other areas of the home you feel are necessary. Eliminate any dirt or dust that may have been tracked during the move by vacuuming carpets and sweeping and mopping the floors.
Polysleep Tip
You can help keep your home spotless and organized after your move by developing an easy-to-following cleaning schedule. Stay accountable by dividing tasks daily, weekly, and monthly. Cleaning as you go and putting away items as soon as you’re done using them helps keep your space neat and tidy.
Polysleep Takeaway
Moving Day can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! Our Top 5 Moving Day Must-Haves are geared towards helping this process be as easy and breezy as possible.
Did you know?
If you’re looking for a new mattress for your new home, then Polysleep has got you covered! We can ship your new mattress right to your home, just in time for Moving Day.
