How to Prepare for Moving Day

Asset Living has been in the property management business for 36 years, so we know a thing or two when it comes to moving and are here to help! For many of our residents, May is the unofficial start of summer with the school year ending, but it’s also the kick-off to peak moving season in the U.S. We asked some of our expert movers, packers, and organizers to share their best tips.

1. Start by packing the small stuff.

Always begin your moving process by packing up the smaller items. These tend to fall into the “won’t be used any time soon” category – such as decorations, knickknacks, awards, extra supplies, etc. Taking these smaller items out of closets, drawers, and packing them up into small boxes over a span of a couple of weeks will make a substantial impact on the packing process.  

2. Create categories to avoid moving it all.

The last thing anyone wants to do is pack unnecessary items. Try sorting through items and organizing by category. For example:

• Donate gently used items that you no longer use or don’t want to keep.
• Sell clothing, furniture, and/or decorations that you no longer need.
• Recycle items that can be reused if not accepted for donations or resale.
• Keep the items you have space for and will use in the future.
• Trash anything you no longer need or can no longer be donated/recycled.

Implementing this tip is especially beneficial for tackling “junk drawers” and/or closets where items are stored and tend to be forgotten.  

4. Be mindful of box sizes.

When packing, use the smaller boxes for heavier items and the larger boxes for lighter items. You’ll thank us later.

5. Don’t forget to label each box.

Labeling boxes can help you to find your items easily and accurately. When stacking the boxes in the moving trailer, van, or car, the tops will not be visible. Be sure to label the sides of each box so that it includes the category (to describe the box contents) as well as which room to place the box (to inform movers and expedite the unloading process). If you’re a visual person, try incorporating color-coded tape or markers to help with the labeling process.  

6. Change your address a week before the move.

Most forget to change their address until it’s two weeks post-move and the Amazon package has yet to arrive! By changing your address prior to moving day, you’ll avoid the hassle of having to track down any missing mail or packages. The process is quick and simple: Head over to the USPS website, and fill out the change address form – then boom! It’s done.

7. Pack all dishes vertically.

Any experienced mover will tell you to not stack your kitchen dishes horizontally. Instead, wrap your plates in packing paper or old newspapers and gently place them into the box on the side (like records) and fill any empty space with bubble wrap to prevent them from breaking or cracking.  

8. Take pictures of electronics prior to moving.

Before unplugging the television, computer monitors, or cable box, take a picture of the back of each electronic device. Having these photos handy will make setting up the computer and/or television much easier following the move.  

9. Leave clothing on hangers.

Clothes should be left on hangers or neatly folded in the closet until the very last minute to avoid wrinkling. Consider purchasing boxed clothing racks or even substituting trash bags as hanging bags to protect during the moving process (and this will make it much easier to carry out the door).  

10. Pack a personal bag for the first night in your new apartment.

The chances of unpacking everything immediately after the move are slim, so be sure to pack a personal bag and bring whatever makes you feel relaxed and at home for the first few nights in your new space.

As we enter the thick of moving season, we hope you found these moving tips to be helpful. Remember, by implementing the right steps to prepare for moving day can make the process much smoother. For any questions regarding our properties or services, please feel free to reach out to us via our contact form.  

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