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Moving is stressful, even if it’s prompted by happy events. Whether it’s for a dream job, an expanding family, a new city, or a better home, the task of packing and moving to an apartment in Albany can be emotionally, financially and physically demanding.
If you’re planning a move to the Albany Lofts at One Broadway, here are some tips we’ve picked up from savvy movers that will help alleviate the stress.
Start Packing EarlyMoving is not for procrastinators. Scrambling the night before moving day only creates more stress. Instead, pack up decorative objects, such as pictures and knick-knacks, as well as out-of-season items, far in advance. If you’re not using it now, box it up. Although it’s recommended to save kitchen and bath until last, there are probably things in both of those rooms that can be packed away now, such as serving dishes, fine china and guest towels.
Tip: Never use newsprint to wrap fine china. Bubble wrap is ideal, but towels make great padding and since they’ll need to be packed anyway, it’s a win-win.
In addition to ensuring the safe transport of your belongings, movers will save your lower back, your sanity and your friendships. This is their specialty. They have the right tools and know all the right tricks. They will likely do it in half the time and without damaging your possessions. Yes, there is a cost to hire professionals, but it’s often comparable to renting a truck or van for yourself, and the time and aggravation you’ll save is worth the extra expense.
Tip: Ask a few different movers for quotes, or contact the Albany Lofts at One Broadway for recommendations.
Spend the extra money on store-bought moving boxes, as opposed to used boxes from friends or the local liquor store. This will make loading a moving truck easier and ensure that the boxes hold. Purchase 2-3 different sizes – you don’t want to load a large box full of books or squeeze just 1 or 2 bath towels into a small one – and use wardrobe boxes to make moving closets easier. Purchase more boxes, tape and markers than you think you’ll need, and invest in a good tape dispenser.
Tip: Instead of removing the clothes from your dresser drawers, consider taping the drawers shut with the clothes inside, or removing each drawer and stacking them in the moving truck with clothes intact.
Use Lists and LabelsIt might seem tedious, but in addition to labeling boxes by room, you’ll be happy you took the time to write out the contents of each box when it comes time to unpack. Likewise, you’ll want to avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box. Instead, use color coding to make distributing the boxes at your new place easier. For instance, put a pink sticker on each of your bedroom boxes and then place the same sticker above the door to your new bedroom.
Tip: If you’re handwriting isn’t exactly legible, try labeling each box with a number and typing up a detailed list of box contents that you can access from a smart phone or tablet.
An essentials box is just what it sounds like – a box full of items you’ll need the last few nights in your old place and the first few nights in your new home. There’s nothing more frustrating than waking up on moving day and realizing you packed your toothbrush or deodorant in an unreachable box. Besides toiletries and clothes, add some cleaning supplies, and, if you have children, you may want to include items that will keep them entertained and happy, such as games, books, stuffed animals and a nightlight.
Happy Moving!
With a little preparation, organization and some timesaving tricks, moving isn’t so bad.
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