Military families move, on average, every two to three years — that’s three times as often as civilian families pack up and relocate. If you or your spouse has been in the military for more than a few years, you’re used to the rigamarole of moving.
If not — or if you’re looking for a refresher because you’ve already repressed the memories of your last move — read on for some great moving help ideas.
1. Let It Go
The number one way to make a move easier is to reduce the amount of stuff so that there are fewer items that need to be moved. Streamline your possessions as much as possible before the moving trucks arrive.
Professional organizers say that if you haven’t used an item in two years, chances are you don’t need it. For military families, that means whatever stayed in the boxes the last time you moved likely doesn’t have to make the next trip with you.
This is also a good time to eliminate items that are inexpensive and easy to replace like shower curtains, mops, brooms, toilet brushes, and garbage cans.
Even kitchen staples like spices or any unused food, and products like cleaners or laundry detergent, can be left behind. Use up what you can before the move, and donate what’s left to a friend or neighbor.
2. Ask for Assistance
Speaking of friends and neighbors, they’re an excellent source of moving help. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. Friends can arrange playdates to keep the kids busy and out of the way while you pack.
They can also help you clean out your closets, run unwanted items to Goodwill, or lend a hand when it’s time to lug that old couch to the curb.
3. Make an Inventory
If you don’t have an inventory of your belongings, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Use your camera’s phone to take pictures of everything, if you’re not the list-making type. Or ask a friend to jot down notes as you’re packing.
A camera comes in handy for hooking up your TV or desktop computer, too. Take a picture of the cords and plugs, so you know what goes where when it’s time to set everything back up again.
4. Deal With the Small Stuff
Keep a box of zip-top bags on hand as you are dismantling furniture, so there’s someplace to put the nuts, bolts, screws, and other hardware. Tape each bag to its corresponding item with duct tape. Include any remote controls for each device, too.
5. First Day Box
Making up a box of essentials that will travel with you, not with the movers, is one of the best moving help tips around. Some things to include:
- A change of clothing for every family member
- Any prescription or OTC medications you take regularly
- Chargers for all laptops, phones, and other devices
- Paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, and garbage bags
- Sheets, towels, and pillows
- Personal care items like makeup, shampoo, and soap
That way, you won’t be scrambling to unpack a dozen different boxes just to get through your first few days in the new home.
Looking for Professional Moving?
When your family moves so often, you need experts you can count on. We have provided industry-leading moving services in the Northeast and across the United States since 1915, and we have the expertise you can trust.
Fill out this form for a free estimate from Meyer Movers.
