Hiring Packers for Your Move? 5 Ways to Use Your Free Time

Do you plan to hire professionals to move your belongings as well as pack and unpack them? If so, you've saved yourself a great deal of time, work, and stress. But what should you do with the extra time freed up by letting them do the hardest work? Discover five things you might consider.

1. Purge the House

Most moving experts recommend that you go through your stuff and purge unwanted, broken, or outdated items before moving them. However, this process can take time, and this is often too big a job for most people trying to move on their own.

If you outsource the work of packing, you may have extra time to do this step. The more you remove from the house at this point, the easier - and less expensive - the actual move will be. Start by purging items that will bring the most bang for your buck time-wise, such as furniture that won't fit in your new house and broken or damaged fixtures. Move on to smaller details as you have time.

2. Prepare for the Moving Crew

Think about the moving crew that will arrive to do the legwork of packing and transporting your stuff. The more they handle for you, the longer they will be in your home and working on your projects. So, how can you make their time more comfortable, more efficient, and more positive?

Many homeowners provide coffee and other nonalcoholic beverages. Add a few snacks for everyone to enjoy, and make sure a bathroom is
available for use. Prepare the house by laying down mats and removing obstacles. Talk with neighbors and make sure the moving truck and crews won't be hindered. And do a practice walk-though of your home to detail important information.

3. Focus on the New House

Most people who move to a new house spend the vast majority of their time focusing on clearing out the old one. But with professionals handling that, turn your attention to the new house.

If possible, make extra trips to measure it, take photos for reference, and plan the furniture layout. Ensure you have working utilities and the house will be comfortable for movers. Tour the home - in person or virtually - with hesitant kids. Meet your new neighbors. Order replacement furniture for items you've purged. Or explore the neighborhood's amenities.

4. Make Inventory Notes

Another recommendation that many people don't have time for is to inventory their household goods before they're packed up. Could you do more on this valuable step using the time you freed up from packing? Certainly.

So, what inventory steps could you do? Take photos of valuable objects, including serial numbers and make/model. Photograph accessories, cords, and wires attached to electronic equipment for easy reassembling. Use an app, spreadsheet, or paper to create a written inventory of goods of value. Label items for rooms in the new house. Remember, the best inventory systems are what is intuitive for you.

5. Spend Time With Kids or Pets

Moving is stressful for adults but can be scary and emotional for kids and animals. They often don't understand what's going on. Kids may be sad to leave their old home, school, or friends. They may even have illogical worries, such as that they have to leave their stuff behind. Take this
opportunity to spend some extra time with these beloved parts of your family and reassure them.

Want more tips for preparing for a packing and moving crew to handle your big move? Start by consulting with the team at Los Flores Movers. We will help your family maximize your time and effort while minimizing stress. Call today to make an appointment.