How to Make Moving Easier | My International Movers

Posted August 10, 2023 In How-to, Moving Tips&Tricks,

Daisy Wilson

Daisy was born in Salt Lake City and in her free time, she writes about moving and watches Charmed.

Moving internationally can be a complex undertaking, requiring careful planning and efficient strategies. But with the right strategies, you can simplify the process and make it easier. We will provide you with practical efficiency hacks on how to make moving easier. From effective planning and organization to leveraging professional services and optimizing your packing methods, these expert tips and strategies will help you streamline your relocation.

Couple sitting on the floor surrounded by boxes

Relocation doesn't need to be hard if you follow our tips

How to make moving easier and less stressful? Star by planning ahead and creating a detailed checklist of tasks. Decluttering your belongings will lighten the load and make packing and unpacking more efficient. Also, consider hiring professional movers who specialize in handling international relocations, and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from friends and family to share the workload and make the experience more enjoyable.

How to Make Moving Easier – Start with Decluttering and Sorting

Decluttering and sorting your belongings is a crucial first step to making relocation across the world easier. Begin by going through each room and deciding what items to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Be ruthless in your decision-making to minimize unnecessary belongings. Sorting items into categories will make packing and unpacking more efficient. By decluttering, you’ll not only reduce the number of items to pack but also create a fresh start in your new home, making the entire process smoother and less overwhelming.

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Tips for Decluttering Efficiently

Moving overseas means you need to be as much practical and efficient with your packing as possible. And the best way to achieve efficiency is to reduce the number of items you plan to bring. However, getting rid of your belongings is never easy and can be an overwhelming task, but with a couple of relocation tips, you will be able to finish this task in a much more organized and stress-free manner. Here are the tips to follow:

Set aside dedicated time – Allocate specific blocks of time for decluttering each room or area. This focused approach prevents the task from becoming overwhelming and allows you to make steady progress.
Take it one category at a time – Sort items by category (e.g., clothing, books, kitchenware) rather than tackling the entire room at once. This method helps maintain focus and ensures thorough decluttering.
Use the four-box method – Label four boxes or bags as “Keep,” “Donate/Sell,” “Trash,” and “Undecided.” Place each item into one of these boxes based on its relevance and usefulness in your life. This system simplifies decision-making and keeps the process organized.
Consider functionality and sentimentality – Assess items based on their practical value and emotional attachment. Keep items that you genuinely need or love, and let go of those that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy.
Digitize when possible – Organizing important documents is a crucial step you need to take when moving abroad, and these important papers you will have to keep by your side. However, there are a bunch of documents you don’t need to bring with you and can digitize. Convert paper documents, photos, and other mementos into digital formats to save space. This approach reduces clutter while preserving important memories.
Involve others – If you’re finding it difficult to make decisions, ask for a second opinion from a trusted friend or family member. They can offer a fresh perspective and help you stay objective.

Planning and Organization Are Also a Must

Creating a relocation plan is crucial for a smooth and well-coordinated relocation. It provides structure and clarity, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken in an organized manner. A plan helps you stay on track, manage your time and resources effectively, and reduce stress. By outlining tasks and setting deadlines, you can break down the relocation process into manageable steps, making it less overwhelming.

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Tips for Effective Planning and Organization

How to make moving easier and less stressful? Well, as we mentioned, the best way to make your move easy is to effectively plan and organize it. Start by developing a timeline and checklist for relocation abroad. Break down the tasks leading up to your relocation day into smaller, manageable goals to stay organized and ensure nothing is overlooked.

From documents you will need for travel to hiring a professional overseas shipping company, your timeline should cover all the aspects of the relocation process so you can relocate efficiently and without stress. Here is an example of a timeline you can follow, but you can always alter it to fit your needs.

6-8 months before relocation

Research visa requirements and gather necessary documents.
Start exploring housing options in the destination country.
Determine if any vaccinations or medical examinations are required and schedule appointments if needed.
Begin researching international moving companies and obtain quotes for their services.
Notify your current landlord or arrange for the sale/termination of your current housing.

4-6 months before relocation

Confirm your visa and gather all required documents.
Make arrangements for international health insurance coverage.
Start decluttering and organizing your belongings, deciding what to sell, donate, or pack.
Begin researching schools or educational institutions for children if applicable.
Research and arrange for pet transportation if you have pets.

2-4 months before relocation

Secure housing in the destination country.
Notify your employer about your relocation and handle any necessary paperwork.
Arrange for the transportation of your belongings with the chosen international relocation company.
Inform utility companies, banks, and other relevant institutions about relocation.
Start the process of canceling or transferring subscriptions and services.

1-2 months before relocation

Begin the process of obtaining necessary permits or licenses for the destination country.
Schedule necessary medical and dental check-ups.
Notify schools, doctors, and other service providers about the relocation and request necessary documents or records.
Start packing non-essential items and organizing important documents.

2-4 weeks before relocation

Confirm travel arrangements, including flights and accommodation.
Make copies of important documents such as passports, visas, and medical records.
Complete any necessary paperwork for the sale or termination of your current housing.
Arrange for mail forwarding or redirection services.
Begin packing essential items and labeling boxes.

1 week before relocation

Pack your travel essentials and prepare the necessary documents for your journey.
Confirm all arrangements with the international relocation company.
Take care of any remaining administrative tasks and tie up loose ends.
Inform friends and family about your departure and provide them with your contact information.

Employ Efficient Packing Strategies

Efficient packing strategies can make a significant difference when relocating to another country. Exploring different packing techniques and materials is key. Use appropriately sized boxes and packing supplies to protect your belongings and optimize space. Pack room by room, starting with the least-used areas, to maintain organization and ensure essential items remain accessible. Space-saving techniques, like rolling clothes or using vacuum-sealing bags, help maximize storage capacity. Don’t forget to pack an essentials box containing items you’ll need upon arrival at your new destination.

Before you start with packing, make sure you know how many things you can carry with you. Whether you opt for international relocation by sea or air will determine the number of items you can bring. Shipping overseas by sea is by far the most convenient and affordable way to ship your belongings. When you choose an international moving company, make sure to opt for one that offers both full and fewer container loads. For example, My International Movers is a company that offers both options. This way you will get to choose how much you wish to bring and to spend.

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Hiring Professional International Movers

Hiring a professional overseas moving company or seeking other forms of assistance for your international relocation can offer several benefits. First and foremost, professional movers have the expertise and experience to handle the logistics and complexities of an international relocation. They are well-versed in coordinating transportation and ensuring your belongings are properly packed and protected.

By hiring professionals, you can save time and reduce the relocation stress associated with planning and executing relocation on your own. Make sure when you choose a company to opt for the one that can offer you all the services you need. For example, if you wish to transport your car to another country, the best would be to hire a relocation company that can provide you with car shipping services as well. My International Movers is such a company.

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Tips for Hiring Professional Help

When it comes to hiring professional help you, conducting thorough research is key. Start by researching and comparing different relocation companies or services. Read customer reviews and seek recommendations from trusted sources to gauge their reputation and reliability. Obtain multiple quotes from different companies and carefully consider the range of services they offer. It’s crucial to confirm that the chosen movers provide adequate insurance coverage and have clear liability policies to protect your belongings.

Choose movers that are professional

Utilize Technology and Apps

One of the ways to make moving easier is to use technology. Technology plays a significant role in simplifying the relocation process. It offers a range of apps and tools designed to streamline various aspects of relocations.

Technology provides convenience and efficiency when it comes to organizing and managing your move. It offers digital solutions to create checklists, track inventory, visualize furniture placement, and handle administrative tasks. By utilizing technology, you can save time, stay organized, and reduce the stress associated with relocation.

Apps like MoveAdvisor, or My Move, help create checklists, set reminders, and manage tasks throughout the relocation process. These apps keep you organized and ensure important steps are not overlooked.

On the other hand, home inventory apps like Sortly, MagicPlan, or Nest Egg help you catalog and track your belongings, including their condition and value. This makes it easier to create comprehensive inventories for insurance purposes and simplifies the unpacking process.

You can also use virtual room planners like Room Planner or IKEA Place, allowing you to digitally visualize and plan furniture placement in your new home. This helps you determine the best layout and make informed decisions before the physical move.

Source - Manifest survey

Have a Moving Day Organized in Detail

To have a well-organized relocation day, it’s crucial to establish clear communication with movers or helpers, coordinate logistics like parking and elevator access, stay organized using an inventory list and labeling system, and keep essentials, important documents, and valuables with you. Designate one room where all the belongings you don’t want movers to transport will be located. Also, if you are relocating with pets or kids, this room should be their safe spot.

Place all the boxes you have packed in the room closer to the exit. This will make the job a lot easier and faster for workers. If you hire movers for packing services, make sure all your belongings are categorized and ready to be placed in the boxes.

Last but not least, have food and drinks ready, so you and the movers can have refreshments during the day.

The more you help movers on the big day, the easier the process will be

Follow Our Tips and You’ll Relocate Across the World in No Time

By following our tips and strategies, you can make your international relocation easier, more efficient, and less stressful. From efficient packing techniques and careful planning to hiring professional help and utilizing technology, these tips will help streamline your move and save you valuable time and energy. For a reliable and hassle-free international move, consider reaching out to My International Movers, a trusted company with expertise in handling international relocations.

Our experience and commitment to customer satisfaction make us an excellent choice for your needs. Contact My International Movers today and embark on your journey across the world with confidence.

FAQ

How Far in Advance Should I Start Planning for My Move?

It is recommended to start planning for your move at least 2-3 months in advance, especially for international moves. This allows ample time to research, gather necessary documents, declutter, and make arrangements for packing, transportation, and other logistics.

What Are Some Effective Strategies for Decluttering Before a Move?

To declutter effectively, start early and tackle one room at a time. Sort items into categories (keep, donate, sell, discard) and be ruthless in letting go of things you no longer need or use. Consider the practical value and sentimental attachment of each item to make informed decisions.

How Can I Organize My Belongings to Make Packing More Efficient?

Use a labeling system and pack room by room, clearly marking boxes with their contents and the room they belong to. Keep an inventory list to track what goes into each box. Additionally, consider using storage solutions like bins, dividers, and packing cubes to keep similar items together and optimize space.

Are There Any Packing Materials or Techniques That Can Help Save Space?

Yes, utilizing space-saving techniques can maximize packing efficiency. Roll clothes instead of folding them to save space. Vacuum-seal bags compress bulky items. Use small or medium-sized boxes for heavier items and larger boxes for lighter belongings. Bubble wrap fragile items to protect them while optimizing space.

Should I Hire Professional Movers or Do It Myself?

The decision depends on various factors like the distance of the move, the volume of belongings, and your personal circumstances. Professional movers can provide expertise, save time and effort, and ensure a smooth and secure move. Evaluate your specific needs, budget, and comfort level to make an informed choice.

What Should I Do to Prepare for Moving Day?

To prepare for relocation day, confirm logistics such as parking and elevator access, ensure clear communication with movers or helpers, and have essential items and important documents easily accessible. Follow the relocation plan, refer to your checklist, and stay organized to ensure a smooth and efficient relocation day.

How Can I Ensure the Safety and Security of My Belongings During the Move?

Ensure your chosen movers provide adequate insurance coverage for your belongings. Label fragile items clearly and consider using padding or bubble wrap for extra protection. Keep valuable items, important documents, and sentimental belongings with you during the move for added security.

What Are Some Unpacking Tips to Help Me Settle into My New Home Quickly?

Prioritize unpacking essential items first, such as bedding, toiletries, and kitchen essentials. Unpack room by room, focusing on one area at a time. Refer to your labeling system and inventory list to ensure boxes are unpacked in their designated rooms. Take breaks, stay organized, and gradually personalize and arrange your new space to make it feel like home.

How Can I Update My Address and Forward My Mail?

To update your address, notify important contacts such as banks, insurance companies, and government agencies. Visit the local post office or its website to fill out a Change of Address form. This will redirect your mail to your new address for a specified period.

Are There Any Tips for Managing the Stress and Emotional Aspects of Moving?

Take time for self-care, maintain a support network, and communicate openly with loved ones about your feelings. Stay organized, break tasks into manageable steps, and give yourself grace during the transition. Celebrate the positive aspects of the move and focus on the new opportunities ahead.

What Should I Do with Fragile or Valuable Items during the Move?

Take extra precautions with fragile or valuable items. Wrap them in bubble wrap, use protective padding, and clearly label the boxes as “fragile.” Discuss specific handling instructions with your chosen movers to ensure proper care.

How Can I Handle Moving with Pets or Children?

Keep their routines as consistent as possible, provide comfort items, and consider temporary accommodations during the move. Pack essential items for them separately and ensure their safety during transit. Introduce them to the new environment gradually, offering reassurance and patience.

Are There Any Strategies for Minimizing the Cost of Moving?

To minimize costs, declutter and sell or donate items you no longer need. Obtain multiple quotes from relocation companies to compare prices. Choose an off-peak date, if possible, as rates may be lower. Optimize space in the truck by using efficient packing techniques.