How to Prepare for Your Residential Move: Grit Your Teeth and Get Moving!
The short version: start sorting a few weeks early, get your supplies before you need them, pack the least-used rooms first, measure your big furniture, and have everything ready the night before. Then let the movers do the heavy lifting.
Moving can be overwhelming, but with a little planning (and a lot of caffeine), you can take the stress out of it. Whether you're moving just down the street or across town, GRIT Property Solutions is here to make your move smoother. So grab a notepad (or your phone, we're not judging), and let's get started!
Step 1: Start Early (We Mean Really Early)
Procrastinators, we see you. But listen: the earlier you start, the easier it'll be. We recommend starting at least a few weeks ahead of time. Begin by sorting through your things. You'd be amazed at how much you've accumulated, and let's be real, you don't need everything you own.
Pro tip from GRIT: Keep one pile for donation, one for junk removal, and one for the stuff you actually want to take with you. You'd be surprised how many people are happy to take that blender you've never used.
Step 2: Get Your Supplies Ready
Boxes, tape, bubble wrap: it's a whole new world of packing supplies, and you'll need all of them. Don't forget markers to label your boxes, or you'll end up opening five boxes of books just to find your coffee maker.
Pro tip from GRIT: Pack as much as you can into boxes of the same size. They're much easier to stack in the truck, and they help our team load your things more efficiently.
Step 3: Start Packing, But Be Strategic
The kitchen might be your least favorite room to pack (all those random utensils you've collected over the years), but here's the deal: start with the things you use least. Think seasonal items, extra linens, or that closet of mystery.
Pro tip from GRIT: Pack breakables carefully. Bubble wrap or towels work wonders. Stack finished boxes in a safe corner so they stay neat and out of the way. Short on time? Our packing service can take the whole job off your hands.
Step 4: Handle the Big Stuff
Moving furniture is no small task (trust us, we know). But don't stress about the heavy lifting. Call GRIT Property Solutions! Whether it's a couch that won't fit through your front door or an armoire that needs to be moved delicately, we've got the muscle.
Pro tip from GRIT: Measure your furniture and your doorways! It's the worst when you get something into the house, only to realize it's not going to fit.
Step 5: Plan for the Moving Day Chaos
Moving day is kind of like a reality show, but with more cardboard and (hopefully) less drama. Get everything packed and organized the day before. Have snacks, water bottles, and maybe a motivational playlist with "Eye of the Tiger" on repeat.
Pro tip from GRIT: Don't wait until the last minute to tell us what's going. Get everything ready the night before. The last thing you want is to be running around like a headless chicken while we're trying to load your stuff.
Step 6: Unpack Like a Pro
You've made it to the new place. Hooray! Now comes unpacking, the slightly less fun part. Take it room by room, and start with the essentials: kitchen stuff, toiletries, and a bed to sleep in. Your new home is your sanctuary, so let's make it comfy!
Pro tip from GRIT: We'll help you unload everything, and we can reassemble furniture and unpack for you too. Put on a good show, sip something cold, and let us do the heavy lifting.
Step 7: Relax and Enjoy Your New Space
You're finally settled. The boxes are gone, the furniture is in place, and you're officially in your new home. Take a moment to enjoy not having to wonder where your toothbrush went. Now's the time to chill.
Pro tip from GRIT: If you have leftover boxes, call us for junk removal! We'll get rid of them so your new home stays clutter-free.
Your Moving Checklist at a Glance
- 3 to 4 weeks out: sort everything into keep, donate, and junk piles. Book your movers.
- 2 to 3 weeks out: buy boxes, tape, markers, and wrap. Start packing rarely used items.
- 1 week out: pack room by room, measure big furniture, and confirm your moving date.
- Night before: finish packing, set aside an essentials box, and defrost the fridge.
- Moving day: walk the crew through the house, then let them do the lifting.
- After the move: unpack the essentials first, and schedule pickup for leftover boxes.
Paul Rosas is a co-founder of GRIT Property Solutions in Lubbock. He grew up in Snyder, graduated from Texas Tech, and has helped Lubbock families with local and long-distance moves, packing, and junk removal. More about Paul.