Whether you’re only moving a few items or everything in your house, you may think you have everything figured out. After all, how hard can it be to pack up your stuff and get it to your new address? You may be surprised to learn that even a simple move can come with challenges. Without some planning, your move can turn into a frustrating challenge. 

Thankfully, there are some smart tips that start with calling movers Fort Collins. This can help eliminate most potential obstacles. However, if you’re getting ready to relocate, here’s how you can move smarter instead of working harder.

Tips For a Smooth Fort Collins Move

Before you start tossing random items in a box, take a minute to consider a few things. This can help take some of the stress out of your Colorado move and make it go more smoothly.

Have a Moving Timeline

You may think getting ready to move is only going to take a couple of hours. After all, how long can it take to pack up your things for the movers or shipping company? The answer may surprise you. Even a small move takes some time. You may not need to spend weeks or months planning your move but you should give it a few days.

A good tip is not to try to do everything at once. Create a schedule and tackle a few things each day. You may even be able to handle the move without professional assistance. However, this depends on the size of your stuff, the location of your new address, and whether you have a vehicle. 

If your small move includes bringing your bed frame or living room couch, you’re probably going to need to hire professionals. This should be one of the first items on your list. Finding a shipping company is pretty easy but it’s a little different if you’re hiring movers. 

Depending on when you’re moving, you may need to book your move a few weeks or even months in advance. Generally, the busiest time for movers is on weekends and during the summer. If you can avoid these typically busy times, it’s usually easier to find a mover who can fit your schedule. Best of all, moving on off-peak times is usually cheaper.

Go Through Your Stuff

For a lot of people, going through their belongings is the hardest and most time-consuming part of the moving process. Even if you’re moving out of a studio apartment or dorm room, you can easily accumulate a ton of stuff. 

You can also spend hours taking a trip down memory lane with some of your belongings. While this can be fun, your ultimate goal is deciding what to pack and what stays behind. You definitely want to go through your stuff if you’re planning on taking just about everything you own.

You may find it easier to tackle one room at a time. Go through the drawers, cupboards, and closets. If you have stuff you haven’t thought about in years or even remember you own, it can probably be left out of the packing. Try organizing two piles. One pile is stuff you’re taking with you. The other pile is for stuff you’re planning on donating, selling, or throwing away.

Holding a yard sale before your moving day is a great way to get rid of some unwanted stuff and make a little extra money. Anything you can’t sell can go to charity. Don’t forget to get a receipt for your donation. You should be able to write the donation off on your tax return.

Gather Your Packing Supplies

You can purchase boxes from the shipping or moving company but they can be a little expensive. A better option is to ask local retailers like grocers for their old boxes. You may even get lucky and score some corrugated cardboard boxes. Corrugated cardboard is durable and lightweight, two aspects you want in a moving box.

If you’re moving something heavy, you may need something stronger than a cardboard box. A wood crate is a great option and you can even build one at home for a few bucks. Don’t forget to grab some packing paper or old newsprint. Sheets and blankets can also protect fragile items during the move.

Something you want to keep on hand is a permanent marker. Use this to label which room the box belongs in. This will make unpacking easier.

Simplifying Your Fort Collins Move

Moving doesn’t have to be a nightmare, but it helps if you plan ahead. Create a timeline and start talking to Fort Collins moving companies. With a little planning, you can simplify your move.