Most people have experienced moving at some point in their lives. Even if you were a child when you last moved, you likely remember the adults in your life being frustrated and stressed because they were moving.
Moving is a lot of work. But that's only part of it. Home is our refuge, a place where we feel safe, where we can be ourselves. When that comfort is disrupted like it is when moving, it can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Our things are not just things. They are valuable to us, and they hold sentimental value that others may not understand.
The thought of packing up those things and having them in boxes on a truck can be very unnerving for some. Practicing safe moving techniques can help alleviate the stress and make moving a pleasant undertaking.
What Are Some Ways to Make Moving Less Stressful?
There are several safe moving techniques you can follow to make the process of moving a positive experience rather than a negative one.
Be Aware of Fraudulent Moving Companies
Moving scams are on the rise all across Canada and the US. These scammers take advantage of people when they are going through a turbulent and busy time in their lives while moving. Be conscientious while doing your research for meticulous long-distance movers and packers. Check out the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM).
Another of our safe moving techniques is to ask for an in-person or virtual estimate. Scammers rarely want to show their faces in person or online. If the movers refuse to do this type of estimate, don't use them as it is a sign they aren't reputable.
Ask for full value replacement liability protection. It is well worth the price and the peace of mind it brings. It also helps weed out scammers. An honest and professional moving company always offers this service.
By doing your homework when researching and being on the lookout for fraudulent moving companies, you can lower your stress level knowing you won't be taken advantage of while moving.
Hire A Reputable Moving Company
There are many honest moving companies out there. Finding meticulous long-distance movers and packers who know safe moving techniques, helps you to feel confident about your personal belongings being in good hands.
Here is a list of some signs of a trustworthy moving company:
- They have a strong online presence.
In our modern world, a company not having a website is almost unheard of. So, a reputable moving company will have its own website and likely a Facebook, Instagram, or other social media account as well. Some moving companies even have their own YouTube channel where they share safe moving techniques.
- They own their own moving equipment and trucks.
Most dependable moving companies have all the required equipment to handle all potential moving needs. Things like dollies, hand trucks, ramps, straps, floor protectors, pads, and other packing material. A moving company will almost always have its logo on its trucks as well.
- They have a good reputation.
You want to read online reviews of a potential moving company and not just the reviews they post on their website. Google and Yelp are two good sources to check out. Obviously, it's impossible to please everyone so there may be some negative reviews, but if the overwhelming majority are positive, then you can rest assured these are meticulous long-distance movers and packers that will take good care of your belongings.
- They offer several moving services.
Most professional moving companies don't just offer to get your things from point A to point B. They provide a myriad of other moving services such as packing and unpacking, disassembly and reassembly of furniture, storage options, and special services like piano moving. They also use only top-quality packing material. The companies that offer these additional services have dedicated their business to the moving process and should leave you feeling confident about them handling your move following safe moving techniques.
4 Additional Safe Moving Techniques to De-Stress You Move
- Make a moving “to-do” list. Let's face it- moving can be overwhelming.
There's so much to do! From changing your address with your utility provider to arranging one last visit with your neighborhood friends, there's a lot going on and it can leave you feeling frazzled and about to lose your mind. Before you end up yelling at your family and saying things you can't take back, try this: take a deep breath and find a quiet space to retreat to. Make a list of all the things you need to do. It may be a long list, but that's ok. Putting it all down on paper can take the weight of these things off your back. Then you can tackle your "to-do's" in a structured and efficient way. Plus, it feels good to cross things off your list so you can see your progress. This can be a significant way to help you feel less stressed out.
- Use proper self-packing techniques.
Packing is not just throwing things in a box until there’s no room left. Using correct self-packing techniques can go a far way in making you feel good about the safety of your belongings. Always put heavy items in first, followed by lighter things. Use packing material whenever possible to help protect your valuables. Never load a box to more than 50 lbs. as a box can rip and your things can get damaged. A reputable moving company can provide you with a list of proper self-packing techniques on request.
- Pack the most valuable things yourself.
Go room by room, packing up your most valuable items in one or two boxes. Use proper self-packing techniques. Only you know which items you would be devastated if they were lost or damaged. It could be a photo album, passports and other important documents, your great granny’s urn, or even a lamp that has some special meaning to you. If possible, these items should stay with you during the move. Knowing you are always in possession and in control of your most priceless things will drop your stress levels substantially.
- Use the best quality packing materials you can afford.
Using super sturdy boxes and other high-quality packing materials like proper packing tape, bubble wrap, etc., will help you feel more assured that your things will be protected. Using proper self-packing techniques will make you feel much better about moving over a long distance.
- Take advantage of packing services.
If you don’t feel confident in your own packing abilities or really want to ensure your things don’t get damaged during the move, hiring meticulous long-distance movers and packers can take away all your worries. These professionals follow safe moving techniques and are trained in the art of packing and will pack things in such a way that there is little chance of damage. They will use only the best packing materials to ensure the safety of your belongings. Plus, they label and track each box, so you don’t have to worry about losing anything.
Follow Our Safe Moving Techniques
No matter how far a distance you are traveling to get to your new destination, following safe moving techniques is key to feeling less stressed during a move. Using some self-packing techniques and hiring meticulous long-distance movers and packers can help make moving an exciting adventure rather than a dreaded undertaking.
