Time Tidbits: Moving Tips for the Procrastinator

Summer is peak moving season, with about two-thirds of moves. In this time of high moving activity, and also a time when summer distractions are high, consumers on the move might find themselves in a last-minute moving bind.

For those consumers who waited till the very last second, Unpakt, a new, instant pricing application to help consumers find reputable moving companies and book their moves online, shares 6 quick tips for the Procrastinator planning a move:
 

• Hire Movers: Moving yourself would simply be one more thing to stress about. However, you should compare prices from a few companies because hiring movers extremely close to move day can be costly, especially in the summer.
• Pay for Packing: If you’re really cutting it close, pay your movers for packing and unpacking services. When you pay for packing services, the movers will provide all packing supplies and actually pack your belongings. Leave the heavy work to them so you can focus on the ever-growing list of simple tasks: changing your address, cancelling utilities, arranging pet care, etc.
• Packing DIY Route: If you decide to pack yourself, use materials right in your own home for packing supplies. Socks, towels and linens can be used to wrap and protect any fragile items you are packing. Wicker baskets, plastic bins, and luggage can be used in place of traditional cardboard boxes. Bonus: using items you are anyways bringing with you will cut down on the extras you ultimately don’t need, like bubble wrap and packing peanuts. 
• Clean-Up House: Get rid of any items you might not need in your new home.  While you might be tempted to just frantically dump things into boxes, this could ultimately cost you lots of time, and money. By minimizing as you pack, you’ll save time not only on packing, but also the time spent moving and unpacking the boxes into your new home.
• Box of Needs: Keep a couple boxes set aside designated specifically for things that you will need right away in your new home. This could include towels, coffee maker, cellphone charger, etc. You can continue to add to these boxes right up until you are ready to leave, since you probably still are using some of the items.  Label these boxes differently, or with colored tape, to help identify them easily.  Similarly, keep a carry-on-bag of essentials you’ll need on your person for moving day.  This could include extra clothes, toiletries, snacks, laptop/iPad and important documents.  
• Tackle Your Utilities: Take care of shutting off utilities at your old home and turning on the new ones as soon as possible. If you wait too long, you might find that all install times are booked.