7 Moving Tips and Tricks for a Stress-Free Move

Top 7 Tips for an Easy and Efficient Move-Out

Let’s face it — moving to a new home can be stressful and overwhelming. This is even more true if you’re short on time.

Whether you’re moving out in 2 months or 2 weeks, the 7 tips below have been selected to help you save time and money during your move. Use these tips and tricks to help take the stress out of your move, especially if time is of the essence.

1. Hire a Move-Out Cleaning Service

Hiring a professional move-out cleaning service can give you more time to pack your belongings and start getting things set up in your new place. Additionally, you can rest assured knowing that your home has been cleaned to the highest standard by cleaning experts.

Calculating the amount of money you are willing to spend on a professional cleaning is important, especially if you’re on a budget. Including this service in your budget can also help you plan properly for other costs, such as moving insurance, personal bills, and decorating your new home.

Keep in mind, the cost of hiring a professional move-out cleaner will vary depending on the number of rooms and type of cleaning you need. Knowing what you can expect to pay, including tips, may save you from overspending.

Remember to keep your receipts and even take pictures of any other move-out bills. You may need them for any tax reductions or government grants you apply for in the future.

2. Use a Cleaning Checklist

Typically, a standard lease agreement includes getting your apartment or house back to the same condition as when you first moved in.

If you’re deciding to handle the cleaning yourself to save money or allow for more flexibility, a cleaning checklist can improve your chances of getting your full security deposit back. Following a cleaning checklist can help you stay on track and make sure you cover all the areas people frequently miss.

You can either create your own checklist or view this list of cleaning company checklists for ideas and inspiration.

3. Get Your Security Deposit Back

Do you want to get back every penny of your security deposit check? Making sure you understand your lease agreement, hiring a professional move-out cleaning service, and doing any small repairs yourself can help make that happen.

Once you move into your new apartment or rental home, walk through the space and inspect for any pre-existing damages. This can save you trouble when the lease ends and help ensure you aren’t faced with additional charges or a reduction in your next security deposit check.

4. Ship Your Car

If you are moving to a new state or across the country, a car shipping service can be a convenient and reliable way to transport your vehicle over a long distance.

Shipping your car could actually save you money because you won't have to spend a significant amount on travel expenses during transit. You'll also avoid the costs of maintenance or repairs needed before and after a long road trip, including any costs from breakdowns or flat tires.

5. Get Free Moving Boxes

We have discussed that moving out can be costly, with expenses ranging from new utilities, the down payment for your new home, new furniture, a move-out cleaning service, and more.

In addition to these costs, you’ll also need to think about moving supplies — specifically having enough cardboard boxes to securely transport your belongings. Make your move budget- and environmentally-friendly by reusing boxes from retail stores and other shops. There are likely dozens of restaurants and stores near you that will donate free moving boxes.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to label your boxes. For easy unpacking, you can color-code your boxes with duct tape, use waterproof markers, or even create a numbering system.

6. Plan and Host a Garage Sale

Moving house is the perfect time for going through your belongings and getting rid of anything you don’t need or use. Knowing how to hold a successful garage sale can help you clear out those unwanted items — while adding extra money to your budget.

“If you’re moving to a warm climate and you no longer need a snow shovel or sled, donate them. If you’re moving to a condo, you probably won’t need gardening tools or a hose. If you have a pool now and your new place doesn’t, you can probably get rid of your pool toys.” – Eileen Roth, author of Organizing for Dummies

You can also look for local charities and non-profit organizations near you where you can donate your excess belongings to someone else who can use them.

7. Prepare a Moving Day Playlist

Whether you're moving out of state or just down the road, there’s no doubt you’ll be surrounded by bubble wrap, cardboard boxes — and messiness all around.

To keep you as sane and positive as possible, we suggest having a moving day playlist on hand with all your favorite tunes. Studies show that music has a positive effect on mood. The perfect moving playlist can help reduce stress, keep energy levels high, and improve motivation and productivity.

Apply These Tips For a Stress-Free Move

These moving tips and tricks are designed to assist you as you prepare for moving day.

By following our tips for hiring a move-out cleaning service, acquiring free boxes, hosting a garage sale, and more, you’ll have extra time to celebrate moving into your new home. You’ll also have more time to relax and unwind.

To hire a professional move-out cleaner near you, turn to Moveout.com.