The Ultimate Moving Guide on SnapTap
When it comes to moving, many people feel both excited and exhausted. Moving to a new environment is something to look forward to, but it also comes with the challenge of organizing, packing, and deciding what to discard. The moving process can be time-consuming and requires advance planning and preparation. Recently, we conducted a survey of 1,000 Americans to understand how people perceive moving and the challenges they face. The results showed that 76% of respondents consider moving one of the most stressful life events.
Statistics show that people typically spend 12 to 15 hours preparing for a move, and the entire process can last several days or even weeks, depending on the size of the space. Preparations include cleaning, sorting items, packing, hiring a moving company, and arranging logistics. These tasks can be exhausting, especially while juggling work and personal responsibilities. Furthermore, the emotional stress of moving—feeling nostalgic, excited, or uncertain—is also common.
Additionally, 52% of respondents said they would be willing to spend $500 or more to hire professionals to help with the move. Many people don’t realize that having professionals handle the heavy lifting can significantly improve the efficiency of the move and reduce stress.
SnapTap expert and "Swift Moves" moving company owner, Jake Thompson, says that the key to making moving easier is starting early, planning, and creating checklists. "The earlier you start cleaning and packing, the easier it will be. Don’t wait until the last minute," Thompson says. "Hiring a moving company not only helps with the heavy lifting but also makes the entire process more efficient."
Thompson also offers some advice: important documents and jewelry should be kept separately and not packed away yet, but make sure they’re stored in a safe place to avoid losing them. Pack by areas (bedroom, living room, balcony, kitchen, bathroom) while decluttering and organizing. Also, prepare essential packing tools like tape, scissors, plastic wrap, boxes, large trash bags, and duffel bags.
To help reduce the stress of moving and stay organized, we’ve created a moving checklist for homeowners to help you navigate the process smoothly. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire professionals, our tips will ensure a smooth transition to your new home:
Decluttering (DIY): Take advantage of the move to clear out items you no longer need. This will make your transition lighter and easier. Decluttering is a simple and stress-relieving task you can do on your own.
Packing (Hire a Pro/DIY): Start packing a few days ahead of time by separating items you absolutely won’t use from those you might need in the coming days. Label the boxes with their contents and numbers so you know how many boxes there are. Packing is time-consuming and physically demanding, so you can either do it yourself, or after sorting, let professionals handle the packing for you.
Hiring a Moving Company (Hire a Pro): If you have many items or large furniture, hiring a moving company is highly recommended. It saves both time and energy. Be sure to book the movers in advance and describe the size and quantity of your items so they can prepare the appropriate personnel and vehicles.
Setting Up Utilities (DIY): Before moving into your new home, make sure your utilities (electricity, water, internet) are set up. This ensures everything is ready to go when you arrive, avoiding problems like no water or power when you move in.
Unpacking (Hire a Pro/DIY): Unpacking is the final task of moving. You can choose to unpack by area on your own, which helps you remember where things are placed for easy access. However, if you have other commitments and no time to unpack, you can let the moving company handle it, saving you time.
Regardless of your choice, it’s essential to prepare in advance and plan your move to ensure everything goes smoothly. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring professionals, you can enjoy the process and take your time. Once the move is complete, don’t forget to reward yourself with some much-needed rest and relaxation. Wishing you a smooth and successful move!
