7 Tips for Planning A Move in Portland OR

Suppose you’re wondering where to start and how to prepare for a move appropriately. You’ve come to the right place! The activity is challenging but not impossible. Organizing a move in the right way will save both time and money when moving to Portland.

The list of things you need to take care of for moving can be overwhelming. But, you don’t have to worry about it because we have gathered a list of expert tips that will help you to plan a smooth move. Planning your move in advance will reduce the chances of stress as moving day approaches.

With these tips, you’ll be well prepared for the moving day and will be able to settle into your new house in the Portland area without a glitch. The following are the tips to help you plan a good move:

  1. Categorize Your Possessions
  2. Make a Moving Inventory
  3. Hire A Professional Mover
  4. Get 3 Moving Quotes
  5. Buy Professional Packing Supplies
  6. Pack all the Non-Essential Things
  7. Buy Moving Valuation Coverage

1. Categorize Your Possessions

When you move to a new house, you may want to start fresh. However, there are so many things you would or would not want to take to your new home. So make a list of the furniture you want to move and the ones you want to leave behind.

Many of your current possessions may not be in excellent condition, or you don’t like them, or they don’t fall in either of the categories but won’t suit the aesthetics of your new house. Leave them behind and donate them to the needy rather than taking unwanted items with you.

Determine how you value each item and divide your items into three groups:

  • Things to keep
  • Things to donate
  • Things to trash

Please get rid of unwanted items before the move, or they will occupy space in the moving van. Only take the items that you want. Host a garage sale to sell the things you don’t want to bring to your new home. It’s easier to move when you know which items you want to keep, donate, throw away or sell.

2. Make a Moving Inventory

Once all the items are categorized, you will know which ones will come to the new house and which ones you will leave behind. Now it’s time to create a detailed list of the items you want to be moved. In the moving inventory list, include all the relevant information about them the items as below:

  • Type of Item
  • Estimated Value
  • Destination Room
  • Condition

This inventory list will help you estimate how many items need to be relocated and what will be the final cost of your move. Double-check your list to make sure nothing is left out.

Don’t forget to keep track of all your valued possessions throughout the moving process. You don’t want them to be misplaced. It’s easy to lose small things during a move, so keep them together in a large box.

3. Hire A Professional Mover

Whether you’re moving across the country, state or Portland, you will need moving assistance. Although planning a move is challenging, executing it can be exhausting and time-consuming. You can move your household furnishings on your own, but do you want to go through physical and mental stress?

It’s not worth it if you can hire a professional moving company, who will move all your items the way you want. Why stress yourself with all the heavy lifting and truck loading? The experts will have the appropriate moving equipment, profound lifting techniques, and years of experience to handle your move.

Professional movers will pack and move all your fragile items carefully. They will ensure all your items are loaded in the truck and nothing is left behind. You will need to guide them and show them which things need to be moved. Some moving companies also provide car shipping services so you can take your car along where ever you go.

You will not have to worry about the weather. Professional movers can help you move any time you want. You won’t have to drive all your items yourself or plan for a road trip. Moving in sun, snow and rain is easier said than done, so let the professionals handle it for you.

4. Get 3 Moving Quotes

Experts advise that you should compare at least three moving quotes. So, get in touch with reputable Portland moving companies and find out about their offered moving services. Note down their quotes, compare their offered services, read reviews and decide which moving company suits your needs, and wants.

It is essential to choose the right relocation partner. When transporting your belongings to a new address, make sure the moving company can work according to your schedule. Whether it’s a short or long-distance trip, your moving process should be organized.

Saving money and time should be your goal while selecting a moving company. Talk to them about how they plan to execute the moving process. You will get an idea of how well they will organize your move. Comparing at least three Portland moving company quotes and services will help you to decide which company suits your needs.

5. Professional Packing Supplies

The packing process is one of the essential chores when planning a move. It secures your valuable items during any shifting that may occur in a moving truck. The following is a list of packing supplies that you might need to keep your items to stay intact, safe and secure during a move:

  • Packing tape
  • Packing paper
  • Plastic baggies
  • Bubble wrap
  • Labels/markers
  • Specialty boxes
  • Box cutter

The supplies listed above will help you to pack your items securely. You will find free used moving boxes at the grocery, liquor, office supplies, and book stores. Text or call your family and friends to see if they have any packing materials that can help you pack your items.

If you are planning to hire Portland movers, then inquire about their packing services. The packing crew will arrive at your house ahead of the moving day along with their professional packing supplies, so you won’t have to worry about getting any supplies. Packers will have everything on hand to ensure that your items stay protected when they are lifted, loaded, moved, and unloaded.

6. Pack all the Non-Essential Things

Start packing a few months ahead of the moving day. Make a list of items that you will not need until you move to the new house. You can consider packing the guest room first so you can get a place to pack and store all your items.

Once the guest room is packed and ready, you may want to start packing holiday decorations, showpieces, and furniture that is least used, such as a formal dining table, coffee table, side tables and etc. Once all the items on the list are packed, start packing all the other items a month before the moving day.

Ensure that all your items are packed and ready to be loaded on the truck on the moving date. On a moving day, the crew will be loading everything on the truck so you will not have enough time to pack.

7. Moving Valuation Coverage

Moving valuation is coverage for lost or items damaged during a move.No matter how well you pack them and prepare them for the move, accidents can happen. The following are two moving valuation coverage plans that a licensed moving company offers:

Limited Valuation Coverage: This is a government mandatory coverage plan. You will be compensated for the weight value and not the item. For example, if your item weighs 10 pounds, you would only be paid $6 (60 cents x 10 pounds).

Full Valuation Coverage: If you are moving valuable items, this moving valuation option will comprehensively cover the value of your items. If your items are damaged or lost, the company will offer to:

  • Repair your item
  • Replace your item
  • Cash settlement based on the current market value of your item

If you are moving items worth over $100/lbs, you will have to fill out a High-Value Inventory Sheet for all those items as they qualify for the articles of extraordinary value.

Stressing over your valuable items being moved is not something you want. So talk to the moving company about the details of moving valuation coverage and select the best valuation coverage that will give you peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Moving is challenging, so organizing it well can make the process easy. An excellent moving plan will not just save you time but also money. If you plan your move ahead of time, you might find good moving services at an even more competitive price.

Whether it is a short or long-distance move, you have to go through the time-consuming process of packing and moving, so it is best to hire a professional moving company who will take care of all aspects of your move. This will save you long trips back and forth to your new house.

Consider the tips above and book a Portland mover well ahead of your moving day, so the move is made as planned. Make sure you get at least 3 moving quotes before selecting a mover to compare which is the best for you. Read about hiring movers and creating a moving checklist to survive the big day and achieve a smooth and successful move.