Local Movers Tips in Louisiana

As local movers in Louisiana, we know that moving can be both an exciting and stressful event. Whether it’s your first time moving or not, there are a lot of moving parts both internal and external that need to be assessed, prioritized and managed to successfully create a stress-free moving experience.

That’s why we’ve assembled some local relocation tips for your next move to, from or within Louisiana, including some pros and cons to living in the area.

So, kick back, relax and break out your notepad and start jotting down some of the following tips which will give you helpful information on how to best prep for your upcoming move!

What to Know About Living in Louisiana

Should you consider moving to Louisiana, you will discover that the Bayou State has pros and cons just like every other place in the world. No matter where you choose to live in Louisiana, you’ll have to take the good with the bad.

Pros & Cons of Living in Louisiana

Pros (+)

• Friendly locals: No matter which parish you decide to call home, you can expect distinct southern charm and personality from the friendly residents residing there.
  
• Beautiful, natural landscapes: Explore plenty of bayous and countless parks filled with numerous species of trees like pine and cypress.
  
• Delicious foods: Aside from homestyle southern cooking and plates of fresh seafood, Louisiana is also known for its Creole and Cajun cuisines.
  
• So many things to do: Aside from Mardi Gras-themed everything, there are plenty of cultural landmarks, informative museums and activities available for all ages.

Cons (-)

• Southern heat: If you’re not originally from the south, the climate in Louisiana will take some getting used to if you’re not used to hot, humid weather.
  
• Severe storms and other natural disasters: Oftentimes there’s just a few gusts of wind and some rain, and other times they develop into hurricanes like Katrina.
  
• Healthcare struggles: Overall, Louisiana seems to struggle providing quality health care services to its citizens, particularly the rural, impoverished regions.
  
• Low-performing public education: While the cost of education is low, so is the quality of education and perceived school safety.
  
• Low economic ranking: Due in part to COVID, Louisiana (among other tourist destinations) have had a decrease in their overall economic ranking. The pandemic hit states the hardest who are dependent on industries such as tourism.

Start with the Fundamentals

• Timeline & Budget: Ensure you create a timeline from the moment you decide to you’re ready to start researching local movers. Additionally, put together a budget that will help you prioritize your expenses and your time.
  
• Stop Grocery Shopping: Within two weeks of your projected moving day, slow down your grocery shopping so you’re not stuck with hauling loads of food to your new place.
  
• Non-Perishables: If you have any non-perishable items, please consume, properly dispose of or donate to your nearest local charity or ask your moving company if they donate to Move for Hunger.
  
• Grab a Few Estimates: Research around two to four local movers in your area and fill out their quote forms.
  
• Give Proper Notice: Around one week before your moving day, submit a change of address form with your local USPS location either in-person or online.
  
• Packing Supplies: If your moving company has chosen to provide packing supplies, you’re good to go. Otherwise, stock up on strong cardboard moving boxes, box cutters, packing tape, etc.

Prep for a Successful Packing Day

• Pack an Essentials Kit: Generally, the items you’ll need the most, either towards the end of your move or the day after your relocation. This includes things like toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks and a beverage to help keep you hydrated.
  
• Box Setup: If you’re providing your own boxes, ensure you assemble, label and categorize each one to ensure your movers understand what’s to be moved and what’s not.
  
• Electronic Assembly/Disassembly: If you have electronics in your home that require disassembly and reassembly at your destination, ensure you snap a photo of how your devices are connected. This can help the movers, or yourself, reconnect your electronic device at your new place quickly.

Packing Tips from the Professionals

Not many will jump at the opportunity to pack, but if you’re going at it alone, read the following tips to ensure a smooth moving process.

So, what’s to be done first?

1. Declutter: While you’re walking through your home and taking inventory of the items, furniture and equipment to be moved, take an extra hour or two to declutter the “junk hotspots” in your home like your basement, attic and/or garage. This helps you save time on cleaning during the last day of your move!
   
2. Set a Timer for Packing: Since packing can often take a while, most try to pack all they can in a short amount of time. Save yourself the stress and set aside some time each day for packing.
   
3. Don’t Rush or Overpack: Setting a timer can also help you stay consistent. If you’re rushing too much one day, you run the risk of overpacking which could lead to a busted box and broken items. Follow step number two and take your time while you pack.
   
4. Use Strong Containers/Boxes: Either reach out to your moving company or the community around you for extra boxes, totes or other containers for your move. Ensure they’re strong enough to hold your heavier items.
   
5. Bundle the Breakables: If you’re moving many fragile items, make sure you’re using proper wrapping material like linen or newspaper to help prevent damages. Additionally, ensure any empty space in this box is filled to prevent the items from shifting against each other.

It’s Moving Day!

The moment you’ve prepared for nearly a month is now here—what do you need to do?

• Meet up with your moving crew: Before the moving crew arrives, designate an internal leader who will be on standby to answer questions such as which items need to be packed first, last or not at all.
  
• Offer snacks and/or beverages: Moving is tough and tiring work! While it’s not mandatory, your movers will certainly appreciate a refreshing beverage and snack to boost their energy.
  
• Perform the last walkthrough with your moving coordinator: Once all the items have been hauled and loaded onto our truck, your rental truck or PODS, ensure that you and the moving coordinator perform one last walkthrough just in case any items may have been missed.

Post-Moving Day

So you’ve got a new place in Louisiana—that’s great! Once your move has been completed, take some time to get to know your neighbors, your community and explore new landmarks around Louisiana that you’ve always wanted to visit. Of course, don’t forget about the new, appetizing restaurants near you with local cuisines like Cajun, Creole and fresh-caught seafood.