Whether you hire professional movers or bribe your friends with pizza and beer, a successful move starts with good preparation. Use these moving hacks to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible!
Budgeting for a local move can include labor, truck or trailer rental fees, and fuel charges. It can also cover specialty items like furniture covers, mattress bags, and storage and insurance expenses. Contact Liberty Moving now!
Whether you’re moving across town or to the other side of the country, you should start making plans at least eight weeks in advance. This allows you to set a budget, research moving options and declutter your home. It also gives you enough time to hire movers, book utilities and figure out transportation for pets and plants. It’s recommended to create a moving file or binder that will keep quotes, important documents, and an inventory of your belongings.
You’ll want to start cataloging your possessions and ordering supplies, such as boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap and permanent markers. If you’re hiring movers, you’ll need to find out about the cost of their services and reserve a day. You’ll also need to let any regular service providers, such as housekeeping and landscaping companies, know about your move.
It’s a good idea to give your friends and family a heads-up about the move so they can make arrangements to visit or let their pets out. It’s also a good idea to update your mailing address and update your bank and credit card information. Lastly, you should make an appointment with your doctor or vet to ensure that all vaccinations are up to date. If you’re moving with children, be sure to contact your new school to make the necessary arrangements. You should also connect with local community members through social apps and events to avoid feeling isolated in your new home.
Make a List of Items to Pack
When you’re packing for a move, it can feel overwhelming to look at your belongings that have been tucked away in corners of your home. The first step in this process is to make a list of items that you need to pack. This list can be helpful to reference as you complete the packing process and can help prevent forgetting any important items.
Typically, it’s best to start with the items that you don’t use regularly, such as books, out-of-season clothing, and extra kitchen gadgets. It’s also a good time to purge any broken items, such as electronics that no longer work or old furniture that isn’t worth moving. You can donate these items or sell them at a yard sale.
Once you’ve completed this list, it’s time to get your supplies together. This includes boxes, bubble wrap and/or newspaper, permanent markers, labels and a box cutter or scissors. You may also want to purchase a handcart, which can be helpful for lessening physical injury when lifting heavy items or boxes.
When it comes to the actual packing process, it’s best to go room-by-room. As you’re packing, be sure to label each box with its contents and destination room to avoid confusion and loss during the move. For example, write “kitchen” on the top of a box that contains cookware or “bedroom” on the box that holds your bed frame.
Make an Inventory of Your Belongings
A home inventory is a useful tool for both you and your movers. It allows you to keep a record of your belongings before they are packed and ensure that every item is present in each box, which will reduce the risk of loss or damage during transport. The process of making an inventory is also a good opportunity to declutter and get rid of items that you don’t need anymore.
When making an inventory, you should be as detailed as possible. Don’t just write down the name of the item – note its size, color, and other specific characteristics. Also, note the purchase information, including where and when it was bought, and an estimated value of the item. Finally, make a video or take pictures of each item to provide more visual details.
Creating an inventory will save you time and stress during the packing process. It will allow you to prioritize which items should be packed first, as well as help you plan how to pack each box. For example, you can group together items like out-of-season clothing and rarely used kitchen tools, leaving everyday items to be packed last. Having an inventory will also make it easier to identify duplicate or outdated items, which can be donated or sold as part of your move. A home inventory can be made using a notepad or digital inventory tools like spreadsheet programs or dedicated apps. These tools offer flexibility and customization features, as well as backup functionality to avoid losing data during the moving process.
Make a List of Things to Do on Moving Day
The week before your move, things can start to look a little chaotic. There will be boxes stacked everywhere, drawers full of items to pack, and tables and chairs with taped edges to protect them. And despite your best efforts, there will probably be some tasks that have been left to the last minute. It’s important to stay organized and do a bit of planning for your moving day so you don’t end up rushing at the last minute or leaving things behind.
If you can, try to plan your move a couple of months in advance. This will give you plenty of time to declutter your home, sort items to keep, sell or donate and organize moving quotes, receipts and item inventories. You can also start to book your movers and secure moving supplies. This will help you budget for your move and avoid unforeseen costs.
Be sure to take out your trash the night before your move and unplug your appliances. It’s also a good idea to defrost the refrigerator 48 hours in advance and empty the ice bin. Also remember to notify your insurance company of your upcoming move, so an agent can update your records and ensure that your coverage is up-to-date. You may also want to contact your new physician and dentist and schedule an appointment for your first visit. This will help you get settled more quickly.
Make a List of Things to Do Leading Up to the Move
Ideally, you’ll want to start packing up items weeks (even months) in advance of your move date. This includes off-season items like winter coats, books, and decorative items that won’t be used until your new home. Be sure to label boxes clearly and keep important documents and valuables separate from everyday items.
It’s a good idea to start by packing areas and rooms you use the least, such as storage areas or spare bedrooms. This will give you a chance to get a jump on the process without disrupting your daily routine too much. You can then save the most frequently used rooms for last, such as the kitchen and living room.
A couple of weeks before your move, you’ll want to make a list of items that need to be packed. This may include your laundry room, pantry, garage, and other storage spaces. It’s also a good idea to contact your utilities and insurance companies and notify them of your address change.
If you’re renting, you can do a walk-through of your home with your landlord at this time to ensure everything is in good condition. This will help you avoid any issues with your security deposit when you leave the apartment or house. You can also start shopping for your new home at this point. This is especially helpful if you need larger pieces of furniture, such as a sofa.
Make a List of Things to Do After the Move
Whether you’re moving across the country or just down the street, the process of settling into your new home can be daunting. The best way to avoid hiccups is by staying super-organized and having a detailed checklist to follow. This article covers everything you need to do before, during and after your move to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Before you start packing, do a merciless purge of unused items. This will save you time and space in the long run, and it will also help you get started in your new home with a clean slate.
On the day of the move, be sure to have a bag or suitcase of essentials ready for the first few days in your new home. This should include things like medications, important documents, chargers, toiletries and a few changes of clothes. It will also be helpful to have a few snacks and drinks on hand for the ride.
On your final walkthrough of your old house, make note of any areas that need attention or repair. This will be helpful to address before you move out, and it will make the house easier to sell when you’re ready to move on.
