Even if you’re physically able to move your stuff yourself, it’s best to hire professionals. This will save you from injury and headaches and ensure your belongings are handled with care.
Make sure your movers are licensed, insured, and professional. Reputable companies will display their Department of Transportation numbers for interstate moves or state moving licenses for intrastate moves. They should also offer full and release-value protection options.
It’s never too early to start thinking about your move. Begin by inventorying your home and getting rid of items you will not be bringing to your new place. This can be done by holding a yard sale, donating to charity, or throwing away unwanted or broken items.
Once you’ve got the basics out of the way, it’s time to start packing! Be sure to get plenty of moving boxes and packing supplies. Running out on packing day is a recipe for stress and frustration, so make a point of purchasing more than you think you’ll need.
As you begin to pack, go room by room and assess what needs to be packed. Start by opening closets and cabinets to make sure you have a good understanding of what is actually in your home. Often you will find a lot of stuff that isn’t worth lugging to your new place, so take this opportunity to clear out clutter and donate or throw away unnecessary items.
In the kitchen, consider packing away non-essentials such as cookware and dishware. Packing up these items before your move will help to keep them from being damaged and make the process less stressful for you and your movers. Similarly, consider packing out of season clothing or items that you will not be using. This will save space on your movers’ truck and give you the extra space to take care of other essentials like food, drinks, and toiletries on moving day.
Be sure to have a central location where you can keep all your important moving paperwork in one place. Whether this is a binder on your desk or a folder on your computer, having everything in one place makes it easier for you and your movers to stay organized throughout the process. Also make sure you have a list of any items that need to be disassembled or taken apart and put back together, as well as a list of what each box contains.
Finally, be sure to have a bag or suitcase full of your essentials for the first few days in your new place. This will help to keep you from rushing to buy last-minute essentials and can also be helpful if you’re moving long distance.
Preparation
The weeks and months leading up to moving can be hectic, so it’s important to prepare early by decluttering your home and obtaining the necessary materials. You’ll also need to inform everyone involved in your move, including your local movers.
Begin by creating a timeline and working backward, making a list of tasks that need to be completed before the big day. This will help reduce stress and prevent last-minute chaos.
Start by donating or selling items you no longer use, which can make the transition into your new home easier. For example, if you have a collection of books you no longer read or furniture that doesn’t fit in your new house, consider holding a yard sale or listing it online. You can also clear out your closets and cabinets and donate any clothes or shoes that don’t fit.
On the packing front, begin by preparing items that aren’t used often, such as artwork and decor. You can also protect furniture and mattresses by putting old sheets and blankets over them. Make sure to pack any loose items such as jewelry and shoes into bags or boxes. For delicate items, you can thread thin necklaces through drinking straws and use buttons to keep earring pairs together.
If you have pets, plan for their care on moving day. Whether you have a dog walker coming to your home or boarding them at a kennel, ensure they are safe and will be able to access their favorite spots in your house. You should also change your address and notify utilities, bank accounts, credit cards, healthcare providers, and insurance companies of your new location.
Clean your home a few days before the move, making it easier for local movers to work around clutter and debris. The day before the move, you should clean your refrigerator and freezer, and wash all bedding and towels. If you need to disassemble any furniture, mark and label parts for easy reassembly. Don’t forget to record the meter readings on your appliances before you hand them over to the movers, as well as cancel or transfer service.
The Big Day
The big day is finally here – it’s moving day! If you’ve hired a professional moving company, they should be doing their best to ensure that your move goes off without a hitch. However, there are some things you can do on your own to reduce potential issues and help the process go smoothly.
For one, make sure all paths from your house to the truck are completely clear. Remove any items that are blocking doors or that could potentially get in the way of movers as they’re carrying heavy, bulky furniture. Additionally, be careful to inspect those pathways carefully for slippery spots — dust, rain, snow or ice can all lead to dangerous situations, even for seasoned professionals.
Similarly, be careful not to leave young children or pets unattended while movers are working. This can not only be hazardous for them but also for your belongings. The last thing you want is for your beloved dog or baby to get lost or injured in the shuffle. Also, be sure to set aside a safe space for them where they can stay while the move is taking place.
It’s a good idea to write up a schedule for yourself and your movers. This can be especially helpful if you’re moving long-distance. The schedule should include what time the helpers will arrive, how long it will take to load up your stuff, any final cleaning tasks you’ll be doing and a travel plan for getting to your new home.
Another great tip is to have plenty of bottled water and snacks on hand for yourself, your family, and the movers. This can be an incredibly physically taxing experience and you’ll need lots of energy to keep going throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to have some extra food and beverages on hand for the kids and any visiting friends or relatives who may stop by.
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Post-Moving Care
After a long day of moving, get a good night’s sleep. It will help you recover and feel ready to start the next day. You will also need a place to stay the night before, so make arrangements or prepare an overnight bag with essentials like food, water and chargers for your phone.
Before your move, take a look at the blueprint of your new home and determine what furniture you’ll be taking with you to ensure it will fit in your new space. You can save yourself a lot of headache and stress by planning out your furniture arrangement ahead of time.
Give the house a deep cleaning before your move, or hire a professional cleaning crew to do it for you. This will help you avoid the hassle of a security deposit claim and keep you feeling fresh and clean in your new home.
Set up cable and Internet in your new house as soon as possible. It can be frustrating to be without these services for an extended period of time, especially if you have children. Make sure you are aware of the HOA policies of your new community so you can avoid surprises and fees.
If you hired movers, make sure you tip them. They work hard to do their job well, and a little bit of cash goes a long way!
Don’t forget to wash your hands before you handle dirty boxes. Dirty hands are a breeding ground for germs that can lead to many common health problems, including itchy skin, sinus infections and the sniffles.
Bring a first aid kit to your moving day, and keep it in a grab bag that can be easily accessible during the move. Items such as bandages, gauze, ibuprofen, allergy medicine, lip balm and a few changes of clothes can be very helpful in case of any minor injuries during the move. You can even use plastic wrap to secure soap, shampoo and other bathroom items in a box so they don’t spill or leak during transport. This prevents them from damaging other items and your belongings.