How to Move Your Home Smoothly
Changing homes is one of the most significant decisions you will ever make. It can be stressful and time consuming, but with some careful planning, it can also be an exciting adventure.
People move for many reasons, from upgrading to a bigger and better move your home to getting into a good school district. However, there are times when it simply doesn’t make sense to move your home.
1. Organize
The more you clear out prior to your move, the less stuff you’ll have to pack, haul across town and unpack. The first step in this process is a good old-fashioned purge.
Start by going through all your cabinets and drawers. Whether it’s old cookbooks, books you’ll never read or torn bedsheets, get rid of them.
Then, take inventory of what’s left. Write down what’s in each box and which room it should go into at your new home. This will help you stay organized during the move and make it easier for movers to know where each box goes when unpacking. Plus, it will help you keep track of your possessions and abide by PCS entitlements. This is especially important if you’re hiring professional movers.
2. Create a Moving Checklist
If you plan to hire professional movers, it’s a good idea to start looking for quotes at least seven weeks before your move. This will give you enough time to find a company that fits your budget and schedule.
Create a list of items you don’t want to leave with the movers, such as expensive artwork, guns or safes. This will help you keep track of these items as they are being packed up and will give you a better chance at filing an insurance claim if anything is lost or damaged during the move.
Make sure to let your gardener, housekeeper and other service providers know you are moving. Also, consider changing your locks to protect your belongings. Conduct a walk-through of your new home and write down important information, such as the water shut-off and circuit breaker locations.
3. Packing
It’s best to start packing weeks or even months before your move. This gives you time to declutter and downsize your belongings. It also helps you avoid the last-minute rush of packing.
Start by packing items you don’t use daily such as off-season clothes, books and unused furniture. Take a close look at any large items and ask yourself whether they are worth the extra expense and effort of moving them to your new home.
Pack a small duffle bag or suitcase with essentials such as non-perishable food items, snacks and drinks for the first few days in your new home, medicines, chargers, basic toiletries and a few changes of clothing. It’s a good idea to create a folder or file with important documents like your new address, rental or purchase contracts and more.
4. Moving Day
When it’s time for move day, you want to be as prepared as possible. Collect all keys and garage door openers you will need to hand over to the realtor or new owner (or next tenants). Pack a 24-hour moving kit with necessities like paper plates, nonperishable snacks, and water. Do a final walk-through of your current home and clean it up. You’ll do the next tenant a huge favor and make it easier for yourself.
Alert your credit card, insurance, and utility companies of your address change. You’ll also need to change your driver’s license and car registration if you’re changing states. If you have children or pets, arrange for them to be looked after on the day of your move. This will free you up to get moving!
5. Set Up
Whether you’re moving across the country or just to the next town, there is a lot that needs to be done. By creating a plan, decluttering and finding reliable movers, you can help make your move a smooth process.
Set up a packing station with supplies like boxes, tape, markers, old towels and blankets and plastic bags of various sizes. Having everything organized will save time on packing day.
Walking through your new house while it’s empty is a great way to plan how you will arrange furniture and organize the space. It’s also a good time to give your home a deep cleaning before you get too covered in boxes. Also, remember to change your address and update your credit card info with all your providers.