Tips to make moving to a new home go smoothly
Tips to make moving to a new home go smoothly
You found the perfect home and now it’s time to move. I don’t think I have ever met someone who likes moving, but you can make it easier on yourself by using the following tips.Downsize
Purge items that you haven’t used in a while. If you don’t use it, why would you want to move it? It’s cluttered your closet for years or months, being moved over and over again so that you could access the things you actually need. Get rid of it. Donate it. Sell it. There is never a better time to downsize than now. Get everything together in one place and save yourself a trip to your local Goodwill by scheduling a pickup.Set aside stuff that you want to sell. Post it online and sell it on Craigslist or LetGo. If it’s an item with high value but just doesn’t fit your needs anymore sell it on eBay. If you have the time, have a garage sale.
Sort your possessions
Collect your possessions and sort them: Books with books, shoes with shoes, plates with plates, etc. This is going to drastically reduce the amount of time it will take to settle into your new home. Another great idea is labeling the boxes. The label should tell you what type of items are in the box and what room they go to.Research professional moving companies
Make sure to read the company’s list of services, fine print, and refund or damage policies, too. For example, some companies don’t lift items that aren’t in boxes (so your stuffed-to-the-brim duffel bags won’t make the cut), while others ask for full payment several weeks early.Find out the specifics so there are no unwelcome surprises come moving day.
Use Unpakt to find trustworthy moving companies, compare prices, and book your move online in minutes.
Pick the right moving day
Moving companies are busiest on weekends, so if you can skip the Saturday chaos and schedule your move for a Tuesday, you might get a significant discount.Save on packing supplies
Check with local retailers and see if they have any boxes. Retail stores receive regular shipments and often have to break down and dispose of used boxes. Most store employees are willing to take a break from the hustle to help you out.Also, if you have the original boxes from electronics, you should definitely use them to protect them from bumps in the road.
Blankets, towels and clothing can be used in place of bubble wrap to protect the more delicate items.
Contact your service providers
Call to transfer service for your cable, internet, electricity, and gas at least a week ahead of your move to let them know your move date. Many times these service providers will have you leave some equipment behind while other items you may need to bring with you. Find out from the providers what the procedure is and schedule the activation and installation at the new address.Don’t wait until the last moment to pack
Save yourself stress and start packing weeks or months in advance. Start with items that you will use less leading up to the move. A good place to start is seasonal items, memorabilia, and keepsakes. Once you get closer to the move date you can start packing all of the decorative items as well. Pack a little each day so that as the day approaches you won’t lose sleep over the panic of getting it all done at once.Change your address a week before moving
This is one of those things everyone forgets to do until they’re two weeks into life in a new home and they realize their Amazon Prime shipment still hasn’t arrived. Change your address ahead of time so your bills, credit card statements, and packages can arrive on time and without hassle.Use small boxes for moving heavy items
Unless you have plans to see a chiropractor and get a massage after you move, go easier on yourself by packing the heavier items like books in smaller boxes. Pack lighter items like pillows in larger boxes. Your back will thank you.Use packing tape
Always make sure your boxes have tops, but don’t do the interlocking fold method with the flaps of your box tops — just tape them closed. It’s much more secure this way.Secure liquids to prevent accidental spills
You can use saran wrap to secure the tops of toothpaste and other toiletries to prevent potential leaking and spilling. You can also put smaller liquids in Zip Lock bags to prevent spills.Have a box with things that you will need right away
This can include toilet paper, a shower curtain, hand soap, towels, sheets, snacks, or whatever else you think you’ll need for the first day or night in your new home. You should also have an overnight bag or suitcase packed with clothes that you will need the first couple days.The week before the moving, eat out rather than buying groceries
It may not be cost effective but it will save you the hassle of throwing out a bunch of perfectly good food and you wont have to deal with cleaning a lot of dishes as you are trying to get all packed.Take pictures
Before you unhook your electronics, take pictures. See what cord goes where. It can also be a good idea to label the cords so that set up in your new home will go smoothly.Scan or copy and important documents
Unpacking takes time and you ma need to access some important paperwork in the first few days or weeks at your new home. Pack a separate box or briefcase with copies of all your important documents in case of an emergency. Additionally, this will protect you if some of these documents get lost or damaged in the process of moving.Set aside cleaning supplies for moving day
Keep cleaning supplies accessible so that you can do a thorough clean after everything else is moved out.Load heavy furniture into the moving truck first
If you are moving without a company make sure that you load the furniture first. Protect furniture by wrapping them with plastic or blankets. Scratches and chips are common if items are not properly padded.Then as you are loading boxes keep two things in mind. Heavier items should be on the bottom. And furniture like tables may not be designed to handle large amounts of weight so be careful loading too many items on top of it. A shift in weight could leave you with a broken dining room table.
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