You’re going through an exciting time, packing up and getting ready for your move. Maybe you’re moving for a job, a fresh start, or perhaps your new home is just down the street.
Whatever the case, if you’re not a professional mover, there’s a good chance you’ll make some classic moving mistakes as moving day approaches.
The key to a stress-free move lies in the preparation. Here are three tips to help you prepare for your move.
1. Make a List, Check It Twice
The first order of business is to make a list, a lot of lists actually.
Before you pack a single box, establish a record-keeping system. This could be a binder of essential documents, a spreadsheet with costs and essential items, or even a designated notebook.
This list is your go-to guide for managing your move.
For example, when you pack a box, label it “Box A” and put an entry on your list that shows precisely what Box A contains (tulip dishes, board games, etc.).
2. Create a Timeline, Schedule, and Budget
Once you’ve made that list, you can move on to other documents to keep you organized, like a timeline, schedule, and budget.
Properly preparing for a move takes a lot longer than you may think. Sometimes it is necessary to prepare up to two months in advance. To that end, creating a moving timeline is vital to keeping your household on track.
This will help you craft a schedule. For example, if you have kids, when do they start at their new school? When do you start your new job? When do you need mail and bills transferred?
On moving day, when will the movers arrive? When will you arrive at your new house?
Also, don’t get so caught up in planning that you forget to build a budget. Record things like:
- Truck rental or moving company fees
- Rental insurance
- Additional insurance on valuable items
- Equipment
- Portable storage containers
- Extra services such as preparing appliances
- Professional packing services or packing supplies
If you’re moving yourself, you’ll also want to account for the cost of gas, incidentals, and extra equipment rentals such as a dolly or furniture covers.
3. Get Rid of Everything
Okay, maybe not everything.
However, the more unnecessary items you eliminate from your old home, the less you have to bring to your new home.
Instead of organizing by room, organize your items by category (clothes, books, kitchen supplies, etc.). If you’re not sure where to begin, turn to your clothes first. Ditch anything you don’t like, never wear, or that doesn’t fit.
Getting Ready for a Move?
If you’re getting ready for a move, one of the best things you can do is enlist a professional moving service.
We offer comprehensive household moving services, whether you’re moving a long distance or just across the neighborhood. We understand that moving is stressful. We strive to make the process as streamlined as possible.
If you need to prepare for a move, you can get a free quote or use our contact page to get in touch.
