When you’re moving, there are possessions to organize, paperwork to deal with, and deadlines to keep. While it may seem like a lot to accomplish, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little advance planning, moving to a new home is manageable. Follow these nine different tips to stay on top of it all.
1. Create a Moving Binder
No matter how tech-friendly you are, you’re bound to accumulate a lot of paperwork when it comes to a move. A moving binder (or folder) is essential for keeping all these important documents organized.
Place your new home checklist, including a task list of all your to-dos, in the front of your binder. Then use tabs and envelopes within the binder to hold all the paperwork you need for the move, including important personal documents, financial documents, and contracts. Make sure you keep copies of your receipts, appointments you’ve made, and anything else pertaining to the move.
2. Get Free Packing Supplies
Moving costs a lot, so it’s always to your advantage to get free supplies when you can. In the months and weeks before you move some tips are to get packing boxes from local supermarkets or stores. Alternatively, look on Craigslist or Facebook, as many people are eager to give away their boxes and supplies after making their own moves.
3. Create an Inventory of Your Belongings
It’s hard to estimate how much the move will cost you if you don’t have an accurate idea of how many belongings you have. Create an inventory of all your belongings, especially large or hard-to-move items. If you have things to toss or donate, now’s the time to declutter and get these excess items out of your house. Once you know how much you need to move, you can determine if you want to hire movers or attempt to do it yourself.
4. Establish a Moving Budget
How much are you willing to spend on your move? Figure out what your maximum budget is before you call any moving companies. Estimate how much you think everything will cost, and make sure you account for post-move tasks like making repairs on your new home.
5. Schedule Your Movers or a Moving Truck
If you want to use the services of a moving company, then get quotes from several reputable movers before choosing one. Call as soon as you have a firm date for your move, as many of these companies book quickly. Keep in mind the cheapest movers are not always the best. Make sure any company you choose has good reviews and is licensed in the state. If you want to do it yourself, then determine what size truck you need, and get several quotes before booking a rental.
6. Pad Your Moving Schedule with Extra Time
No matter how carefully you plan, it’s rare for everything to go exactly as planned. If you’re able to build some overlap time into your schedule, do so.
For example, if you can wait a day or two to move after signing for your new home, use that extra time to turn on the utilities or do some deep cleaning. The more breathing room you can give yourself, the less stressed you’ll be.
7. Transfer Your Utilities Ahead of Time
It will be no fun moving into a new home if the utilities are not yet working. Make sure you arrange for any water, heat, and electric utilities to be turned on and ready to go before you take occupancy of your new home.
8. Pack Wisely
As you pack, carefully label each box with all its contents. Pack items by room, so it’s easy to find something when you need it. Keep regularly used items like kitchen utensils, toiletries, and clothes in their own separate boxes, and put these boxes in your car, rather than on the moving truck. This keeps these items easy to access and ready to unpack right away when you get to your new place.
9. Eat from Your Pantry
There’s nothing worse than throwing away food because you can’t move it all. More tips are in the weeks leading up to your move, plan your meals according to what you have stashed away in the fridge or freezer. If you have food remaining, then try to give it away to friends or family members rather than tossing it.
For more tips and tricks like these, feel free to keep exploring the Homestyle Suites blog!
