Congratulations! You’re moving into a new home.
But while you’re excited, you’re probably a little stressed out about it as well. After all, hundreds of possessions don’t just move on their own.
In fact, that’s why you’re reading this article. You need to know how to get ready to move. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’re going to provide you with the ultimate moving checklist, supplying a variety of moving tips along the way. Let’s go!
Story Stages
Check in With Your Realtor or Landlord
Before packing up and moving, double-check with your realtor or landlord that everything is finalized for the move. Ensure all paperwork has been completed and signed, including rental agreements or leases, payment arrangements, and keys. Ask about utility services and setting up accounts in your name at the new residence.
By checking in with your realtor or landlord, you can ensure that there will be no mishaps along the way. It would be a significant inconvenience to arrive at your new home only to find out that there are still issues to be resolved, and now you need to look for new apartments for rent. Moving can be stressful, but having everything squared away beforehand will make the process much smoother.
Get Rid of Things You Don’t Need
Moving can be stressful. However, it’s also a great opportunity to get rid of things that you don’t really need.
So, go through your things and write down the ones that you’re not interested in keeping any longer. These things could be anything from clothing to furniture to random knick-knacks. If they’re serving you no purpose, there’s no reason to keep them around.
There are a number of things you can do to get rid of them. If they’re useless to everyone, just throw them in the trash. Otherwise, you might consider selling them on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, or just taking them to a thrift shop.
Organize Things By Room
Next, you’re going to want to start organizing your remaining belongings. This should be done by room. In other words, kitchen items should be organized together, bathroom items should be organized together, living room items should be organized together, and so on.
Get cardboard boxes either from a moving store or from a grocery store and mark them with the names of the different rooms in your home. To make them even more identifiable, consider color-coding them.
Start by packing things you won’t be needing for a while. This way, you won’t have to pack everything in the last few days leading up to the move. You’ll be able to take your time and make sure that everything is in its proper place.
Arrange Moving Accommodations Early
There are a number of ways to get items from one place to another. But, regardless of what you choose to move your possessions, you need to arrange it in advance. Arranging moving accommodations last minute can come back to bite you.
The most convenient option is to hire a local moving company. This will put most of the work in the hands of trained moving professionals, allowing you to sit back and relax. Of course, you’ll have to pay a pretty penny for moving services.
Another option is to rent a U-haul truck. This will enable you to move all of your things on your own, thus allowing you to save a little money. The catches are that you’ll have to drive the truck and that you’ll have to pay a little money in order to secure one.
The last option is to just move things in your own vehicle and in the vehicles of friends and family. If you’re not moving far, or if you have enough friends and family to help out, this could be a viable option.
Collect Proper Moving Supplies
There are a number of things that you’ll need to help facilitate a move. You should gather these things now so that you don’t have to scramble to get them at the last minute.
The biggest priority should be plastic moving boxes. These can be purchased at places like U-haul. However, you could save a decent amount of money by getting them for free from a grocery store or other establishment.
Call around to grocery stores in your area and see if there’s an opportunity to snag some boxes. Odds are, there will be.
In addition to cardboard boxes, you’ll also need things like bubble wrap or packing beans, something to cushion the blow for fragile items. Tape is, of course, a necessity as well.
Other supplies you might need to gather include markers and sticky labels. If you’re moving on your own, you might also need a ramp or something else to help you elevate furniture.
Speak With the Utility Companies
A big part of moving is dealing with utility companies. You need to shut off power in one residence and turn it on in another. You don’t want to get charged too much at your previous residence, and you don’t want to move into a new home without functional power.
Generally speaking, you can schedule to have utilities turned on and off on select dates. In fact, many utility companies allow you to do this on their respective websites.
Plan for the People Too
You’re not just moving stuff to your new place. You’re moving people (and maybe even pets) as well. You have to plan for these beings to ensure that your move goes smoothly.
You might be able to pack a few things in your personal vehicle, but it’s important to leave ample space for your wife or husband or kids or dogs or cats and otherwise. If you’re moving cross-country, you might even consider having your pets moved by a pet moving company.
Whatever you do, don’t compromise anyone’s safety during the move. The last thing you want to do is stuff your loved ones into a car where they could be struck by a series of flying objects.
Now That You Know How to Get Ready to Move . . .
Now that you know how to get ready to move, you might be searching for similar tips. If so, our website has you covered.
Check out a few of our other articles now!
