Helpful Tips to Make Moving Easy
Moving can be a daunting task, and is perhaps the least enjoyable aspects of purchasing a new home. These tips will help make moving all your worldly belongings from your old home into your new home go as smoothly as possible.
PACKING
Have a plan
Moving typically involves keeping track of many details. Buy yourself a notebook and use it to keep track of your estimates, your receipts, and inventory lists. In addition, use your notebook to create a plan and checklist that will keep you organized throughout the moving process.
Get a floor plan of your new home
If possible get a floor plan of your new home. Use the floor plan to decide where to place your furniture and make sure larger pieces of furniture will fit through the door.
Give yourself plenty of time
Packing takes a lot longer than you might imagine. Give yourself at least two to three weeks before the move to begin packing.
Lots of boxes
Moving requires lots and lots of boxes, bubble wrap, permanent markers and shipping tape. You can buy better priced boxes and moving supplies from , and internet sites such as . Also remember to purchase specialty containers such as wardrobe boxes. Or better yet, save money and help the environment by getting your boxes from local stores.
Pack one room at a time
Pack one room at a time and begin with things that you use less frequently, such as the waffle iron and tennis racquets.
Mark all boxes specifically
Clearly label and index all your boxes. When you pack boxes write down exactly what is inside each box. Using the floor plan of your new home index the rooms such as bedroom 1, bedroom 2, bedroom 3, etc. Mark the exact room destination in your new home on the outside of the box. You may consider tying a bright red ribbon around boxes that need to be unpacked first. In addition, keep a copy of the contents of each box inside your notebook. That way if a box doesn’t turn up at your new home you will know exactly what is missing.
Pack a moving day essential box
Pack a moving day comfort box with a couple days’ worth of clothes, towels, bedding, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, tooth paste, shampoo, soap, paper plates and plastic utensils, paper towels, wet wipes, food, water, pet and child care products.
LETTING GO
Moving is a great time to free yourself of clutter and unused or unwanted items. Hold a garage sale, call a donation charity to come pick up your unwanted items, and sell some of your items on Craigslist. Craigslist is an easy way to get rid of several large-ticket items with a fairly simple selling transaction. Benefits of Craigslist include an anonymous posting, selling on your own time, and easy set up. Simply research an appropriate price for your items, include pictures, describe your item well, and tell shoppers why it’s for sale. If you would rather donate your clean, gently used old goods contact , or .
MOVING
New Address
Before moving go to your local post office and fill out a change-of-address form, or do it online at But also ask your neighbors to check on your mail after you’ve moved, just in case.
Notify important parties
Alert your bank, telephone, electric, gas, water, credit card companies, magazines, insurance and employer of your change of address.
Defrost the freezer
If your refrigerator is moving with you, make sure to empty, clean, and defrost it at least 24 hours before moving day.
Transport sensitive items and equipment yourself
Take all your valuable items such as jewelry, prescriptions, birth certificates, credit cards, family photos, financial records, computer hard drives and backup with you.
Set up your kitchen first
The best way to unpack all of your belongings at your new home is to have a plan. It will be impossible to unpack everything on the first day, so pick your most important rooms first. If possible, get your kitchen entirely unpacked the first night. Because the kitchen is the central hub of any home, it helps to get this room functional first. When you’re through there won’t be boxes on the countertops and you won’t feel crazy every time you walk into this room. Plus, you’ll feel so much better being able to get up in the morning and make breakfast and coffee. Next, it makes sense to set up the bedrooms and bathrooms.
Keep your pets safe
Moving is stressful not only for us humans, but also for our pets. During the move, be careful to take care of the needs of your furry, finned and feathered friends. Before your move keep your pets food, toys and litter boxes in their usual places as long as possible. Have new ID tags made and call the microchip company to update your new contact information. Prepare for the move by purchasing a sturdy, comfortable carrier for your pet. Make sure the carrier has adequate ventilation, and enough room to stand up, turn around and lie down. During the move keep pets in a quiet room away from the movers. Once your pet is transported to your new home, place your pet in a closed door quiet room with all its favorite toys, bedding and food. Once all the furniture is setup, gradually introduce Fluffy or Fido to his new home.
Use these tips as well as your own personal needs to keep you on track. Happy moving and enjoy your new home!