Is your moving day fast approaching?
Moving to a new home is one of the most exciting experiences you’ll have in life. It’s the start of a new chapter, no matter the reason for the move, and is a new start. But, if you don’t get it right, moving day can also be one of the most stressful times of your life too.
Read on for our ultimate guide on how to plan a move so you can enjoy a moving day, not stress over it.
When Making Moving Preparations, Organize Everything
If there is one thing you need to know about managing a successful move, it’s that organization is vital.
You’ve gone through the trouble of finding luxury real estate that suits your needs. But now, you’re going to have a lot to oversee, schedule, file, and coordinate.
At times, this will feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to get pulled in all directions. So, stay organized and on top of things from the start, future you will thank yourself for it.
Set Your Moving Budget
Another early consideration when you plan a move is you need to have is your moving budget. This must include all the costs of your move and any post-move costs too. Post-move costs are things like new furniture, repairs, and utility setup. Any costs you come up against, keep proof of them and include them in your handy moving binder.
Create a Moving Folder and Get a Binder
One of the best moving tips is to get yourself a binder for your paperwork. Also, for all your internet interactions, create a moving folder on your device.
This will be a vital place to store all your moving resources, such as:
- moving documents
- moving timeline/schedule
- checklists for moving in and moving out
- contracts
- receipts
Also, make sure you have all your personal documents gathered. Things like your social security card and passport. Keep together any financial documents, like your mortgage, title deed, or lease agreement. If everything is in one, organized place, you’ll find what you need in no time.
Have Checklists
A checklist will make keeping on top of what you need to do much easier. There are different things you need to do when you’re moving out, and when you’re moving in. So, have a checklist for both.
With checklists in tow, you can work on your timeline. How long does it take to move? Longer than you think, depending on the chain or how much you have to sort out first. It’s a good idea to go in stages, like eight weeks, four weeks, or 2 weeks, and list all the things that need doing at those stages.
This way, the move won’t seem so daunting, and you can break it down into smaller tasks. It helps you keep motivated, reach goals, and feel positive about the move.
Make an Inventory
Make an inventory of all the items and belongings you own. It’s a good idea to estimate how much you think the move should cost you too.
This step is vital, so don’t skip it out, and make sure you inventory everything you own. You can then refer to this list for more accurate quotes when hiring movers and insurance.
Pack Like a Home Move Champion
Packing will be your most time-consuming job, so you must have a packing strategy. This is not a task you should leave to the last minute. Organizing will be more important than ever.
Get the Right Supplies
Moving is an expensive occasion as it is, without wasting more money on the wrong supplies. You want to make sure you get enough of the right-sized boxes for your items.
Consider what you need to take with you. This will help you work out how many and what size range of boxes you need. Or you can use a moving box calculator if you get stuck.
Know How to Handle Your Delicates
Chances are, some of your items are fragile, or harder to pack. Anything like crystal or jewelry you should wrap in bubble wrap. Try to pack them surrounded by soft fabrics to cushion any movement.
Take pictures of all your high-ticket items before you pack them with a date and time stamp. This way, you can prove their condition when you pack them. Labeling is key, make sure you mark boxes as fragile. You don’t want a box of books crushing your crystalware.
Have a Clear Out
As time goes on, we accumulate items, and most of them we don’t even need anymore. Take planning a move as a chance to sort your belongings and clear out the items you don’t need.
You can hold a yard sale to raise some extra funds for the move. Or, you could donate your unwanted items to charity. Anything else that isn’t suitable, you should discard it.
Pack in Stages
If you’ve planned right and aren’t in a rush, pack your home in stages. It’s a good idea to go through your home room to room, and packing this way. But one of the first items to tackle should be any off-season clothing; it’s an easy job to get done right away.
As you go through, make a list of what is in each box and make three copies. One should go in your binder, one should go to the movers if you have them, and one should be stuck to the top of the box.
Include which room they go in, so movers can put them in the right place at the other end. Also, pack a box with your immediate necessities, such as a change of clothes, and cooking supplies. This will save you from digging around in a panic, and you can settle in, instead.
Pick a Mover
If you’re choosing to have a mover help you, you must get the right one for your needs. Be sure to check reviews, their history, and that they’re licensed.
Have a list of important questions to ask your movers, and make sure you shop around for quotes. Don’t settle for the lowest quote, it’ll pay off to go for someone more expensive if they suit your needs better.
Sort Out the Details
Don’t forget the little details. It’s easy to get swept up in the chaos and forget to do the little tasks.
Update Subscriptions & Mailing Address
This is going to be a pain, but you should update your mailing address at least two weeks before moving day. If you have any newspaper or magazine subscriptions, don’t forget these.
Update your driver’s license and voter registration information too. This way, you won’t forget to do these either in the panic of the move.
Transfer Your Utilities Over
You’re going to want your utilities working as soon as you move in. Gas, electricity, and water should be at the top of your list. Next should be internet and TV services.
Transferring all your utilities before your move will make for a seamless transition. No waiting for the internet to connect, while the kids are climbing the walls!
Clear Everyone’s Schedule
You’re going to need time off work when you’re moving, so make sure you book that in advance. Also, if you’re asking friends and family to help, make sure they book the time off too. Give them as much notice of the dates as you can.
Don’t Forget to Prepare to Move Out
It might be exciting to move to your new home, but don’t forget your old one. There are things you need to sort out before you leave.
Wrap Things Up
If you’re moving to a new neighborhood, make sure you wrap things up in your old one. Collect all your laundry from the dry cleaners. Any library books you might have, take them back.
If you have a membership to any local gyms, cancel it or transfer it to a branch near your new home. This is also the perfect time to pick up your refills from the pharmacy and transfer those to a pharmacy near you.
Sort Out a New Home Security System
You want to make sure your new home is safe right? If you have a home security system, contact the provider. They’ll let you know any requirements for your old home, and how to set up your new one.
In most cases, you can take your DIY security system with you. If professionals installed it, you’ll need to deactivate your current one for the new people. Then, you’ll need to set up a new system at your new home.
Don’t Forget Your Security Deposit
This one is for all the renters out there. If your tenancy went well, you should get your security deposit back within 14-60 days. This could be longer if there are disputes over returning it. Due to this wide timeframe, it’s good practice to give a 30-day notice to your landlord.
How to Plan a Move Made Simple
So, there you have it! Now you know how to plan a move, your moving day is sure to go off without a hitch.
At every stage of your planning, organization will be the key to success. The more organized you are to start, the easier it’ll be to get to the finish line — a warm cup of tea or cool beer in your new home.
Be thorough, methodical, and keep a record of everything. This way, when the stress kicks in, you have a clear plan to follow and revert to. You’ll also have one place with all the information you need.
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