If you are preparing for an upcoming move then you know how overwhelming it can become. However, if you have a game plan for your move, the switch from house to home will be much smoother.
2. Plan to unpack your belongings BEFORE you pack up your house
Take photos of each room in the new home before you arrive with furniture, plants, appliances, and family in tow. Write down on a clip board where each item should go in your next home before packing, and carry it with you on moving day. List out the major items that need to be assembled first. As you place each item in its new room, cross it off the list and you will be one step closer to enjoying your new home.
3. Pack with a strategy.
If you have more than a month to pick up and move, start early. Whether it’s one room, one box, or one drawer at a time, weed through what may be years of accumulation. As you’re going through your belongings, divide everything into these helpful categories: donate to charity, give to a friend, recycle, trash, pack now, or keep handy until moving day. You’ll be surprised at how much you can donate, recycle or give to friends. And, you’ll not be overwhelmed with the task at hand three days before you move.
4. Moving is NOT child’s play.
Plan ahead. Consider daycare on moving day, or get help from a friend or family member. If that’s not an option, prioritize setting up safe places for your children to play in the new home on moving day so they’re not underfoot. This will help everyone remain happy and calm on moving day.
5. Don’t forget to plan for your best friend.
Sometimes we forget that all the packing and constant in-and-out of visitors is stressful for animals. Consider checking your pet into a daycare facility, or set up a time for a friend to take them on an adventure for the day. Don’t let your four-legged best friends get lost in the shuffle and remember to make arrangements.
6. Keep track of the little things.
Some items need to be broken down into pieces when moving, but do you know what to do with the small screws and washers that you end up with? Rather than tape them to the furniture, which can result in losing them, put everything in a baggie that is clearly marked and sealed. Keep all of the separate baggies together in one box on moving day and personally take it with you to your new home.
7. Take pictures of electronic hook-ups.
This is one of my favorite recommendations as becoming your own in-house IT professional can be extremely frustrating. Hooking up TVs, DVRs, home theater systems and computers can be challenging. Before unplugging any wires for the move, take a photo of the connections, print them out and label them in detail. This will create fewer headaches when setting up technology in the new home. Keep track of all loose wires using baggies or boxes that are clearly labeled, and personally carry these easy-to-lose items on moving day.
8. Carefully pack cleaning products and toxins.
Products such as detergents, pesticides, and paint are heavy and unwieldy to pack. Not to mention dangerous if done incorrectly. Dispose of as many as possible before the move in an eco-friendly way. Call your city’s waste disposal department for guidance on proper disposal. For items that must be transported, pack them in a small box within a larger box for protection against leaks. Don’t overstuff boxes with these items! Consider marking these boxes in a different color, and seal them extra tight. Keep them separate from the rest of the boxes, particularly if you have kids and pets.
9. Consider getting full value insurance protection.
If using a professional mover, it may cost a few dollars extra, but it provides peace of mind and eliminates later annoyances. Investing in full value protection means any lost or damaged articles will be repaired or replaced, or a cash settlement will be made at current market value, regardless of age. Every policy is different so make sure expensive items such as flat screen TV’s are covered and the correct replacement cost.
10. Know your rights.
If using a professional mover, research your rights as a consumer with either the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for interstate moves or contact the state agency within the state in which you reside for moves within state. Also, enlist the help of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or local law enforcement if the moving company fails to live up to its promises or threatens to hold your belongings hostage. FMCSA requires interstate movers to offer arbitration to help settle disputed claims.
·While moving can be a huge task with built in frustrations and challenges, if a few key steps are taken you can reach your end result quicker, easier, and at peace.
Now go enjoy your new dream home!
Moving tips courtesy of Realtor.com