Moving to a new home is an event that represents the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Whether you’re moving across town or to a different country, from a 2-story house to a 1-bedroom apartment, it can be very exhausting. To help you prepare for the big day, we’ve prepared a list of 7 of the most important tasks to complete before the big move.
Create a Detailed Moving Checklist
One of the first steps in preparing for a move is to create a detailed moving checklist. This checklist should outline all the tasks that must be completed before, during, and after the move. From decluttering and packing to arranging moving services and updating your address, a checklist will help keep you organized and on track throughout the moving process.
Start by brainstorming all the tasks you can think of related to your move, and then organize them into a logical sequence. Be sure to include deadlines for each task to help you stay focused and motivated. As you complete each task, check it off your list to track your progress and ensure nothing is overlooked.
Alt-tag: A couple preparing a packing list.
Caption: A checklist will keep you grounded and organized.
Give notice and Schedule Cancellations
After making a moving list, you should contact all the people and organizations you need to notify about your big move. That should include:
- utility companies
- banks
- employers
- schools
- healthcare providers
- any subscriptions or memberships you have.
Update your address with them as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary stress. You may also need to forward your mail to your new address through the postal service to ensure you receive any important mail during and after the move.
Start researching moving companies – nobody wants to pay more than they should, and many moving companies ask for a small fortune to move your things. It can help you plan expenses ahead, and you can be sure that the date of your move is not already booked.
Organize Your Belongings
Moving presents the perfect opportunity to declutter and reorganize your belongings. As such, it makes it one of the most important tasks to complete before the big move. Before you start packing, take the time to go through all of your stuff and decide what you want to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Consider whether each item is still useful or meaningful to you, and don’t hesitate to throw stuff because you’ll definitely buy some things for your new place!
As you declutter, organize everything into categories to make packing and unpacking more efficient. Label boxes clearly with their contents and the room they belong to, and consider color-coding or numbering them for easy identification. Consider creating an inventory list to keep track of everything.
Pack Strategically and Efficiently
Packing is perhaps the most time-consuming aspect of moving, so starting early and packing strategically is important. Begin by packing non-essential items, such as off-season clothing, books, and decorative items. Leave essential items until the last minute, and pack them in a separate box or suitcase you’ll keep during the move.
Use sturdy boxes, but don’t forget about durable packing materials as well! This will protect your belongings during transit and pack fragile items carefully with plenty of padding. Label boxes clearly with their contents and the room they belong to. Don’t forget to pack a box of essential items that you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home, such as toiletries, medications, and basic kitchen supplies.
Look for some videos or blog posts to help plan a move. From packing tips to recognizing scammers, many companies like Allstate Moving and Storage Maryland give moving tips and tricks on a regular basis.
Request Time Off
Working can only make you feel worse when dealing with a stressful event such as moving. Getting a week or two off for moving makes a huge difference, especially if you have kids.
If you’re moving out of state, think about turning the relocation into an adventure. Organize a road trip and visit all the remarkable places between the states. It’s a chance to bond, relax, and create lasting memories before going back to reality.
Many moving companies offer furniture disassembling and unpacking services, which frees you from the hassle of handling heavy furniture and boxes. This way, you can focus more on your time off, try to relax, and make the most out of this adventure.
Prepare Your New Home for Your Arrival
Finally, take the time to prepare your new home for your arrival before moving day. Clean the space thoroughly from top to bottom, including floors, walls, windows, and appliances, to ensure it’s ready for occupancy.
Make any necessary repairs or renovations before moving in, such as painting, patching holes, or replacing fixtures. Measure doorways and hallways to ensure your furniture will fit through them, and arrange any necessary accommodations, such as a ramp or elevator access, if you’re moving into a multi-story building.
Completing these essential tasks before the big move will help ensure a smoother and more organized transition to your new home. With proper planning and preparation, you can minimize stress and enjoy the excitement of starting fresh in a new location.
Start Unpacking
After everything is done and you’ve arrived at your new home, it is time to unpack! Take your time and think thoroughly about the furniture placements. Tape the outlines of the furniture to the floor to make sure everything can fit.
Once you place all of the bulky furniture and appliances, you can start working the boxes. The best would be to go room by room, in the opposite order of when you were packing.
Moving can be daunting, but with these tasks to complete before the big move, you’ll have everything organized and planned in advance! So, by following these steps, you will be well-prepared to embark on this new journey with ease. Happy moving!
Photos used:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-black-crew-neck-shirt-holding-girl-in-white-long-sleeve-shirt-4569894/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-putting-the-sticker-on-the-box-7289727/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-couple-unpacking-boxes-in-their-new-house-8962869/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-and-woman-sitting-on-couch-unpacking-boxes-7489125/