The time you decide to move, you realize how many items you own and how often you use them. Looking at these items you may wonder how to prepare for the upcoming house move.
Of course, moving these items can be a daunting task. But you don’t need to worry; we have all the house moving tips for your next move.
With the tips discussed here, you can check off the items from your to-do list faster.
Our ultimate house moving guide will help you settle into your new house without any glitch. So let’s get started:
1. Make a Moving Folder with a Binder
Firstly, you need to keep a track of things while moving. For that buy a binder or make a spreadsheet on your drive. It will guide you in maintaining a tab on your moving checklist, and staying on the timeline. You can also store the moving paperwork in it. According to Move My Stuff an expert in this area you should,
- Keep a folder that has moving contracts, documents, and receipts
- Collect your important personal documents like social security cards, passport, and financial documents.
2. Estimate your Inventory
The next step should be to calculate the belongings that you have to move and estimate the cost for it. This is a crucial step as it decides the cost of your moving removalist. So make sure that you take everything into account. This inventory will be useful when calculating the volume of items and insurance for your move.
3. Fix your moving budget
Before taking any further steps, you need to fix a moving budget. To do that, you need to add up all the moving costs including any cost of repair or installation required after moving. Don’t forget to keep all the bills of the expenses in the handy moving folder we discussed on step 1.
4. Schedule the time
Even if you have fixed time with the removalist and planned the commute, still anything can happen. You need to prepare yourself for any kind of mess that can take place. Trust me, something is going to happen off the chart. For this, you should keep a few extra days. And don’t forget to carve out some time for yourself. Grab a face mask, drink lots of water. You are gonna need it in these hectic days.
5. Important Moving Decision
You have to make a lot of decisions when getting ready for a move. This will make your life easier as you will be all set and informed when the big day comes. Some of the questions you need to put into consideration are:
- Do you want to hire a professional for packing or will do it yourself?
- Do you want to hire a removalist or will book a moving vehicle?
- How will you transit your car at the new place?
- Do you want to buy moving insurance or want to buy insurance only for fragile and valuable items?
- If you are packing by yourself then what type of boxes will you use? Where can you get these boxes? And how many of them will you need?
6. Time to get Pack like a Pro
The most important part of your moving lies in how you pack your belongings. Where do you pack your china bowl? How do you keep your electric cables in a well organized way? Purchase the right type of moving boxes that can fit your china bowl, electrical appliances, personal items, books, and clothes. It is advised to purchase every kind of size and shape of boxes to make your packing process seamless.
7. Pack complicated items
Packing all the items is not a breezy process. Certain items are complicated to pack. For example, double pack your fragile items, check original boxes for your electronic items. Check your garage and attic, you may have stashed the boxes there. In case you don’t find them then buy or borrow to ensure maximum safety of your items.
8. Pay a visit to the Hardware Shop
Make one and a detailed list of everything you might need considering every room. Sit down with your roommate or family members for brainstorming about the items that you may need during the move.
Remember, don’t skip to write down packing tape or pen, every little thing is significant in a move.
Some of the things that you will need are:
- Packing tape
- Cardboard boxes
- Screws
- Packing paper
- Measuring Tape
- Sturdy Tape
- Bubble Wrap
- Industrial-Size Broom
9. Take Some Extra Moving Supplies
With a big move coming your way, don’t forget to keep items that are helpful in situations like “just in case”. This is your time to keep extra supplies of light bulbs, power strips, extension cords to keep things moving smoothly on the big day.
10. Start Preparing for Move by Paring Down
You have to be a true minimalist to not follow this approach. You should begin preparing by throwing your belongings that you don’t need and already have one. The entire decluttering process should happen in a maximum of three days. Once you have collected the things that you no more need, hold a garage sale and sell the extra. Donating these items is a noble option that you should take into consideration.
11. Follow an order while packing
If your moving plan is not a sudden one, then it is advised to pack your home in stages. If you are not hiring a removalist due to budget restraints then most of your focus should be on planning how to pack. The packing order should start with items that you are not using right now. Start by packing your off-season clothes as they aren’t required for a brief period. The last things that you should keep in your packing box or folder should be the moving day tool kit and important documents.
12. Selecting Your Moving Professionals
We know that selecting the right removalist is a daunting yet essential task. This process becomes easier when you know what to expect from your long-distance movers. Once you are clear about your requirements, ask them the right questions and give them a correct overview of your move. This will help both the parties to form the right expectation.
Bonus Tip: Try to get multiple quotes from three or four moving companies. Don’t forget to check the review, testimonials, and history of the removalist
13. Know your Role
Even if you have hired a removal company, there are certain things that you need to do. Before your move, be clear with your company on what things can go in a moving vehicle and what not. For example, there are certain flammable materials and plants that moving vehicles do not carry with them.
Carry the important document and jewelry with you in the car. Decide how much you want to tip the moving company and withdraw the amount a few days before your move.
14. Update your Mail Address & Subscriptions
Of Course, you don’t want any kind of hustle at the last moment. Try to forward your mail a minimum of two weeks before your moving day. Do you enjoy reading a certain magazine while having your morning tea/coffee? The only way to avoid missing on them is by updating your address as early as possible at the newspaper and magazine subscription.
15. Voter Registration and Driver’s License
These two things are vital to update. If your move is interstate, it becomes even more important to make updates in these two places.
16. Don’t miss to transfer your utilities before the Move
So what will be the first thing that you will look for after you reach the new place? Maybe water, electricity or gas? These three things should be on your priority to update followed by the internet and TV service provider. You can either ask these utility providers to transfer the facilities to the new place or confirm the last day. If you are discontinuing the current service provider then find a new one at your new place. Try to transfer or find new utilities before your moving day to make your transition hassle-free.
17. Check your Schedule and Ask for help
You need to request your boss for time off work if you are doing most of the tasks in moving. Also, give your friends and family a prior notice on how you will need them to contribute to the moving process. If possible, try to inform them about the move and their part as soon as possible.
18. Place a Request for Moving Permit
Take a look at your neighbors’ moving permit and apply for yours as early as possible, maybe two weeks before you move. You may be able to get the permit and get it delivered at your home within this timeframe. The best place to start is by researching the shipping companies and dedicating a budget a month before your move date.
19. Notify your Landlord
Most probably by now you may have signed all the contracts, packed the boxes still there is one thing left. You need to take certain steps before moving from your old home like notifying your landlord. Send a notice to your landlord about a month or two month before the move.
20. Clean and Prepare
It’s always a good idea to leave a good impression wherever you go. So before leaving your old house, clean it and fill holes if any. You can use Ivory soap, toothpaste or any other material to fill them or can pay a visit to the nearby shop.
21. Defrost the Refrigerator
A good practice is to take out everything from your refrigerator and defrost them. Defrost your refrigerator one day before your move to let it drain as nobody wants a wet moving vehicle.
22. Perform Double-Check
It’s advised to look for all nooks and crannies once you are done with packing and unloading your items. Give a look at the attic and garage. Make sure to click pictures of your old house to show the condition of the house when you move-out. If possible try to do a walkthrough with the landlord to avoid any difficulties in getting your deposit back.
23. Don’t forget to cancel trash
Ask for the last trash removal service on your moving day. They can clean up all the extras that are left behind. You need to make sure to cancel the service before you move to the next place. Nobody wants to pay for services that they don’t avail of.
24. Clean, Paint and Insure
Everyone wants to get the feeling of a cozy house as soon as you enter your new house. So the first step towards it is cleaning and painting your home as it’s easy to do it when your items are packed. Also, protect your belongings with homeowners insurance and renters insurance.
25. Set a Trash Removal for Your New Home
So now you are at your new home, what will you do with those moving boxes? You have to plan your move to avoid such situations. Make sure to contact your local trash removal department at the new place to get rid of the boxes after you have unpacked your items. your garage or attic may not have a place to keep them all.
26. Buy Essential Things for Your New Home
Imagine having your first shower without any soap, shampoo, and curtains? Well, this is a sight you don’t want to experience. Make sure to buy these small essential things to not face any uncomfortable situation.
27. Time to make some big purchases
This is a great time to go for new furniture, upgrade your items that you think do not go with the aesthetics of your new house. Your flooring may also need new investment. Make sure to purchase all those things that make your life comfortable.
28. Get to Know Your Neighborhood
You need to prepare yourself for the first few weeks of your move. Make yourself familiar with the essential businesses in your area like urgent care facilities, local stores, and others.
29. Look for Essential Services Near You
For people making an interstate move, it’s important to find a new dentist and doctor at the new place. Ask your previous doctor to transfer all your medical history to the new one. Don’t wait to seek out a doctor when you need them. It’s smart to stay prepared before any medical emergency.
30. Socialize with Your New Neighbors
Now you are all set with your move, you should socialize your new neighbors. You can throw a small party at your house and invite your neighbors there. This will help you know your neighbors better.
Moving is a tedious task but staying at a new place is exciting as well. This guide can make your life easier while moving. Follow the tips discussed here and you will be settled at your new place in no time.
