What should I prepare in advance for moving?
Moving to a new home is an exciting life event! However, the process of moving itself can be quite stressful. There are many things to think about and coordinate, from packing all your belongings to transferring utilities and changing your address. To help make your move as smooth as possible, we’ve put together a list of six tips to follow.
- Start Early
The earlier you start packing, the better. You will be surprised by how much stuff you have and how long it takes to pack it all up. By starting early, you can take your time and pack things carefully so that they arrive at your new home safe and sound. Make sure to label each box and stay as organized as possible. It will make unpacking that much smoother. Trust us; you don’t want to be scrambling to pack everything up the night before your move!
- Make a Budget
One of the first things you need to do when preparing to move is to make a budget. This will help you plan and save for the necessary expenses associated with relocating. Make sure to account for things like movers, rental trucks, storage units, packing supplies, and travel expenses (if you’re moving out of state).
- Purge Before You Pack
One of the best parts of moving is that it gives you a chance to purge all the things you don’t need or use anymore. Go through your belongings and remove anything you don’t want to take. The easiest way to do this, especially when going through your closet, is to take each item and ask yourself, “How much have I worn this in the last year”? If it is less than ten times, toss it. This will lighten your load and make packing easier, not to mention help save money with the cost of boxes. It’s a win-win!
- Get Organized
Moving can be intimidating, but proper packing will make the process much smoother. Begin by making a list of everything that needs to be packed. Include clothes, pots and pans, dishes, electronics, and other items you will need in your new home.
Once you have made your list, it is time to prioritize. Start with the items you will need immediately upon arriving at your new home. These items should be packed in a clear plastic bin, making them easy to find.
Next, pack clothing and linens. These can be stored in medium-sized boxes. Finally, pack any more oversized items such as furniture. These should be labeled with the room they are going in so that the movers know where to put them.
- Pack an Essentials Box
When packing up your things, set aside an essentials box with all the items you will need right away at your new place. This might include toiletries, towels, bedding, food, snacks, etc. This box will make it easy for you to find everything you need when you first arrive at your new home instead of having to search through all of your boxes for the one thing you need.
- Set up Utilities Prior to Moving
After the long days of packing and the stress of moving day, the last thing you want is to arrive at your new home only to find that there’s no electricity or running water. That’s why it’s important to call ahead and set up utilities like power, water, trash service, etc., so that they’re turned on when you arrive at your new place. This may seem like a small detail, but it can really make a big difference in making your move a smooth and successful one. So don’t forget to add this task to your moving checklist so that you can unwind once you kick your feet up for the night instead of sitting in darkness!
Moving can be a daunting task, but following these simple tips doesn’t have to be! By getting started early, purging unwanted items, staying organized throughout the process, packing an essentials box, and even setting up your electricity and water before you officially move in, you can ensure a successful move with minimal stress.
So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!