Make Moving Easier With These Tips
Buying a home can be a long, tedious process. After making an offer, getting the best mortgage for you and closing, it seems like the hard work is over. However, now you have to move in. Moving can be stressful for a variety of reasons, but it can be also exciting. All it takes is some advance prep, thoughtful packing, and the right supplies.
These move in hacks will ensure a smooth, efficient transition into your new place.
Before the move
Four to six weeks prior to your move, declutter your belongings. Moving is a great opportunity to go through your things. Take a careful look at your items and determine whether it’s something you still use, you still like, or you still want to keep. Anything that falls outside of those categories should be purged or donated so that you move into your new home with a clean slate. Remember, you will have to pack and unpack all of these items – so make sure they are worth the effort. Before moving out, all you have to do is schedule a pickup with the Salvation Army, Goodwill or any other donation center.
As soon as you have your moving date and new home address set, book your moving truck and/or your movers. It’s important to do this in advance, especially during moving season. If possible, schedule the move in the middle of the month or middle of the week. Moving companies are generally a lot cheaper during these times.
Next, you’ll want to change your address a few weeks in advance of moving to avoid losing important pieces of mail. While you are changing your address with the USPS, it’s a good time to update your address on all other accounts and cancel or transfer your other household services.
Two to three weeks prior to your move, list any items you’re selling online. Take pictures, measurements, write up descriptions, and post listings for any items you want to sell. Facebook Marketplace and Facebook Groups are both great places to get your things purchased quickly.
Boxes & Moving Supplies
It’s important to have the right supplies for moving ahead of time to avoid any last-minute trips to the store. Make sure you order plenty of boxes! Always order more than you think you may need. Ask local retailers or businesses if they have any extra boxes on hand. Many do and are eager to give them away. Companies like Supercrate and BoxUp allow consumers to rent reusable moving boxes. They drop the boxes off at your current residence and pick them up at your new home a few days (or weeks) after you move. The boxes are sturdy and durable and as an added bonus, there are no boxes to break down and get rid of at the end of your move.
Purchase color coded labels so your boxes to stay organized, and label boxes on the side- not the top. This way, you’ll never have to guess what’s inside.
Other supplies you’ll want to keep on hand include packing tape, bubble wrap, markers, box cutters and trash bags. Also, keep lots of Ziploc bags on hand to store smaller items such as cords, nails and screws so they don’t get lost during your move.
Packing Hacks
- Keep your hanging clothes on hangers and slip garbage bags directly on top of them. This way, your clothes won’t get dirty, and garbage bags will keep everything in place.
- Nothing is worse than shampoo and cleaning supplies spilling everywhere. To avoid this, keep liquids in a separate box from everything else. Cover all bottles of liquids in plastic wrap before putting the top on.
- When moving dressers, keep everything inside and cover it in plastic wrap. This prevents clothes from falling out when it gets shuffled around in the moving truck. Plus, you don’t have to reorganize your clothes later on.
- To avoid broken plates, stack them with Styrofoam in between one another. Not only is this easy, it’s cheap.
- Instead of folding clothes, roll them up. Your clothes will take up less space and get less wrinkled.
Other Important Things to Note
Keep valuables, such as your Social Security Card, birth certificate and jewelry, with you at all times during moving day.
Pack a separate bag with a change of clothes and toiletries. Chances are, you won’t unpack everything in one day, so you’ll want to have everything you need when getting ready the first day in your new home.
If you’re moving with a dog or cat, put their food and water bowl in the same room and in the same spot as your old place. The more consistent you are with your pet’s routine, the less confused they will be.
On the day of the move, stay organized by having a designated area where you keep all of your moving supplies. You don’t want to waste time looking for the scissors or tape… you’ll want to start unpacking and settling into your new home!
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