Is the thought of moving overwhelming to you? Do you want some advice to make your next move a smooth one? Real estate agents are often asked for information on how to move. This is obviously a comprehensive question that usually turns into specific concerns that the client has about their situation. However, there are some common things to consider that will help ease the overwhelm and make the move much easier.
Whether you are moving a few miles or across country, the move process can be challenging. The worst thing you can do is procrastinate on the preparation causing a major rush as you approach your move date. Sometimes a quick move is a big rush and there is nothing you can do about that, but there are still some things you can do to break down the process to help things run smoothly.
Here are ten tips that will help you stay organized and keep your sanity at the same time. These tips,if used, may protect you from costly mistakes before, during or after moving.
Research moving companies
These days, researching reputable companies is much easier, thanks to reviews. But asking your friends or family on their recommendations is a great starting point. You can google companies or check your local facebook groups as well. I always read all the bad reviews on the companies and try to guage the situations and the companies response to the issues at hand. The negative reviews can give you some good insight, however, weighing these against all the good reviews is essential.
It is not uncommon for issues to arise and for people to be unhappy about a move, however, hopefully the good reviews outweigh the negative and you can choose based on a combination or recommendations and reviews.
Be sure to get written estimates! And ask the moving companies about what insurance coverage they offer.
Moving to a new Town or State – More Research
If you are moving to a new area where using your former doctors, banks or other businesses, make a list of your essential businesses you frequently use and start researching companies that can accommodate your needs.
Also, research the local schools if you are still looking for a home. Schools for your children may play a factor in the neighborhoods you decide to move to.
If you have pets, make sure you know where the closest emergency vet is and start researching what local vets are accepting new clients and what kind of reviews that they have.
Make a list of businesses and/or people who will need your change of address. Also, think ahead to your moving day… do you have pets that need to be secured for the move? Where will they be while the movers are there? Can you take them to a friend’s house or boarding? Or do you have a secure location for them to be during the move? Plan ahead so they are accounted for and you don’t have to worry about one of them slipping out a door.
De-Cluttering Continues
If you’ve been thinking about moving for awhile, you probably already started the de-cluttering process to prepare for listing and selling your home, however, when you move, you probably will want to re-evaluate what you are going to pack.
To get the packing process started, start by donating what you don’t want or begin to sell things online. A garage sale is another quick way to get rid of things you don’t want to move.
Start Packing
Begin packing as you declutter and as early as you can. Doing a little every day makes the entire process run much smoother. Purchase your packing materials and get a box labeling system in place. You will want to label your boxes depending on the room and / or essential things you will need to open sooner at your new home.
Important Documents and Valuables
Keep your important documents separate and easily accessible. If you are purchasing a new home, make sure your financial documents are within easy reach. It never fails that just when you think you’ve given the lender everything they need that something comes up and you need that one document that you can’t remember what box you packed it in. All documents should be kept separate and easily accessible. It will make life so much easier.
Be sire to pack jewelry or valuables separately as well. Take photos of high ticket items and note any current damage on furniture so you have a record in case something happens.
Food
Try to use up as much of your food in your fridge, freezer and pantry as you can. While you are home decluttering and packing it is the perfect time to either eat the food in your kitchen or sort through the stuff you don’t want to take. Moving food is not the easiest, especially if its frozen or food that needs to be refrigerated.
Change of Address
Fill out a change of address form before you move. You can specify the timing of your actual address change, but don’t leave this to the last minute. Trying to locate missing mail after you move is not fun!
Utilities
I typically advise my clients to cut off their utilities the day after their closing on the home they are selling just in case something happens. The buyer will typically turn the utilities on in their name the day of closing, so your utilities will get shut off when the companies make the transfer. I just tend to err on the side of caution. And don’t forget to turn on the utilities at your new home either. You definitely want the lights on and your heat or a/c working!
Household Documents
Leave the warranties, and important household docs for the new owner. It’s a helpful touch and you don’t need them in your new home. I also advise my seller clients to let me know if they have leftover paint from the house – the new buyer might want it to do touch ups or repaint areas in the house.
Cleaning
It’s helpful if you can clean as you are decluttering and packing but hiring move out cleaners is a big help. You will be more then likely exhausted from the move. Schedule the cleaners to come after your move is done!
Enjoy Your New Home!
Hopefully this list of tips will help you stay organized and lessen the stress of your move! If you take each step of your move carefully and think through everything, you can focus less on the hectic nature and more on the exciting new chapter of your life!