Regardless of whether you are moving from a small apartment, a large estate home or something in between, relocating is a huge chore that requires careful planning and plenty of effort. One of the best steps that you can take before you start packing is to prepare a to-do list that spans from today until you are completely settled in your new home. These are some of the essential items to think about as you create a customized list for your move.
1. Toss Unwanted Items
Before packing a single item in a box, go through all of your closets, drawers, cabinets and more. Pull out any items that you no longer want or need. There is no reason to spend valuable time and energy packing and unpacking items that you do not want. This important step can make the entire relocation faster and easier to complete.
2. Choose Packing Supplies Carefully
Your checklist should include a trip to the store to pick up packing supplies. You may be inclined to buy dozens of boxes, but this may not be necessary. It makes sense to strategically use trash bags, storage bins and other containers for some of your items. Rather than buy boxes for your other items, ask a few local retail stores for some of their leftovers. Permanent markers, tape, and protective packing materials are also essentials.
3. Schedule Moving Services
Moving companies may be booked several weeks ahead of time in some cases, so hire a moving company as soon as possible. Thoroughly research the options. Rather than making a decision solely on price and availability, look at a company’s reviews, insurance status, history, and credentials.
4. Think About Your Vehicles
If you are planning a long-distance move, you need to think about how you will get your vehicles to your new hometown. Some people plan to drive a rented moving truck to save money. When one driver is behind the wheel of a truck, he or she cannot drive his or her own vehicle. Vehicle transportation may also be needed if you are planning to fly to your new hometown while professionals drive the moving truck.
5. Make Plans for the Kids and Pets
For any type of move, making plans for the kids and pets is a smart idea. Both kids and pets can easily get in the way of the moving team as they load and unload the truck. This is dangerous for everyone involved, and it may result in damage to your belongings. Friends or family may be able to watch them for you, or you can look for a pet daycare or drop-in daycare as needed.
6. Contact Utility Providers
Call utility service providers at least a week or two before you move out so that you can shut off service. You also need to schedule service for your new home. A smart idea is to cancel service a day or two after your moving date and to start service a day or two before you move in. This ensures that you will not be without water or electricity in either location while moving.
7. Prepare an Overnight Bag
Remember to keep out a bag of essentials for you and all family members. You also need a care bag for the pets. This may include snacks and drinks as well as a few changes of clothes and hygiene items. Your bedding should also be kept nearby rather than tossed into the back of a moving truck.
8. Keep Important Documents Nearby
It may take several weeks before you get completely settled into your new home. Within this time, you may need to register the kids in their new school, get the pets re-vaccinated in a new city, register your vehicles and more. Keep all relevant documents handy so that you have immediate access to them as needed.
While relocation is a major chore, it does not have to be more stressful than necessary. Each of these tips can help you to march through the relocation with less stress, so ensure that they are included on your customized moving checklist.