Moving to a new house can be an exciting yet daunting experience. Whether you’re moving to a different city or just down the street, there’s always a lot to do before the big day arrives. However, with careful planning and preparation, you can minimize the stress and ensure a smooth transition to your new home. Here are some tips on how to prepare for moving house.
1. START EARLY
It’s never too early to start planning for your move. Ideally, you should start at least two months before the moving day. This will give you enough time to sort through your belongings, sell or donate items you no longer need, and pack your belongings in an organized manner.
You can create a checklist of tasks, schedule appointments with movers or rental truck companies, and plan out the logistics of the move. Moving is a big job, and by giving yourself plenty of time, you can make the process much smoother and less stressful.
2. DECLUTTER
Moving is the perfect time to declutter your home. Go through your belongings and decide what you want to keep, sell, or donate. This will not only make your move easier, but by getting rid of items you no longer need or want, you can create a clean slate and start anew in your new home.
Packing and unpacking takes time, and the more items you have to pack, the longer it will take. By decluttering, you can reduce the amount of time it takes to pack and unpack, as you’ll have fewer items to deal with.
3. HIRE A MOVING COMPANY
If you’re planning to use a moving company, start researching and getting quotes early. Make sure to choose a reputable company with good reviews and proper insurance. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, and read online reviews before making a final decision.
A moving company has the experience and expertise to move your belongings safely and efficiently, which saves you time and money, and allows you to focus on other aspects of the move.
A good moving company can also reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with moving. Professional movers can handle the entire move, from start to finish, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
The good moving companies book out pretty quickly, so solidify a date as soon as possible.
4. LABEL YOUR BOXES
Labeling your boxes will save you time and effort in the long run. It will also make it easier for the movers to know which boxes go to what rooms in the new place – so make sure to label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. You can use different color post-its for every room and then create a key for the movers.
Proper labeling also makes all the unpacking to do easier and faster as you’re not going through random boxes to find something you need.
5. PACK A “FIRST NIGHT” BOX
Pack a box with all the essentials you’ll need on your first night in your new home. This could include toiletries, a change of clothes, bedding, and basic kitchen supplies like plates, cups, and utensils.
Moving can be a stressful experience, and having a “first night” box with your favorite items can help you feel more comfortable in your new surroundings. Be sure to also include essential items like medication, important documents, and phone chargers.
Practically speaking you may not have time to unpack all of your belongings on the first night, so having a “first night” box can provide practical solutions for your immediate needs. Having immediate needs met will help give you peace of mind during the stress of moving.
6. NOTIFY UTILITIES AND CHANGE ADDRESS
Don’t forget to notify your utility companies of your move and set up new accounts in your new home. This includes electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable. If you don’t you may continue to receive bills for services you no longer use. This can result in missed payments, late fees, and damage to your credit score.
You should also change your address with the post office and any other important organizations, like your bank or insurance company. Changing your address ensures that important mail, such as bills, bank statements, and legal documents, are delivered to your new address. This can help you stay organized and avoid missing important deadlines.
7. TAKE PICTURES OF YOUR BELONGINGS
Taking pictures of your belongings can help document their condition before the move. This can be useful in case of damage or loss during the move, as you can use the pictures to support your insurance claim.
Having pictures of your items can help you remember visually what you’ve packed, and make it easier to identify and organize your belongings in your new home.
IN CONCLUSION
Moving to a new home can be a lot of work, but with careful planning and preparation, it can also be an exciting new chapter in your life. Start early, declutter, hire a reputable moving company, label your boxes, pack a first-night box, notify utilities and change your address, and take pictures of your belongings. These tips will help you prepare for moving house and make the transition to your new home as smooth as possible.
Organized Chick has been serving the Metro Atlanta community for over 8 years and a proud local and national member of NAPO. Organized Chick specializes in residential organizing, home office organizing, small business organizing and relocation services. When you are feeling overwhelmed, or needing more help? Organized Chick can create a personalized work space for you and your children and help you maintain a balanced working-home. Contact us now for a consultation.
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