If you’re planning a home move, there are a few things you can do to help make it go as smoothly as possible. From packing to moving day, you can take steps to reduce stress and avoid common pitfalls.
First, start by decluttering and donating or selling anything that you don’t need to bring with you to your new home. That way, you’ll have less to pack and will be able to spend more time unpacking your belongings.
Start Early
Taking the time to plan your move is always a good idea. This includes preparing a moving checklist, sizing up your belongings and making an inventory of items that can be stored at your new home before the big move. It also means that you won’t be scrambling around at the last minute trying to figure out how to pack your home into boxes. The key to a stress-free moving experience is planning your moves well in advance. Having a good idea of what to expect in your new home and the best time to start packing can be the difference between a rushed move and a smooth transition into your dream house.
The best way to go about planning your big move is to take a cue from the professionals and do your research. This will help you plan out a successful relocation, which means less stress and more fun for your whole family. The best way to do this is to snag the right moving companies and get quotes from multiple vendors. A moving company that offers the best customer service and a fair price will be your ticket to a stress-free, enjoyable relocation.
Pack Early
Ideally, you should start packing at least 4-8 weeks before your move date. This is so you don’t get stressed out, forget things, or run out of time.
Begin by deciding which items are worth keeping and which ones you should donate, sell or throw away. This will help you save time and money during your move, as well as ensure you have a smooth and stress-free moving experience.
Go room by room and clean out closets, cabinets, and drawers for items that you don’t want to move with you. If they don’t fit, are outdated, or you haven’t used them in a year, get rid of them.
Next, start sorting through your media collection – this will give you a clear picture of which books and movies are worth keeping and which can be thrown out or donated. Getting rid of your collection early will also help you save space in your new home, as you’ll have less stuff to store in the first place!
Now that your media collection is sorted, it’s time to start packing. This can be a little intimidating at first, but it’s important to stick to a plan and start with the larger items that take up most of your home’s space.
For example, if you have large appliances that will require extra boxes, it’s best to pack them first, as this will give you more room for your other items.
If you haven’t already, start building your “day of” box – this contains the items you’ll need right up until your move and on moving day, including toilet paper, cleaning supplies, chargers for all your electronic devices, and other essentials that won’t be packed in your Open-First boxes.
Hire a Moving Company
Hiring a moving company can make your move easier and less stressful. They’re experienced in handling large and heavy items, and can help you to pack, organize, and transport your belongings safely. They also can provide packing materials such as bubble wrap and boxes to protect your items.
Professional movers are insured and licensed, which is another major reason to hire them for your next home move. They may also be bonded, which means they have an additional layer of insurance to cover you in the event of an accident.
When you hire a moving company, you’ll typically be provided with an estimate of the total cost. This can be in the form of a “binding” or a “binding not-to-exceed” estimate, which ensures you’ll not be surprised by unforeseen expenses.
A binding contract is important because it prevents surprises on moving day and ensures that you aren’t charged more than you were initially quoted. In addition, a binding contract ensures that your belongings will be delivered to your new home by the date agreed upon.
The only way to guarantee that your belongings will arrive on time is to hire a moving company that offers you a guaranteed delivery date. This isn’t something that a moving company can promise you on the phone, but it’s certainly worth asking for.
Ideally, your mover will take the time to inspect your belongings in advance of the move and ask questions about any special situations that could cause them issues. This will help them to ensure that they have a clear understanding of your belongings, and will also avoid any extra fees that could be charged on moving day for items that are difficult to transport.
Make a Checklist
When you are preparing for a home move, it is important to make sure that all the tasks you need to complete get done. Making a checklist is a great way to keep track of all the steps you need to take and ensure that you do everything in a timely manner.
When creating your checklist, make sure to include all of the tasks that need to be completed in the time frame you have available. This will help you to be prepared for the entire process and will prevent any unnecessary delays from happening.
Before moving into your new home, you should do a thorough inspection and make any necessary repairs. This will help you to be more comfortable in your new house and allow you to settle in sooner.
You should also call your utilities to make sure they are transferred over to your new account. This will ensure that your utility bills will be accurate and will save you money in the long run.
Finally, you should make sure that all of your furniture and boxes are in the correct places. This will make it easier for the movers to transport your items and set them up in your new home.
If you are renting, make sure to notify your landlord about the move. This will allow them to adjust your rent accordingly.
You should also give your neighbors a heads up about the move so that they can come out and welcome you to your new home. This is a great way to meet your new neighbors and get to know them better. You can even invite them over for a housewarming party and enjoy some time together!
Get Help
There are many governmental and non-governmental organizations that provide generous grants to people who need financial assistance for a home move. These are especially helpful for those with disabilities, which make it difficult for them to pay for a move without help.
The first thing you should do is to find out if you qualify for any government programs or other benefits. These may include Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) that can be awarded to those who are in need of help with moving costs.
These may be available to you if you are receiving means-tested benefits like Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. You can also check with your local Citizens Advice for assistance.
Another option is to ask friends, family, and neighbors for help. They might be willing to help you with your moving expenses if they have been there for you in the past.
Alternatively, you could consider charitable organizations. These groups have a long history of helping low-income families. They have a focus on eliminating poverty in their communities and offer a wide variety of ways to support people in need.
For example, The Salvation Army works to remove homelessness from its community and also helps with moving costs when it is a barrier to stable housing. To receive assistance from The Salvation Army, you must show proof of low-income status and confirm what kind of help is needed.
You can also contact your local HUD office or other agencies that provide housing services for those in need. They can give you information on the moving grants they offer and can also provide you with assistance in applying for them.
A home move can be a stressful experience, but it can also be beneficial in many ways. It can help you learn to live independently and can boost your mental wellbeing. It can also be a great opportunity to start a new hobby or cultivate good habits that will benefit your life in the long run.