Relocating can be full of excitement. At the same time, it can also be really stressful, especially if the move feels rushed or plans don’t get followed. Still, there are many things you can do to make your move go as smoothly as possible. Regardless of where or when you will be relocating, you can make moving day more successful and have a pleasant entry into your community by following these tips.
Get Organized
One of the best ways to help your move go well is to start planning and organizing as early as possible. Start off by organizing your furniture and personal belongings as well as the many other things that need to be accomplished. Creating a pre-move checklist of things to do will ensure that your new home is ready for your arrival. You may need to transfer or set up utilities, internet, or cable television service.
Bear in mind that these services often require advance notice that ranges from a few days to weeks ahead. Creating a file folder or Google document to keep all your move-related receipts and records in one place is a great idea. You should also save all contact information and confirmation numbers in the file for easy retrieval for future use.
Hire Wisely
If you are relocating locally, you can probably handle the majority of your move. But many would choose to hire a professional moving company to assist them in moving, whether across town or the country. As you plan your move, make sure you choose reputable businesses, get multiple quotes from various moving companies, and do a good comparison. There are companies that will offer an hourly rate or leave things off of their quote to appear more competitive, so make sure you ask a lot of questions and have them include all charges. This is even more important if you are relocating to a very far area. You have to ensure that you can entrust your belongings to a company that will treat you honestly.
Purge & Document All Items
One of the major concerns that come up when people plan to relocate is packing. For a smoother move, take time to identify which of your possessions you can get rid of. These are usually the things that are easy to replace or too difficult or expensive to move. When you have fewer things to pack and move, your move will be faster and more efficient. Once you’re done, you should document your belongings as you go.
Keep track of what you pack in each box and write it down on the box itself. This will help your keep track of which box holds which items. It may take a bit longer, but packing this way makes unpacking in your new home a lot easier.
Pack an Essentials Box
Another good practice is to pack an “essentials” box. As your moving date approaches and as you pack things you don’t use daily, you also need to plan out your first night in your new home. This experience can be made more pleasant by creating an essential box you can take with you.
Important things to put in an essentials box include phone or computer charging cords, toilet paper, paper towels, plates and utensils, garbage bags, and an emergency kit. Other things that can go into the box are pajamas for each person, blankets, pillows, candles and matches, and your favorite snacks and beverages.
Make a Plan for Kids & Pets
Finally, relocating can be a stressful time. Make sure that you have planned something to keep young children and pets out of the movers’ way. You can ask for help from a friend or family member to watch them during the actual move to lower anxiety levels as well as to keep them out of the way.
It is a good idea to have a child pack their things the day before moving, then have them fill a suitcase or box with their favorite toys to alleviate fears of leaving something behind. If you are moving with pets, remember to add food bowls and pet food to your essentials box and give them a lot of time to get used to their new home.
Is relocating to a new rental home in your future? Trust our professional Richmond Heights property managers to steer you in the right direction. Real Property Management Endeavor staff are the local experts, offering quality rental homes that fit your needs. Check out our listings online.
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