How to Prepare For a Move
When Preparing to Move, Prioritize Getting Organized:
Maintain a notebook or document to track a moving checklist and any essential papers tied to your move. With all the steps required to schedule and coordinate every part of the moving process, this collection of information and documents you're maintaining will be your lifeline. Items such as moving contracts, receipts, and personal documents like your passport and social security card should be in your collection. You also need to include any financial documents, like your lease agreement or mortgage information.
Get rid of what you don’t need!
When getting ready to move, this is something you must consider. It is often difficult to let go of material goods, especially when they hold any kind of sentimental value. Sure, keep those old home videos—you'll probably be glad you did when the kids grow up and start having kids of their own. But that holey blanket your aunt gave you for Christmas back when you were in grade school? Yeah—out that goes.
Update your mailing address in advance and change your address for subscriptions. We know it's a hassle, but we suggest changing your address around a week or two before your actual moving day so that all your mail will be waiting for you at your new place. You will also want to update your address on all your subscriptions, lest you have someone else receiving your not-to-be-missed, weekly HelloFresh meals!
**Take inventory to help estimate moving costs. ** Being proactive in this context is splendid, as you'll not only be aware of the types of coverage necessary to protect your belongings in the unfortunate event that something goes wrong—but you'll also be one step ahead in the process if you've chosen to enlist a moving service for your labor.
Equally as Important, Have These Questions Answered:
“Will I be packing/moving on my own, or will I hire professionals?
You need to grasp the magnitude of your relocation and if it necessitates the assistance of professionals. If you have large, heavy furnishings in more than one room, are going to a different state, or are having serious doubts about your ability to execute the kind of seamless, no-drama, no-reverse kind of plan that assures you and your life stay within one space or the other, you should probably hire movers.
“If hiring professionals, how will I choose a moving company?” Selecting the appropriate moving company for your requirements can be a challenge; however, we advise you to ask a few essential questions to narrow your search to the best moving companies for you. Here are the key questions to ask as you run through them in your mind during the interview process:
"How long have you been in business?" Learning how many years a company has been around is a decent first step in trying to gauge the company's overall competence and skill level. Service doesn't always get better just because a company's been around longer, and it doesn't always get worse for companies that are newer. But reviews (and some direct inquiries to companies about how many years they've been at it) can give you a better idea of the level of service you're looking to receive.
"Are you Updater Certified?" This simple question will guarantee whether the moving company in question is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, (FMCSA), and is licensed and insured, with a Department of Transportation Number, which is standard for most reputable moving companies.
"How is the cost of the move calculated?" Some companies will charge an hourly rate multiplied by the size of the team, while others might charge by the distance and weight of the load. Whatever pricing structure a company uses, knowing how they compute the cost of the move in advance will help you figure out how to pack up your home.
"Are there any extra charges?" No one enjoys unexpected expenses, especially on moving day. Because the companies vary so much, asking this could save you a lot of money. Some may charge for going upstairs, for instance, or for the oh-soEyes-on-the-Prix-streetstyle that involves carrying items between the truck and the new digs.
5.“Do I have the right packing supplies to pack tricky items?” To prevent the typical mistake of purchasing unnecessary packing materials, consider the kinds of items you are packing and the appropriate supplies required to do the job right. For delicate items like plates and glass, consider wrapping them in plastic (this is actually my preferred way to do it, as it creates a snug fit and can be easily bubble-wrapped once the item is wrapped up tight). For the same kinds of items, avoid using packing peanuts, which can create more of a jigsaw puzzle-type fit and don't afford the same level of cushioning. Additionally…
**Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. ** To reduce the physical and mental stress that comes with moving, I encourage you to ask friends and family to assist you. If you want or need more hands on deck when you move—and you're not hiring movers—give the people you plan to ask as much advance notice as possible and at least a few days to clear their schedule.
Notify your landlord of moving plans if renting.
Regardless of how you come to the decision to move, you need to inform your landlord 30-60 days in advance of when you're planning to make it official. Although most landlords are proactive about reaching out to their tenants and asking if they plan to renew their contracts, some aren't. They will appreciate the extra notice!