Relocating can be an exciting adventure. However, it can also be very stressful if things seem rushed or don’t exactly go as planned. Still, there is a lot you can do to make sure that your move goes as smoothly as possible. Regardless of when or where you are relocating, your moving day and entry into your new community can be more pleasant if you follow 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. As early as possible, get started on organizing your furniture and personal belongings and the other tasks that need to be done. A pre-move checklist will make sure you don’t overlook anything and that your new home is ready when you arrive. You may need to transfer or set up utilities, internet, or cable television service.
Keep in mind that these services tend to require advance notice, ranging from a few days to many weeks beforehand. Keep all your move-related receipts and records in one place by creating a file folder or going digital with a Google document. Store all contact information, confirmation numbers, and pertinent data in the file for easy retrieval in the future.
Hire Wisely
If you are relocating locally, it may not be a problem handling the majority of your move by yourself. However, it is a good idea to hire a professional moving company if you are moving across town or the country. When planning your move, pick reputable businesses, ask for multiple quotes from different moving companies, and do a careful comparison. Some will quote an hourly rate or leave things off of their quote to make their offer look more competitive, so ask a lot of questions to clarify and have them include all charges. This is especially important if you will be relocating far from your current location. The company you pick must be one that will treat you honestly.
Purge & Document All Items
For most people, the main concern about planning to relocate is packing. To make moving easier, set aside time to go through your possessions and identify which ones are easily replaceable or would be too difficult or expensive to move. The fewer items you need to pack, the faster and more efficient your move will be. After doing so, the next step would be to document your belongings as you go.
As you pack, keep track of what is in each box and write it down on the box itself. This will help you keep track of all your stuff and know which box has which item. It may seem like extra work, but packing this way makes unpacking in your new home much easier.
Pack an Essentials Box
Another good practice is to pack an “essentials” box. As you start packing the things you don’t use daily in preparation for your move, you also need to make a plan for your first night in your new home. You can make the first night more pleasant by creating an essential box to 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 you can include are some pajamas for each household member, blankets, pillows, candles and matches, and snacks and beverages.
Make a Plan for Kids & Pets
Finally, relocating can be a stressful time. If you have young children and pets around, make sure you plan on how they won’t interfere with the movers’ jobs. 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.
Children can pack their things in a suitcase or box together with their favorite toys the day before the move to alleviate fears of something being left 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 Clarkstown property managers to steer you in the right direction. Real Property Management DePenn staff are the local experts, offering quality rental homes that fit your needs. Check out our listings online.
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