How to Plan a Move
Whether you live in a one-bedroom apartment or a 3,500 square-foot home, moving is a huge undertaking. There’s packing to be done, possible home repairs to be made and movers to hire, and that’s before the actual “move” itself takes place. To help you plan a move and ensure it goes as smoothly as possible, we’ve put together some of our best advice, learned from moving thousands of families through the years.
1. Start early. When it comes to moving, there’s no such thing as being overly prepared. As soon as you know you will be moving, it’s time to start sorting through clutter, getting quotes from moving companies, and exploring your new community. If you have children, enroll in new school systems and begin your search for child care as soon as you sign a new lease or have an offer accepted on a new home.
2. Do research. Research is a pivotal part of a move. Looking into a few top-rated moving companies in your area, for example, can help you ensure that not only will your belongings reach their new home safe and sound, but will give you an idea on the going rate for moving services to ensure you’re getting the fairest price. If you will need to put some of your belongings in storage, do the same for storage companies. It’s also important to look into things like your new electric, gas or oil, and cable provider, and what sort of insurance you’ll be needing for your new home.
3. Get help. Hiring help is one of the best ways to alleviate stress during a move, and luckily, there are services to help you though almost any stage. A moving service can cut your move time by half (or more), while professional packers can make it easier to both get your old house boxed up, and your new place organized. Also, check out our list of the best moving apps, which can help you do everything from packing to organizing.
4. Make a list (and check it constantly). There’s a lot to keep track of during a move. To ensure you don’t forget anything crucial, like picking up the keys to your new place before the moving trucks arrive, filling out a change of address form, or dropping off the old cable box before you set out on your 100-mile trek to your new home, a detailed list will prove essential. There are plenty of pre-made moving checklists around the internet, but we like these ones from Real Simple and HGTV.
For more tips and advice on making a smooth transition during a move, check out:
5 Moving Apps That Will Make Your Life Easier
