If you’ve ever moved before, then you know how hectic it can get. You’re packing, making calls, running errands—it’s crazy! However, planning accordingly can help to ease some of the chaos.
According to the U.S. Census, the average American moves 11.7 times in their lifetime. With such a stat at play, learning how to prepare to move is essential.
If you’re moving soon, congratulations on your new place! This guide is designed to help your transition go smoothly.
Check out the 10 helpful tips below
1. Start Packing Early
Packing isn’t that difficult, right? Wrong! You don’t realize how much stuff you have until you start packing.
Soon you’ll discover that you really do have a nice-sized wardrobe, tons of keepsakes, and unnecessary amounts of paper. Before you know it, there will be boxes and trash bags scattered everywhere.
To maintain your sanity, do not wait until the last minute to pack. It’s best to do it a little at a time.
2. Prepare Your Supplies
Make sure you have everything you need for moving preparation. Buy boxes, tape, bubble wrap, newspaper, and anything else you may require.
It’s a headache to run to the store to get supplies in the middle of packing. It slows you down and prolongs the process.
3. Label Your Boxes
The truth is, moving is going to wipe you out! Chances are you won’t unpack everything for a few days after moving. As you may know, some of your belongings are more important than others, and you’ll likely use some things before others.
Opening up every box to see what’s inside is a nightmare! Do yourself a favor and label them with a Sharpie. That way, you’ll know exactly what’s in each box.
4. Make Important Phone Calls
Don’t forget to transfer your utilities and internet services. If you’re using a new electric company or internet provider, call them in advance. The last thing you want is to not have utilities when you get to your new place.
Sometimes a technician isn’t available and you have to schedule an appointment a few days out. One of the best moving tips is to call to switch or set up new services at least two weeks before your move-in date.
It’s also smart to have electricity cut on a day or two before you actually move in. It ensures there are no mishaps that could interfere with moving day.
5. Transfer Your Mail
You never want to miss out on important mail. Forwarding your parcel in advance is one of the primary things to do when preparing to move. It might take the post office a few days before they begin forwarding your letters, so do it a couple of weeks prior.
It’s also a good idea to make your transfer date two days before your move-in date. By doing so, it ensures that none of your mail goes to your old address after you leave.
6. Pack Properly
As tempting as it may be, don’t throw everything in a box together. Improper packing could damage your belongings, which is a headache. Use newspaper on plates and bowls, and wrap fragile items in bubble wrap.
Also, don’t put items together that could damage the other. For instance, putting something fragile in with a heavy object could be a recipe for disaster.
7. Prepare Your Movers
Whatever you do, don’t call your loved ones at the last minute for moving help. Otherwise, you might be disappointed. To be on the safe side, round up your movers at least a month in advance.
That way, they can clear their schedules. And if someone has to cancel, you’ll have time to find a replacement.
But you know what? Moving is hectic, so it’s best to hire professionals. If you’re Tennessee, call Master Movers out in Nashville for assistance.
8. Get Insurance on the Property
Property insurance is super important, and most places won’t let you move in without it. Give yourself enough time to shop around and pick the best one.
You want to ensure that your house or apartment is covered the moment you step foot in it. Anything can happen, even when your first move in. You’ll feel better knowing your place is secured ahead of time.
9. Get Transportation Scheduled
Unless you own a large truck, you’ll need to get transportation. If you’re moving on a weekend, some rental places will sell out of vehicles. So again, make sure you book in advance.
Also, check out the location of the truck rental company. Most truck lenders charge by the mile, so mapping your route is important.
Sometimes it’s more expensive to return the truck to a different location, but if you’re moving far away from your old place, consider the costs. It may be less expensive to choose a different drop off close to your new home, than to drive it back to the original.
10. Clean as You Go
If you want to know a secret to how to prepare to move, clean as you pack. If your plan is to move out and then clean, don’t do it!
Unless you have a lot of helping hands, cleaning afterward is a hassle. As you box up each room, go ahead and vacuum, sweep, disinfect, etc.
That way, once you’re done packing, you’re finished! You might even be able to turn in your keys the same day.
How to Prepare to Move: Helpful Tips
Hopefully, these tips on how to prepare to move help you. Transitioning from one place to the next takes a lot of work, and it’s easy to forget certain things. But if you follow the checklist above, you’ll be good to go!
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