Moving is stressful under the best circumstances, but with the right plan, you can expect smooth sailing. Whether you’re packing a household for a 50 or 500-mile move, these tips will help you be ready to go before closing day
1. Thin Your Belongings
Save money by thinning out unwanted belongings before you get a moving estimate. Sell valuables online, hold a garage sale, donate things to charity, or offer friends the items of their choice in exchange for help on moving day!
2. Get a Moving Estimate
Get an estimate from a moving company at least seven weeks in advance. For a guaranteed price, known as a binding estimate, or a binding not-to-exceed estimate with both upward and downward price protection, knowing exactly which belongings will make the trip is essential.
For do-it-yourselfers, estimate the cost of a moving truck, boxes, and other must-have supplies.
3. Change Your Address and Notify Utilities
Changing your address with the postal service first ensures that mail from anyone you’ve forgotten makes it to your new location.
Important people to notify include:
– Utilities
– Banks
– Credit card companies
– Insurers
– Doctors and other professional service providers
– Subscription services
4. Gather Supplies
If it’s worth packing, protect it. Moving boxes are designed to safeguard both your treasures and your back while fitting ideally into a box truck or moving van. A full-service moving company can sell you boxes, but shopping online or buying from a truck rental store can save 20 percent or more.
Extra supplies should include bubble wrap, indelible markers and plenty of packing tape.
5. Start Packing
Packing non-essentials like out-of-season clothing and holiday décor early eases moving day stress. Label boxes with your address and the corresponding name of the room it belongs in. This lets movers know where it should go and helps things get to the right place if they’re accidentally lost. Always photograph valuables for insurance purposes.
The things you will want first in your new home should be packed and loaded last. They will be the easiest to access on the moving truck. Prepare a first-night box that contains everything you need for the first 24 hours in your new place.
6. Verify the Details
Three weeks before the move, verify the closing date with your realtor and touch base with the moving company. Call the airline and any hotels you’ll be using and double-check your reservations. If you’re driving, have the car serviced.
7. Moving Day
Being present when the movers load your belongings is the best way to ensure their safety and protect yourself if something goes wrong. Verify the movers have the correct destination address and your emergency contact information.
Do a final walk-through to look anything left behind and to be certain all systems are in the condition promised for the new owners.
On your way out, take a deep breath and give yourself a round of applause for a job well-done. Treasure the memories you made inside and then travel safely — a new adventure awaits.
