Plan Your Move and Make it Smooth

  

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Moving can be a stressful time.
Staying organized is the key to a smooth move.
There are 3 phases to any move.

1. Preparation & Packing
2. Moving Day
3. Unpacking & Organizing

Preparation & Packing
You will want to set a firm date for the move and hire your moving company. When you hire your mover, you may want to have an in home estimate done. This will give you the opportunity to meet the representative of the moving company and ask questions about your move. Know the date and time the moving company will arrive to load and deliver your household items. Make sure you have a good idea of price and the moving company’s liability policy. A folder or a 3 ring binder is a great way to keep all your moving paperwork organized.

You will also need to decide if you will be doing your own packing or if you will be hiring the moving company to pack you items. Packing your belongings into boxes is something you can start right away. Many people feel overwhelmed when it comes to packing. Break it down into manageable pieces. Do one room at a time. Pack heavy items like books into smaller boxes, this way you will still be able to lift the box when it’s full. Lighter items like pillows and comforters go in larger boxes. Hanging clothing can be packing into wardrobe boxes available thru the moving company. Breakable such as dishes, glasses, nic nacs and electronics should all be packed using a lot of paper or bubble wrap for safety. Label the outside of your boxes using a marker. Write the room the box belongs in. This will help the movers put it into the same room in the new house. Do not write what is in the box, your movers do not need to know you have packed your diamond bracelet. Remember, even lamps and pictures should be boxed up for the move. If all this is done before the movers arrive, your move will be smooth and efficient.

Moving Day
Wake up early and pack the last remaining items into boxes. Make sure you eat a good breakfast. Keep some water on hand for you and the movers. The movers will progress right along and you may find yourself unable to break for lunch. When the movers arrive, show them around your house and show them everything to be moved. Pets may be nervous with all the commotion. The doors to your house will be propped open. You may want to keep them safe in a bathroom or area not used by movers. When the house is empty and the last item is on the truck, walk through your house with the movers to make sure they got everything. Confirm your new address with them and know when to meet them there. At the new address you will want to direct the movers where things should be placed. When the move is done, be prepared to pay for the move. Make sure you know what types of payments the moving company accepts.

Unpacking & Organizing
Where do you start to unpack? Start with what you need right away for that evening. Bedding, clothing, toothbrush, TV…  The next day, start again with one room at a time and before you know it, everything will be back in its place. What will you do with all the used boxes? You can break them down and flatten them out and store them in a closet or basement. You can recycle with your local pick up. You can check with your moving company to see if they will take them back. If you have kept all your moving papers in a folder or binder, when tax day comes around, you may be able to deduct the move.