Moving to a new home– whether it’s across town or across the country– takes bravery, patience, and LOTS of energy. The whole process can be pretty stressful for most people, but if you get organized and plan things out ahead of time, you’ll be delighted in how things fall into place. The following tips and considerations should help make your move less stressful.
Create a Detailed Checklist
Before you break out the boxes, stop and make a list of all the things that need to be taken care of before the move (like the tasks listed below). Primarily, this checklist should keep you from forgetting important tasks. But, when the pressure’s mounting, checking things off will also help you feel like things are getting done and you’re making progress.
Change Your Address
It’s important to notify your bank, insurance company, and other interested parties of your new mailing address so that you don’t miss a bill or important notice. You’ll also need to let the postal service know where your mail can be forwarded to. You can go into a nearby post office and fill out a form, or visit the USPS Website and securely change your address in just a few clicks. If possible, make arrangements with your home buyer, landlord, or neighbor to collect any straggling mail with your name on it.
Downsize Your Belongings
You never really know how much stuff you have until you get ready to pack it all. This is the time to go through your belongings and decide what to keep and what to sell or donate. By getting rid of some non-essential items, you’ll save time and storage space. But, be thoughtful when weeding through collectables and keepsakes. When in doubt, don’t throw it out.
Pack Smart
Labeling boxes is obviously a must. When you eventually unpack, having the word “kitchen” or “bedroom” on your boxes will be a big help. You could do yourself an even bigger favor by detailing not only where the boxes go, but also what’s inside, such as “dishes,” or “shoes.” This way you won’t have to open more than one box when you’re looking to unpack something specific. Have plenty of bubble wrap and/or packing peanuts on hand to protect your breakables, and pack those boxes tightly to avoid damage from shifting during transport. Try to pack as efficiently as you can, but remember not to make your boxes too heavy. It’s always a good idea to pack a day or two worth of essentials in an overnight bag as you may not have the energy to unpack everything after a long day of moving.
If packing everything up becomes too overwhelming, don’t hesitate to call us– even last minute. We’re glad to help!
Hire a Professional Moving Company
If you have a large amount of belongings or if you’re moving long-distance, it may be best to hire professional movers. This is an especially important consideration if you have particularly heavy items, like a piano, or if you have a multi-level home and things need to be moved over a balcony. We know how important your furniture and other items are, and we will take utmost care in packaging, transporting, and unloading them. We’ve been in the moving business for more than 22 years, and our team is ready to handle all the logistics and heavy lifting so you don’t have to!
If you decide to do it yourself, be sure you do your homework. Recruit friends and family for help if possible, and make every preparation to avoid injury and other unpleasant surprises.
Use Temporary Storage if Necessary
When transitioning between homes you may need to temporarily store some or all of your belongings. If so, look for a storage company in a convenient location that offers reasonable month-to-month or even week-to-week rates. Make absolutely sure the facility is equipped to keep your stored items safe and secure, and that you’ll be able to access your belongings any time you need to. At Master Movers Moving & Storage, we provide high-security storage and make sure anything you store with us is 100 percent protected.
Move Your Pets Safely
If you have cats or dogs, moving them as part of the family should be fairly easy. However, if you have birds and fish, this can be a more delicate task. To ensure that your pets are safe and comfortable through the move, bring along enough food, water, bedding, and any medications they may need. Make sure they are up to date with their shots, and contact the city or county you are moving to about the proper tags and licensing.
Handle Plants with Care
Transporting plants can be a challenge, mostly because you don’t want to spill the potting soil. To contain the dirt, secure the pot in a plastic bag and tie it tightly around the base of the plant. If you’re concerned about moving and storing special plants, consult your local nursery for a few tips on keeping them safe and healthy until they reach their new home. Ask us about climate controlled storage!
With a detailed plan, thorough preparation, and the help of experienced professionals, moving to a new home can be a breeze!
Contact Master Movers Moving & Storage today for an estimate or even just some good advice! Call (503) 762-1288 or send us an email.