How to Plan a Move: The Key Things to Do
Almost 31 million Americans moved house in 2019. In fact, the average American moves house 11.7 times.
With so many people relocating, it’s important to know how to plan a move. Packing up your belongings and uprooting your life is no small task. It takes careful planning and good organizational skills.
Luckily, we’ve got your back. We’ve created this handy list of key things to do when moving. Follow these tips and tricks to ensure a smooth transition into your new home.
Book Your Movers or Rental Truck
Research moving companies and truck rentals in your area and compare the pros and cons. Renting a moving truck is cheaper and allows you to work to your own schedule. Movers cost more but they are efficient, carry insurance, and have the tools to move heavy furniture without damaging it.
Movers cannot transport certain items unless they have the relevant permits. Be sure to ask your movers for a list of these prohibited items so you can prepare in advance.
Change Your Address
When planning a move, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush and forget about the little details. Don’t forget to update your memberships and address details before you move. You don’t want your important mail to get lost or delivered to your old address long after you’ve left.
Visit your local post office to change your address or do it online.
Give Notice
If you’re renting, remember to give the appropriate amount of notice to your landlord. The notice period on lease agreements can differ, asking anywhere from 30 to 90 days’ notice. Be sure to check this well in advance!
If you’re buying a house, but your home loan application is delaying your move, contact the Mortgage Group. They can get you approved for a home equity loan in as little as 24 hours!
Pack With a Plan
When you’re planning a move, packing up an entire household of belongings can be daunting. To make this task seem like less of a challenge, pack room by room. Start by packing non-essential and seasonal items, graduating to more important items as you get closer to moving day.
One of the best moving tips is to use colored tape to color-code each box according to which room it belongs to. On moving day, mark the entrance to each room in your new house with the corresponding color. This way, movers will know exactly where each box belongs.
Prepare a Floor Plan
When viewing and buying a home, we create a mental picture in our heads of where our furniture will go. Before you move, transfer this mental image to paper by creating a floor plan for your new house.
Then, use this floor plan to mark out exactly where all your big furniture items should go. This way, your furniture can be transported straight from the moving truck to its final destination, reducing the risk of damage.
A Clean Slate
As you pack up your home, use this time to wash household items that haven’t been cleaned in a while. You don’t want to bring unnecessary dirt or dust into your new, pristine home.
Drop your drapes, rugs, and couch slipcovers off at the dry cleaners. Wipe down bookshelves and drawers as your empty them out. Give your ornaments and decorations a little TLC as you pack them away. You’ll be surprised at just how dirty these everyday items can become!
Now You Know How to Plan a Move Like a Pro
Moving house can feel overwhelming, but with a little organization and knowledge on how to plan a move, it can be an enjoyable and exciting experience.
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