Relocating can be an exciting adventure. However, it can also be very stressful if things seem rushed or don’t exactly go as planned. The good news is that there are things you can do to make your move go as smoothly as possible. Regardless of when or where you are relocating, your moving day and entry into your new community can be more pleasant if you follow these tips.
Get Organized
One of the best ways to help your move go well is to start planning and organizing as early as possible. Organize your furniture, personal belongings, and take note of the many other tasks that need to be accomplished. It is helpful to create a pre-move checklist of things that have to be done to make your new home ready when you arrive. You may need to transfer or set up utilities, internet, or cable television service.
Bear in mind that these services often require advance notice and that can range from a few days to weeks ahead. Keep all your move-related receipts and records in one place by creating a file folder or going digital with a Google document. All contact information, confirmation numbers, and other important details should be saved in this file in case you need them in the future.
Hire Wisely
If you are relocating locally, it may not be a problem handling the majority of your move by yourself. However, if you are moving across town or the country, it is a good idea to hire a professional moving company to help you. When planning your move, pick reputable businesses, ask for multiple quotes from different moving companies, and do a careful comparison. Some will quote an hourly rate or leave things off of their quote to make their offer look more competitive, so ask a lot of questions to clarify and have them include all charges. The farther away you will be relocating, the more important it is to entrust your precious belongings to a company that deals with clients honestly.
Purge & Document All Items
One of the major concerns that come up when people plan to relocate is packing. It will make your move easier if you go through your possessions and get rid of the ones you can easily replace or are too difficult or expensive to move. When you have fewer things to pack and move, your move will be faster and more efficient. After doing so, the next step would be to document your belongings as you go.
Keep track of what you pack in each box and write it down on the box itself. This system helps you keep track of which items are in which box. It may take a bit longer, but packing this way makes unpacking in your new home a lot easier.
Pack an Essentials Box
Another good practice is to pack an “essentials” box. As you start packing things you don’t use daily, as your moving date approaches, you also need to make plans for your first night in your new home. You can make this a pleasant experience by creating an essential box to take with you.
Important things to put in an essentials box include phone or computer charging cords, toilet paper, paper towels, plates and utensils, garbage bags, and an emergency kit. Other things you can include are some pajamas for each household member, blankets, pillows, candles and matches, and snacks and beverages.
Make a Plan for Kids & Pets
Finally, relocating can be a stressful time. Make sure that you have planned something to keep young children and pets out of the movers’ way. You might want to ask a friend or family member to keep an eye on them during the actual move to help reduce anxiety and keep them out from underfoot.
Your child will likely appreciate it if you help them pack their things the day before the move, and have them fill a suitcase or box with their favorite toys. This will help alleviate their fear of leaving something behind. If you have pets, do not forget to include food bowls and pet food in your essentials box so they can also settle into their new home.
Is relocating to a new rental home in your future? Trust our professional Spring Hill property managers to steer you in the right direction. Real Property Management Titan staff are the local experts, offering quality rental homes that fit your needs. Check out our listings online.
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