8 Tips For A Stress-Free Move
Moving can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are 8 tips to help your moving day be stress-free.
Hire Professional Movers - When hiring any professional, it is always recommended to get 3-4 bids/cost estimates.
Be sure to provide each company the same information to receive apples to apples bids. Request the movers visit your home to ensure accuracy.
Ask them about their insurance policy. Are they licensed, bonded, and insured?
Check for reviews and ratings on sites like Yelp and BBB - the Better Business Bureau.
Ask your real estate broker and your friends, family, and co-workers for recommendations.
Don’t wait until last minute to start the bidding process and book your movers (4-6 weeks before the move).
Don’t schedule your move for the last possible day in case there are any unexpected delays and to allow time for cleaning.
Consider whether or not you plan to tip and if so, have cash ready.
2. Organize & Purge - The more you can organize and purge unwanted items before you move, the easier it will be.
Call or check websites for charities that will pick up or accept delivered donations of anything that can be reused.
Consider having a yard sale or using a Buy Nothing or neighborhood group to give items away or sell unwanted items on OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, or similar sites or apps.
Properly dispose of environmentally sensitive items/ Household Hazardous Waste prior to moving day such as but not limited to: electronics,
Here is a link to the EPA - United States Environmental Protection Agency for more info.
Use your Google or browser search for local places near you. You may be pleasantly surprised to find many free options.
3. Pack Smart - Here are some packing tips that will help you in the weeks before and after your move while you are packing, unpacking, and settling into your new home.
Pack items you need least first and items you will need most before and after your move last.
Label boxes clearly with color-coded stickers by room and also note the contents of each box on more than one side. Put stars or special markings on the boxes you know you will be likely to need first.
Use your suitcases to pack like you are taking a 2 week vacation so you have your toiletries, medicine, and clothing handy and easily accessible. Be sure to include bedding and towels.
Buy and use sturdy garbage bags for blankets, towels, sweaters, coats, pillows, and other items that are soft & light. You can re-use the garbage bags for garbage later.
If you haven’t hired professional movers and are doing it yourself or with friends, keep blankets and other padding materials handy to protect furniture in the moving truck.
For a short distance move, consider moving clothing on hangers in your own car, still on the hangers.
Free boxes and packing materials may be available from several sources such as: Facebook Buy Nothing Group, Nextdoor website or app.
Watch the weight of boxes. Use small boxes for books, paper, and other heavy items. While the movers can likely handle heavy boxes, don’t forget you will likely be unstacking and moving things around while you unpack.
Start packing early so you have plenty of time.
Keep essential tools and cleaning supplies handy for the new and old home.
paper plates, utensils, cups, pet food & dishes, shower curtain liner, light bulbs, batteries, broom/dustpan, dish soap, hand soap, toilet paper, paper towels, rags, handtowels, hammer, screwdrivers, allen wrench, bottled water, etc…
Don’t send your special valuables and important documents in the moving truck. Put your passports, jewelry, and other valuables in a special box and transport them in your own car.
Double-check every drawer, cabinet, and storage space to make sure nothing is missed.
Pack Smart
Label boxes clearly with color-coded stickers by room and also note the contents of each box on more than one side.
4. Change Your Address
USPS Change of Address can take up to 2 weeks to be effective. Fill out hardcopy or change online.
Driver’s license (online)
Insurance - make sure you are insured for both homes if there is an overlap. This is important Whether you are a renter or homeowner!
Bills, utilities, cable/dish TV, internet, banks, subscriptions, associations, etc… (Make a list and keep it with your records for your next move.)
You may want to contact the utilities, internet, phone, and cable/dish TV at least 2 weeks before to make sure the timing will be right for your move.
Put any food delivery on hold for a bit to eat what’s in your fridge, freezer, and cupboards to minimize things to move.
Share your new address with friends and family.
5. Hire Professional Cleaners & Landscapers
for your move-in (new house) and move-out cleaning (old house) and to spruce up the landscaping. Everything else about the move can be enough - if you can afford it, do yourself a favor and hire this work out! As always, get bids and clearly communicate your expectations and price max.
6. Make a plan for kids & pets
Reduce your pet’s moving stress by boarding them at a kennel or with friends. Consider organizing a playdate or have friends/family watch small children.
7. Plan to be there on moving day
To answer any questions and direct the movers.
Stay our of the movers way whenever possible and let them do their thing.
Keep a chair in a bag, water, snacks, a TV tray, and anything else you may need to be comfortable.
Create a visual map showing the movers where to place furniture in each room. Label the rooms with the name & color coding so the movers know where to put the items.
Consider lining up friends or family to help you get settled and unpack.
Protect your floors. The movers will probably not be able to remove their shoes. Use a welcome mat outside, use cardboard, cloth or plastic to cover the main walking areas.
Plan to be there on moving day to answer any questions and direct the movers.
8. Don’t for get to plan for safety in the new home.
Change locks when you take ownership. If renting, make sure to ask the landlord if they have changed the locks.
Make sure you have some curtains, blinds, or window coverings on the windows.
Congratulations on your new digs! If you would like to share any additional tips with me, please contact me through my website at Contact Us — Jens Realty - Jennifer Suemnicht.
For information regarding all things real estate, check my website and blogs at www.JensRealty.com. If there is a subject you think I should cover, let me know!
If you would like information about buying, selling, or investing in real estate - call, text, or email anytime. I’m always here to help! Thank you,
Jennifer Suemnicht - Jen's Realty - RE/MAX Metro Realty, Inc.
www.JensRealty.com / 206-550-1676 / jen@jensrealty.com
