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At Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc., we know that buying a new home is exciting, but moving into it can be a hassle. That’s why we’ve put together these tips to make the big move easier.
Before You Move
Schedule professional movers ahead of time
If you’ve got room in your budget, professional movers are worth the cost. They’ll get the move done faster and you won’t have to worry about borrowing a truck, hurting your back or inconveniencing friends and family. Choose movers who offer insurance. That way if something gets broken during or damaged during the process, you won’t be on the hook for the costs.
Consider moving on a weekday in the middle of the month
Hiring movers will probably cost more if you choose a weekend at the beginning or end of the month.
Consider moving on a weekday in the middle of the month
Hiring movers will probably cost more if you choose a weekend at the beginning or end of the month.
Update your address ahead of time
You’ll need to change your address in quite a few places. Take care of this before you move so the transition goes smoothly. You can also set up mail forwarding with the post office so you still get things that are accidentally sent to your old address.
Arrange for utilities to be turned on at your new home ahead of time
You don’t want to get to the new place on moving day and realize you can’t turn on the lights. When you arrange for utilities at the new place, make sure they’ll be transferred out of your name at your old home.
Arrange for childcare or pet care
Depending on how far you’re moving, you may be able to have someone else take care of your kids and pets on moving day. If possible, this can limit stress and help keep everyone safe.
Clear out clutter before you start packing
Clean out your current home and throw away or donate the things you don’t want to take with you to the new place.
Limit grocery shopping in the two weeks leading up to your move
Perishable food can be a hassle to pack and keep safe. Plan your meals ahead of time so you can use up as many of your groceries as possible before moving day.
Packing
Pack things yourself
Many professional movers also offer packing services, but in most cases you’re better off packing on your own. It will cost less and you’ll know where all your things are.
Buy more boxes than you think you need
It’s easy to underestimate how many boxes you need, so you might be better off getting extras. Most places let you return unused boxes for a refund.
Use luggage and laundry hampers to pack clothes
While you’ll probably go through many boxes, you might as well use the containers you’ve already got on hand.
Label wisely
Label your boxes with the room they should go to and a rough idea of the contents. You don’t have to itemize each item, but knowing where to find the box with your dog’s favorite toys will make unpacking easier.
Use things you already have to pack fragile items
You may have to buy some bubble wrap or foam to protect fragile items like glassware, artwork, dishes and electronics—but first, do your part for the environment and limit packing costs by using small towels, clothes, pillows and blankets to wrap fragile things.
Use smaller boxes for heavy items
This can help prevent injuries on moving day.
Keep cords with their respective appliances
It will be a lot easier to set up your theater room if the cords for your TV aren’t mixed in with all your office supplies.
Moving Day
Keep cleaning supplies handy
You’ll probably need to clean your old place a bit after you get everything moved out. If possible, head to your new place before everything is moved in so you can clean while it is easy.
Pack an overnight bag with essentials
You’ll probably want access to a change of clothes, toiletries, daily medicine and other basics before you have a chance to unpack all your boxes. Prep a bag with the important stuff so you have it whenever you need it.
Take a door stopper to the new house
Make moving in easier by using a door stopper to prop the door open while boxes and furniture are being hauled in.
Re-key your new home as soon as possible
The previous owners may have given keys out to friends, neighbors or relatives. Change your locks quickly so you know strangers don’t have access to your home.