There are highs and lows to be experienced during the home-buying process. However, buying a home doesn’t end title is transferred. Before you can even start settling into your new home, there is still a great deal of work. Most of it will revolve around planning and organizing your move, and let’s be honest, moving it’s a task no one looks forward to. So to help you have a stress-free experience, we have selected the top 10 pro tips for a smooth move.
Expert tips for a smooth move to your new home
Wouldn’t it be nice that, as soon as your agent helps you find your dream home, you could snap your fingers and instantly start your life there, with no fuss or hassle? Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid decluttering, packing, researching movers, and all other tasks involved with moving.
The good news is that there are still ways to have an easy and smooth relocation. The key lies in thorough preparation, so to help you prepare, we’re sharing the following 10 pro tips for a smooth move with you.
#1 Beware of moving scams
Whether you’re moving down the street or in for an international relocation, you’ll need help from reputable and experienced movers. But how do you know whether a moving offer is too good to be true? Do thorough research and trust your intuition. If the quote seems too good to be true, if you can’t locate a fixed company address for the mover, or if they’re being dodgy about giving you a free quote, look elsewhere.
#2 Declutter!
Every moving process starts with a thorough decluttering session. Moving gives you a perfect excuse to purge your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need. You can donate your extra stuff or even host a yard sale and possibly earn some money you can put towards your move.
#3 Pack while you’re decluttering
Decluttering is not only a great way to get rid of excess things, but it will also make packing much quicker and easier. However, make sure to research packing tips, find the best ways to pack your different items, and, more importantly, keep them secure and safe. This is especially important when it comes to packing valuables.
Also, make sure to pack in a way that will make unpacking easier. Why would you go through the same hell twice if you don’t have to? Simply labeling the boxes will make your life much easier and help movers do their job the best way.
#4 Pack an essentials bag
The last thing you want to do the first night in your new home is to go through boxes and look for bed sheets, towels, or cutlery. To avoid this, you should pack a bag or box with items you may need to survive the first night. This way, you can properly rest and relax before you start unpacking the next day.
#5 Create a moving folder
One of the most valuable tips for a smooth move is compiling your purchase paperwork, your new contact information, and forward addresses into a single folder. It would be best if you didn’t place all your trust in your electronic devices. Thus, we recommend getting a hard copy and keeping it in a safe place.
#6 Insure your belongings
No matter how experienced and good the movers you choose are, accidents can happen. Therefore, make sure to inquire about their insurance coverage and talk about filing a claim with them. In case of loss or damage, you will clearly understand what is and isn’t covered. Certain things are irreplaceable and, therefore, extremely valuable. To be safe, you may want to transport more priceless items (jewelry, documents, heirlooms, etc.) in your personal vehicle.
#7 Document before you disassemble your home electronics and furniture
There are few things more bewildering than sifting through a box of electrical wires and cords to find the right ones for your TV or seeing a zip lock bag full of nuts, bolts, and screws that come from various furniture pieces. To avoid this from happening, you can record your disassembly steps. Label wires as you pack them and take pictures of how things look when they are assembled.
#8 Start unpacking your kids’ room(s) first
Moving is always stressful for children, regardless of age or whether they’ve been through it before. To help them have an easier transition, you may want to give them some time to unpack in their rooms first so that they have somewhere familiar to go to feel less overwhelmed by the change. That way, while you’re busy packing and rearranging, the kids may relax in their little haven.
#9 Figure out a solution for your pet
Moving day is not just stressful for you. It can also be quite overwhelming for your pet. With this in mind, consider hiring a pet sitter for the day or dropping your pet off with a friend or family member. You can easily pick them up on your way to your new home.
Don’t freak out when it’s time to move your pet. That can only cause more stress and anxiety for your pet since they can pick up on your feelings. Once you’re in the new home, start by restricting your pet to just one or two rooms. Most animals are more comfortable easing into new situations gradually.
#10 Schedule your utilities
Make sure to contact your utility providers to set up new services for your new house as soon as you have decided on a date. Since you probably don’t want to deal with this stuff after you’ve already moved in, it’s best to take care of it before you arrive. On the other hand, you need to get in touch with your current utility providers to arrange for your services to be terminated.
Final thoughts
We hope you enjoyed reading our tips for a smooth move and, more importantly, that they help you have an easy and stress-free process. However, the essential aspect to focus on is choosing the right movers, so don’t rush but thoroughly check your options. Perhaps your agent can help you find local movers you can trust to transfer your belongings safely.
Photos used:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/family-unpacking-after-moving-4569340/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/smiling-couple-giving-high-five-after-moving-into-new-house-7203773/