Relocating can be an exciting adventure. However, it can also be very stressful if things seem rushed or don’t exactly go as planned. However, there are ways to make your move go as smoothly as possible. Regardless of where or when you will be relocating, you can make moving day more successful and have a pleasant entry into your community by following 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. Start off by organizing your furniture and personal belongings as well as the many other things that need to be accomplished. A pre-move checklist will make sure you don’t overlook anything and that your new home is 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 that ranges 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. You should also save all contact information and confirmation numbers in the file for easy retrieval for future use.
Hire Wisely
If you are relocating locally, you can probably handle the majority of your move. 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. There are companies that will offer an hourly rate or leave things off of their quote to appear more competitive, so make sure you ask a lot of questions and have them include all charges. This is even more important if you are relocating to a very far area. You have to ensure that you can entrust your belongings to a company that will treat you honestly.
Purge & Document All Items
For most people, the main concern about planning to relocate is packing. Your move will be 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. The fewer items you need to pack, the faster and more efficient your move will be. After doing that, you can proceed to document your belongings as you go.
When you start putting things in boxes, keep track of them by writing down on the box whatever it is you pack into it. This will help you keep track of which box holds which items. It may seem tedious but packing this way will make unpacking in your new home easier.
Pack an Essentials Box
Have you heard about packing an “essentials” box? As you start packing the things you don’t use daily in preparation for your move, you also need to make a plan for your first night in your new home. This experience can be made more pleasant by creating an essential box you can 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. You can also throw in a pair of pajamas for each household member, some blankets and pillows, candles and matches, as well as your favorite snacks and beverages.
Make a Plan for Kids & Pets
Finally, relocating can be a stressful time. Do not forget to plan on keeping young children and pets out of the way of your movers. You can ask for help from a friend or family member to watch them during the actual move to lower anxiety levels as well as to keep them out of the way.
It is a good idea to have a child pack their things the day before moving, then have them fill a suitcase or box with their favorite toys to alleviate fears of leaving something behind. If you are moving with pets, remember to add food bowls and pet food to your essentials box and give them a lot of time to get used to their new home.
Is relocating to a new rental home in your future? Trust our professional Sausalito property managers to steer you in the right direction. Real Property Management SonoMarin staff are the local experts, offering quality rental homes that fit your needs. Check out our listings online.
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