Prepare for a move is a crucial step when you’re transitioning from one city to another or from your current home to a new one. It’s a process that can be incredibly complex and stressful. You must pack up a lifetime’s worth of belongings, sort out utilities, make travel arrangements, and much more. All of this can be chaotic and overwhelming.
No two moving situations are the same. That’s why it pays to have a professional team of movers to handle your relocation. They can help you navigate the logistics of having everything packed up and safely delivered to your new address. Plus, they can make sure that all items are securely stored for the duration of the move. Besides the actual packing and moving, a professional mover can also help by offering advice on making your move as smooth as possible.
However, choose the right movers who are local and experienced in the area. For instance, if you reside in Hudson County, NJ, and are planning a move to another part of New Jersey or beyond, work with a local moving company to ensure an efficient and successful relocation. Use keywords like “Hudson County moving company near me,” and you will be sure to find a qualified local mover.
Once you have settled on a mover, it’s time to prepare for the move. Here is a checklist of the top six things that will help you stay on track:
Table of Contents
Declutter
Moving is an ideal time to part with items you don’t require anymore. Go through your possessions and make a pile of things you want to keep and another pile of items you wish to donate, sell, or throw away.
When decluttering, go through each room and item individually to ensure you make the right decisions. Start with things that don’t hold sentimental value so you can decide more quickly and easily. You can store those items with sentimental value that won’t fit in your new home in a storage unit or with family or friends. Ensure you organize stuff as you go and avoid mixing items from different rooms. It will cost less time and energy when packing and unpacking.
Gather Packing Materials
Efficient packing requires durable boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap, among other moving supplies. Make sure to purchase extra materials so that you have enough to cover the whole move.
If you’re purchasing boxes, ensure they are the right size and grade for your items. You can also look for used boxes or purchase moving kits with all the necessary materials. Don’t go for cheap boxes that will break during the move. The same goes for other packing materials.
Start Packing Early
You might think you have enough time to pack the day before the move, but that’s rarely the case. Start packing weeks in advance so you don’t have to rush through the process. Pack items you rarely use and then move on to the ones that must be used until the day of the move.
For example, if you’re packing the living room, start with the bookshelves and artwork, then move on to furniture such as sofas and chairs. For the kitchen, start with dishes, glassware, and other non-essentials and finish with the appliances. You can pack bathroom, bedroom, and closet items last.
Always label the boxes as you pack to know what’s in each. You can use color-coded labels or write the contents on the box. The more thorough you are, the easier it will be to unpack when you reach your destination.
Inform the Utilities and Service Providers
It is often forgotten, but you must let your utility and service providers know when you’re moving. It includes electricity, water, gas, cable TV, internet, and phone companies. Make sure to call each of them at least two weeks before the move-out date so you can have your services disconnected on the exact date.
If you’re moving to a new area, you must start with these services in your new home as soon as possible. You can start the process before the move by researching the providers in your area and comparing their prices and services.
Clean Your Old Home
Although you’re leaving your old home, clean and tidy it for the next owner or tenant. Start by cleaning every room, paying attention to the kitchen and bathroom. Remove any clutter, dust surfaces, vacuum carpets, and wash windows. If you have pets, do a deep cleaning of the carpets and furniture. You can use regular home items to make DIY cleaning products or seek professional help.
When you’ve finished cleaning, check for any damages and repair them, including small details, such as missing knobs or handles on cabinets and drawers. Also, go through each drawer and closet to ensure you haven’t left anything behind. Lastly, leave the keys with the landlord or the real estate agent, depending on your situation.
Take Rest and Relax
Moving takes time, planning, and effort, so take some time off. Set a few days before the move to relax and recharge your batteries for the big day. Meet with your family and friends, have a movie night, or take a walk in the park; whatever you choose, make sure it helps you de-stress.
If you constantly worry about the move, focus on all the positive outcomes of the relocation and create a plan or timeline to help you stay organized. You can also practice mindfulness techniques to stay calm and collected throughout the process.
Ask your loved ones to help you during the move. Having a few extra hands to assist with packing and loading will make your relocation much smoother and quicker.
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Conclusion:
Whether it’s your first time moving or you’ve done it multiple times, each relocation has unique challenges. However, you can ensure everything goes smoothly by enlisting the help of professional movers, packing in advance, informing service providers and utilities of your move-out date, cleaning the old home properly, and taking rest from time to time.
Remember to declutter and purchase quality packing materials before packing to avoid moving items you no longer need and damaging your belongings. These practical tips will help you make your relocation easier and stress-free, and you’ll be ready to start your new adventure with peace of mind!