The Ultimate Guide to a Smooth Move
Moving can be a thrilling yet daunting task. With careful planning and organization, however, you can transform this overwhelming process into a manageable and even enjoyable experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.
1. Request Time Off Work & Recruit Help
Before you dive into the moving process, make sure to request time off work. Moving can be time-consuming, and having a couple of days to focus solely on packing and relocating can make a world of difference. Additionally, enlist the help of friends and family. They can assist with packing, lifting, and even provide a morale boost. A moving day is often more pleasant with a few familiar faces around!
2. Confirm Details with Landlord/Property Management
Contact your current landlord or property management company to confirm your move-out date and make arrangements for returning the keys. Some apartment buildings and condo associations have their own move-out guidelines, make sure to check with your building that you are in compliance. It’s also wise to verify the details for your security deposit return. Clear communication here helps avoid any last-minute surprises.
3. Order New Furniture & Set Delivery Dates
If you’re planning to buy new furniture or larger items for your new place, order them ahead of time and schedule the delivery to your new address. This ensures that your new home will be ready for you as soon as you move in.
4. Check for Moving Permits
If you’re using a U-Haul or another moving truck, check with your city about any required permits. Some areas have specific regulations for street parking and truck use that you need to follow. Ensuring you have the right permits in place can save you from potential fines or disruptions on moving day.
5. Stock Up on Moving Supplies
Gather all necessary moving supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Having these items on hand before you start packing will streamline the process and keep everything organized.
6. Pack Heavier Items Wisely
When packing, place heavier items in smaller boxes to make them easier to carry. This prevents boxes from becoming too heavy and potentially causing injury or damage. It can help to take care of these items in advance, to lighten the load on moving day!
7. Make Donations & Clean Out
Use this opportunity to declutter. Go through your closet and other spaces to donate items you no longer need. Arrange for pick-up of donated furniture and clean out items you’re not taking with you.
8. Shred Paperwork & Dispose of Junk Mail
Shred any sensitive paperwork you no longer need and discard junk mail. This reduces the amount of clutter you need to deal with and ensures your personal information remains secure.
9. Create a Home Inventory
Develop a packing list to track your items and avoid loss or damage during the move. A home inventory will help you keep tabs on everything and make unpacking a lot easier.
10. Update Your Address
Don’t forget to update your address with key entities such as the post office, banks, credit card companies, doctors, vets, car insurers, and any subscription services. This will ensure that all your important mail and services follow you to your new home.
11. Pack Seasonal & Unused Items First
Start by packing items you don’t use regularly, such as seasonal clothing and decor. Also, pack up any rooms and storage spaces that are not in daily use. This helps you get a head start on the packing process.
12. Pack the Pantry
Go through your pantry and pack items that are still good but that you won’t use before your move. Consider donating non-perishable food to a local food pantry. Sort through your kitchen, disposing of expired food and donating rarely used gadgets. This not only helps with packing but also keeps your new kitchen organized.
13. Prepare Furniture for the Move
When disassembling furniture, gather all screws and hardware in a Ziploc bag and tape it to the corresponding furniture piece. Take photos of any wiring setups for electronics like TVs and desktops to make reassembly easier.
14. Inform Utility Companies
Contact your utility companies (electricity, gas, water, internet) to inform them of your move. Schedule the disconnection at your old place and the connection at your new home to avoid any interruptions in service.
15. Pack Smarter Not Harder
Label all of your boxes with not only the content of the box, but also with the room location in your new home. This is helpful if you have movers/helpers to know where to bring the boxes, and simplifies finding everything when you start to unpack!
16. Handle Fragile Items Carefully
Pack fragile items like glassware and fine china with extra care. Use bubble wrap and mark the boxes as “fragile” to ensure they are handled properly. Consider moving these items separately from the truck to minimize the risk of damage.
17. Prepare a First Night Box
Create a “first night” box with all the necessities you'll need immediately upon arrival at your new place. Include items like medications, a change of clothes, toiletries, towels, toilet paper, and chargers.
18. Clean Your Unit
Before leaving your old unit, give it a thorough clean. This includes removing all belongings, trash, and cleaning out the fridge/freezer. This ensures it’s in good condition for the property management team to conduct a walkthrough and helps secure the return of your security deposit.
Moving can be a complex process, but with these tips, you can streamline the experience and make it as smooth as possible. Happy moving!