Moving out of one home and into a new home can be a lengthy and difficult process. This doesn’t necessarily need to be the case though. With a little bit of forethought and organization, the moving process can be made into a much less stressful situation. Having been in the real estate industry for as long as we have, we’ve seen the best and the worst of many moving days. Here are some helpful tips that will make your move-in day a smooth and stress-free experience.
Label Everything
When you pack your belongings, be sure to label every box, bag, or whatever you may be packing in with the room location it goes in at your new place. This not only makes unloading your moving truck easier, but anyone will be able to do it. It also avoids a giant pile-up of boxes in your main living area, which is where they’ll most likely end up if nobody knows where they actually belong. If you want to take it one step further, tape a paper to every box that lists the full contents of what’s inside. This way you’ll be able to unpack the boxes with the most important items inside first and save the less important boxes for later.
Create An “Open First” Box
There’s nothing worse than trying to settle into your first night in your new home and not being able to find the most basic of necessities to get by. Pack a box that will have everything you need in it for your first night and first full day. This can include clothes, toiletries, food, and meal prep items, bed sheets, towels, and necessities for your kids and pets.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
No matter how long you think it will take to move and settle into your new place, leave yourself more time. Better to finish ahead of schedule than to completely underestimate how long it will take. In addition to giving yourself plenty of time, it’s important to choose the right day for your move. Do plan to move on a day you have to work or have other obligations. Make sure your schedule is completely clear so that all you have to focus on is moving in.
Leave Kids & Pets With A Sitter
Moving day is hectic. It’s hard enough to keep track of everything and organize everyone involved, let alone trying to keep an eye on your kids and pets at the same time. Not only will they slow down the process because you’ll need to keep an eye on them at all times, but moving day can be dangerous for them. Kids and pets can get into things they shouldn’t be in and they can get out of the house when doors are left open. It’s better to leave them with a sitter where they will be safe, occupied, and content.
Complete A Walkthrough
Before you move anything into your new home, do a walkthrough to make note of any potential problems or concerns you may have with the property. Pro-Managed will supply you with a handy checklist you can use to ensure that you don’t overlook anything. If you spot any issues, make notes on the checklist and take photos for reference. Submit the checklist along with the photos within your first week at the residence and Pro-Managed will address any issues found.
Enlist Helpers
Moving is hard. You are not a superhero. Don’t attempt to move alone! Ask friends, relatives or even co-workers to give you a hand. Give them plenty of notice so that they can put it on their calendars. Be sure to ask plenty of people to ensure you have enough help. Ask a few more people than you think you might need as not everyone will be available to help. And yes, you can have too many people. Your friends will resent arriving to help only to find there isn’t anything for them to do. Or worse, you simply have too many people all trying to do the same things and just getting in each other’s way. Asking people who are handy, good with electronics, or are great at organizing will certainly be to your benefit. Don’t forget to pre-order lunch for your helpers. Hungry people don’t work as hard as fed people and they’ll appreciate your kindness. Pre-ordering a food delivery will keep you from losing track of time on moving day and ensure the food arrives just when you need it.
Create A Moving Day To-Do List
Make a list of all the tasks that need to be completed in order of importance to ensure that the right things get completed in the right order. If you want certain people to help you with certain tasks, you can make individual lists for those people so you’re not constantly having to give them instruction. Also make a list of anything you may need to get your tasks completed such as tools, materials, equipment, etc.
Schedule Service Appointments In Advance
Before your move, be sure to contact your cable, telephone, gas, electric and water providers to move all of the services into your name and to schedule any necessary installation appointments. If you’ve purchased new furniture for your home, schedule delivery prior to moving in your other belongings so nothing will be in the way of the delivery people.
Measure Twice, Buy Once
Prior to moving in, take measurements of your new home to ensure your new or existing furniture, curtains, and decorative items will fit. We will do our best to schedule a time for you to do this that works for all parties involved.
