Raise your hand if you love the physical aspect of moving… anyone?!!! To help you navigate moving, Gina Barton has provided you with easy moving tips and hacks that will make your life a little simpler and reduce the amount of stress involved in moving!
Moving Hacks:
- Pack the items you will need FIRST in a clear plastic bin- scissors, paper towels, trash
bags, power strips, phone chargers, tools, etc, This will stand out among all the
cardboard boxes.
- Keep your clothes from falling off the hangers by covering them with garbage bags.
- Take a photo of how your electronics are connected so you remember where all the
wires go.
- Put your books and heavy items in a rolling suitcase so they are less heavy and easier to
transport.
- If you need extra boxes and want to save money, check local grocery stores. Banana
boxes are good for heavier items! Boxes can be expensive when purchased from
movers, Also try these on line resources:
- Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, eBay, U-Haul Box Exchange
- Put your towels and linens to good use. Wrap up breakables like glasses in socks for
padding, and use linens and towels to cushion fragile, difficult-to-wrap items like lamps
and vases. Use dish towels to wrap up knives and other sharp objects and secure them
here with a rubber band.
- Color code boxes with different color stickers.
Timeline Tips
1-2 months prior to move:
- Consider selling things you will not need on Ebay, Craigslist, etc. This will help decrease
your packing and make money to help with moving costs.
- Set remaining items into 3 piles: keep, donate, trash. Remember, moving costs
often take weight and size into account. If you are not going to use items or they
do not work with your new home, consider giving them away prior to your
move. Examples can include grills, patio furniture and couches.
- Contact providers to set cancelation date and/or to alert move and to provide new
address:
o Internet/cable
o Water/sewage
o Electricity
o Gas/Propane
o HOA
o Home or renter insurance
o Landscapers
o USPS (change of address form)
o Medical providers
o Schools
o Credit card companies
o DMV
o Accountants
o Family & friends
- Choose a moving company:
- Reputation and reliability are key! It is best to get a referral from a family or
friend based on experience. If not, read reviews carefully through Better
Business Bureau or other reputable online sources.
- Ask if they offer free on-site estimates- prices and terms can vary significantly!
- For interstate moves, ensure they are licensed with US Dept of Transportation
- Get packing supplies for things you will pack on your own.
Week before move:
- Confirm move with moving company, POD providers or other similar moving services.
- Alert neighbors to impending move so they can plan accordingly with the trucks and
moving activity.
- Confirm utilities/internet/services at your new home.
Day before move:
- Get cash:
- Tipping is not required, but it is a nice gesture. It is recommended that tips are
15-20% of the total cost of the move. It’s a nice touch to give money to each
mover individually and say thank you.
- If family or friends are helping with the move, consider ordering pizza and food
to show your appreciation.
Moving Day:
- Be your own project manager!
- Be on-site to oversee the packing and moving of your items.
- Walk through your home once it’s empty to make sure nothing is forgotten or
there is not any damage. Check each room, lock windows & doors and turn off
lights.
- Once items arrive at your new destination, check carefully for damage-any
damage should be covered by movers insurance.
- Have lots of snacks and drinks on hand to keep your energy up and to offer to
movers.
- Return or leave keys for the appropriate
**********
Stay with us for more regarding the real estate market, interior decorating, and more! Make sure to reach out with any questions! We would love to help you out with your next buying or listing process!
