Moving can be exciting yet overwhelming at the same time. For many people, this results from not knowing where to start. Here are a few steps to take when moving, so you’re less worried about the whole process. Once you’ve done some planning and organizing, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the move and the changes.
Steps to Take When Moving
5-8 Weeks Before
Start preparing for your move about 5-8 weeks beforehand. Early preparations will typically involve research and decision making, which will go a long way in making the move go much more smoothly.
Declutter and Take an Inventory of Your Belongings
Get rid of things you no longer need. Sell, trash or donate them rather than waste time and/or money moving stuff you don’t need anyway. Going through your items and determining what you need, or don’t need, will help decrease the amount of stuff you’ll have to pack and unpack. Spare some time to perform a home inventory. Create a list of items and take pictures of valuable things. A comprehensive catalog will help you to get accurate quotes from movers, help you quickly file claims in the event of loss or damage to property and also give you confidence that all your items made it to your new place.
Research Your Options
Once you know all the things you’ll be moving, you can start making plans. Start by deciding whether you’ll move yourself or hire movers. You can then begin researching potential movers and truck rentals. Use your inventory to get quotes from the companies you’ve shortlisted.
3-4 Weeks Before
About a month to the moving date, start making reservations. By now you should have already decided whether to hire movers or DIY. You’ll want to start making arrangements when it comes to moving plans.
Get Your Packing Supplies
If you’ll be packing your own belongings, be sure to get packing supplies well in advance. Get packing boxes, padding, tape and any other items you’ll need for the move. Consider getting more packing material than you think you’ll need to avoid running out of supplies the night before moving day.
Plan Your Travels
Now that you know how your belongings will get to your new premises plan how you and your family will get there. Plan your route if you’ll be driving and book plane tickets if you’ll be flying. You also want to make hotel reservations if necessary.
0-2 Weeks Before
The final week before moving can be demanding, so be sure to have everything according to plan.
Update Utilities and Addresses
These last weeks are the ideal time to transfer or cancel services such as internet, cable and utilities. You’ll also need to file a change of address with the relevant authorities and also update insurance for your home as well as your car.
Bottom Line
Moving can be tough, but always make sure you have a packing system in place to help you plan better. You might find it less overwhelming once you know the steps to take when moving. Pack as often as you can and don’t wait until the last night to do most of the packing.