The total number of Americans who shift homes annually is around 35.1 million. That amounts to 15.3 households or approximately 2 people per household. Moving into a new home can be exceedingly overwhelming. Though there is a lot of excitement which comes with it, shifting to a new place and getting things sorted can be tedious.
You can simplify this task by adopting a systematic approach. Begin with a list of things you need to organize. But sometimes, jotting such essentials can also be demanding. To help you with this, we have listed a few aspects you should be considering before making the move.
Hire a Genuine Moving Company
Hire a genuine moving company to reduce hassle and stress. Choose from reputable movers Loveland CO, or in your local area with years of experience and superior service. With the best moving company to help you, expect to transfer your belongings safely from your old address to the new one.
A study on moving behavior and trends says that 44% of individuals, 38% of corporates, and 16% of the military utilize professional moving companies. This statistical finding directly relates to the great benefits of hiring a professional to help in a move.
These benefits can be related to convenience, peace of mind, and security. Therefore, it’s essential for anybody planning to move interstate (relocating outside the state) or intrastate (within the state) to hire an experienced moving company.
Is hiring a moving company mandatory?
It isn’t, but professional moving companies have the expertise to effortlessly facilitate your move to a new place. They are equipped with the tools required to pack your belongings safely. Such companies ensure that delicate things like electronic appliances and glassware are handled with care. This means half the work is done for you!
A few other reasons to hire a moving company are:
- They take care of packing and transportation at competitive prices.
- They take complete charge of shifting things on time. Moving into a new home includes lifting and unloading heavy baggage. Moving companies do all this for you. You can rely on these trained professionals to complete such tasks efficiently, saving time and leaving you stress-free.
- They are accountable for any loss or damage to This means you can be assured that your possessions are in safe hands.
Transfer Your Utilities
You should ensure that your new home has the prerequisites before you move in. Prior to the move, you should plan and transfer important utilities like:
- Gas/electricity
- Water supply
- Garbage/recycling
- Cable/Wi-Fi
Though physical utility providers are timely about activation, it also depends on your time and date of the move. You may experience a delay if you shift in the midst of a moving season as your service provider may be working on several other accounts. Did you know that almost half of the total moves happen in summer, between the beginning of May and Labor Day?
Consider Change of Address Wherever Necessary
Your mail address helps you stay connected to your subscriptions to loyalty programs, credit/debit cards, insurance, checkbooks, vehicle registration, and licenses. You should consider informing all these parties about your move along with supplying them with the new address. Doing this will keep you from missing important bills, notices or packages.
Furthermore, compile important documents like certificates, original copies of policies, and medical records and pack safely. Consider shredding unnecessary documents. This will improve clarity and prevent loss or damage to key documents.
Get Organized
Now that you are ready for the move, you should organize your belongings. Begin with downsizing items which are not required.
Organize your belongings as early as possible. You can begin creating a packing strategy six weeks before the big day. Consider decluttering and cleaning your old place. Furthermore, you can start buying packing supplies. You’ll need lots of boxes or storage containers, bubble wraps, stretch wraps, and packing paper. You need a box cutter, tape measure, and scissors.
Dedicate the last two to three weeks before your move date to packing. Create a packing checklist and schedule, such as packing the items you don’t use, then less used ones, and lastly, the essential ones. This strategy can help prevent confusion and item damage.
Label boxes so that you don’t have to open your entire luggage just to find your favorite shirt. If you feel you have a slew of things piled up for disposal, try hosting a garage sale.
Keep Your Essentials Within Reach
Getting your new home completely organized on the first day can be impossible. During this time, you will need to have a kitty for your essentials.
This should ideally include:
- Cups, plates, and utensils
- Bed sheets, blankets, and pillows
- Towels
- Hand soap and toiletries
- Phone chargers
- Torchlight and batteries
You should also consider having these kitchen essentials within reach:
- A few cans of ready-to-eat food
- Bottled water
- Coffee powder
- Milk
- Fruits and cookies
- Granola bars
Take Care of Your Pet’s Essentials
Do you have a pet? If you do, ensure you have your pet’s essentials handy. Your pet may take time to get acquainted with the new environment. Remember, the home is new to your pet too.
Your pet may need the below-listed things to feel comfortable:
- Placing bowls and cups in a similar place like your previous home
- Using blankets, toys, and bones for comfort
- Filling up the kennel with favorite items
Prepare Your New Home
You will have to perform some groundwork before you move in. This should include measuring spaces in your new home and the furnishings you intend to shift. Having a blueprint of your new home will help you decide where to place stuff and if any of your fittings need to be adjusted. A thorough clean-up and inspection of the new place are mandatory. This should include an evaluation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Heating systems and cooling units should be inspected by a professional. Get on top of repairs and replacements of ducts and insulation as soon as you can. Check for warning signs right away.
If your new home has a chimney, it will need a thorough sweep. It may have been used frequently, leading to soot build-up. This may have impacted its quality and become a fire hazard. On the other hand, unused/underused chimneys may be housing birds and rodents. Therefore, do get the chimney cleaned before you use it. Ensure that you hire a certified local expert for the chimney clean-up. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) helps you find an expert in your locality. If you were to relocate to Seattle, for example, a Seattle chimney sweep will be the best option for carrying out inspections and/or repairs in your new home.
Wrap Up
The only way to keep a hold on details and curb moving mistakes is to organize the tasks that lie ahead. Follow the above-detailed list of things-to-do to enjoy your move to the new home. Do you have anything else to add to it? Let us know in the comments section below.
