So you’ve found your new home – congratulations! However, if you thought that searching for a new place was the hard part, you have another thing coming. Moving is possibly one of the most stressful things to do, even if you’re really enthusiastic about it. It requires a lot of hard work and there are just too many things to think about. Still, if you organize things well, you can spare yourself from unnecessary anxiety. Whether you’re moving across the country to an expensive city like Chicago or an affordable city near your current home, here are the most important do’s and don’ts for moving.
Do’s
1. Deal with the paperwork
Your documents are among your most important possessions. Make sure you have them in order when you move. Take time to pack and check everything, and organize and label your papers neatly. Next, make sure you’ve followed through with all the legal requirements of your state when it comes to moving. This includes proof of ownership or residency, which you may need in order to set up the utilities, for example. Finally, make sure your contract with the mover is complete with all the other papers, including a bill of lading. Make sure you go through everything carefully before you sign it.
2. Take your time to pack
Ideally, you’ll have a day for each room. Put heavy things in smaller boxes, or combine them with something light. For example, put blankets and books together, so that the boxes will be easier to transport. Make sure you label everything, most importantly the boxes with fragile items.
3. Keep the valuables with you
Make a point of having your valuables with you at all times during the move. Keep your money, credit cards, ID, and passport, as well as other important documents, with you – in your handbag, if possible. That way, you minimalize the chance of them being lost or stolen.
4. Set up the utilities in advance
Setting up the utilities in your new home in advance is a good idea, especially if you’re moving in winter and don’t really want to come into a cold house. Make sure your home is equipped with everything you need, from gas to access to the web. Find good professionals such as the ones from Antenna Systems to make sure your TV antenna installation goes smoothly, so you’ll be able to play your favorite program while you unpack. It’s not a difficult step, but it’ll go a long way in making you feel welcome and relaxed in your new place.
Don’ts
1. Wait for the last moment
One of the most stress-inducing aspects of moving is packing at the last moment. Make sure you start on time, and if you know that you can’t get a few days off of work, start packing even earlier. The same goes for hiring a mover. Don’t just assume that they’ll be available on short notice. Hire them at least a month before the moving date. Otherwise, you may find yourself dangerously close to the date, and with no moving company in sight.
2. Hire movers blindly
It is very important to do your homework when it comes to the moving company you want to hire. Don’t just hire them based on price, and don’t hire the first you come across because you don’t feel like doing the research. Make sure you get referrals from their previous clients, so you’ll know that they are reliable and professional. Make sure they have good insurance and pay attention to any red flags. For example, most legit companies won’t ask you for a cash deposit. They should be able to answer your questions about every step of the move, and they should be punctual and organized. If any of those aspects are missing, look for a new company.
3. Spread yourself too thin
Don’t feel like you need to do everything by yourself. Nobody can be at two places at once, so ask a reliable friend or family member for help. One of you should be at your old place, overseeing the process from there, and the other should be at your new place, waiting for stuff to arrive and organizing them when they come. This will provide you with a better grasp of how everything is going, and, should any problems arise, it gives you a better chance to deal with them properly.
Good organization is the key to a successful move. Make sure you give yourself enough time and make a checklist if you have to. Remember, you only need to get through these few days, and you’ll be able to enjoy your lovely new place.