Best Moving Tips for Homeowners
MOTM
March 28th, 2022
Whether you're getting ready to move or are just thinking about it, you want to be as prepared as possible in order to save yourself time and stress. Moving can be challenging, especially if you're moving into your first home, but the right preparation will make all the difference in the world and help you transition smoothly into your new life in your new house or apartment. Here are the best moving tips for homeowners so that you can have a happy and successful moving experience!
Best Moving Tip #1: Pack Early, Pack Often
If you wait until your move date to pack, chances are you'll forget something. Start early; try writing down everything you own so that you have a better sense of what moving will entail. Then prioritize which items you need to pack first, such as paperwork and anything that can't be replaced (such as family photos). Packing early keeps you organized, but it also helps reduce the anxiety associated with moving day! If there's anything else we can do to make your move easier, please don't hesitate to ask! We are happy to help in any way we can.
Best Moving Tip #2: Create A Floor Plan
Once you've gone through all your stuff and decided what stays and what goes, you can start mapping out where everything will go in your new home. It's important to create a plan before you begin moving so that things don't get too chaotic when it comes time to start packing, unpacking, and placing items back in their homes. We recommend keeping an old sketchbook with paper and pencil handy during these initial stages. And if you have any friends or family members who are interested in helping (or at least watching) as you move, make sure they take notes on how everything should be placed!
Best Moving Tip #3: Consider Hiring Movers or Renting A Truck
If you're moving to a new city, you might be tempted to skip moving companies altogether. After all, it's much cheaper to hire help locally than drive your things across state lines. That said, while many cities do have better rates and deals on their own movers and truck rental spots if you plan on staying in your new home for more than a year or two, we highly recommend getting professional help with at least part of your move. A good moving company will not only ensure that nothing gets damaged—they also ensure that everything is organized and packed efficiently, so it takes less time overall. This can save you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in downtime without an apartment. It's one of our best moving tips for homeowners!
Best Moving Tip #4: Keep Your Valuables Safe When You Move
When you move, there's always a chance that your belongings will get lost or damaged in transit. You can't eliminate these risks entirely, but there are steps you can take to protect your belongings before, during, and after your move. For example, making sure you don't pack anything that needs to be urgently moved while it is still valuable—like art or antiques—will help keep your valuables safe and secure. Before packing up any essential items, take a photo of each item so that if they go missing or get damaged in transit, you have documentation of what was stolen or broken.
Best Moving Tip #5: Get Everyone on Board with Your Plan
Organizing a move can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. If you have kids and/or pets, enlist their help in packing up certain areas of your home. Kids love to pitch in and can feel more a part of the moving process when they are allowed to participate. Pets may seem like an odd choice as helpers; however, moving is an exciting time that can be hard on our furry friends. Giving them tasks, such as find your toys or pack your bed, will keep them occupied while protecting your household goods during transportation. It is also a great way to make sure they don't run off in their crates when all is said and done! This tip only works if everyone understands that it's just business—no emotional attachments here!
Best Moving Tip #6: Donate Unwanted Items
As you pack up your belongings, you may realize that you have items you no longer need or want. Donating these items not only saves you from moving unnecessary clutter but also benefits others who could use them. Many charities offer free pickups for furniture and other household items, making it easy to donate without the hassle of transportation.
Some popular charities that offer free pickups include Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity. These organizations accept furniture, appliances, clothing, and other household items in good condition. By donating to these charities, you can help those in need and also potentially receive a tax deduction for your donation.
If you have large items that are difficult to move, such as a couch or refrigerator, consider using a charity that offers a free pickup service. This can save you time and effort and ensure that your donation reaches those in need.
Before donating, be sure to check the charity's guidelines for acceptable donations. Some items, such as mattresses or electronics, may not be accepted. Additionally, some charities may require items to be in good condition, while others may accept items in any condition.
Conclusion
Start with a to-do list. A good moving plan is essential, but even if you go through all of these steps, there's no guarantee that everything will be done on time. If you know someone who has moved recently (even better if they moved within your building), ask them what tips and tricks worked best for them.
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