By
Kelsi Cumberland
Tips To Help Your Move.
So you’ve sold your home and you’re getting ready to pack up and move, but where do you start? Moving is an exciting time but for some, it can be an overwhelming task. Not to worry because we’ve been through it all and can suggest some tips to help your moving process go smoothly.
Purge
Take this opportunity to rid yourself of all of the extra, unwanted/unused items you’ve been holding onto. Go through furniture, knick knacks, clothes, etc. and decide what you really want to bring along with you; the rest you can throw out or donate to a local shelter or re-use centre. Or, if you’re looking to get rid of stuff but also need a few items for your new place, check out an online trading group. Facebook is a great place to find these local groups where you can arrange to swap items with other members.
Make a plan
Don’t leave any details until the last minute; get organized early! Figure out where you’re going to get moving boxes from; chances are you might have a friend or family member who has moved recently and probably still has some boxes lying around. Ask to take them off their hands and reuse rather than buying boxes. Decide on a moving date. Movers or friends? Try to think about all of the small details that will help in making the actual day of the move a little less daunting.
Moving day details
Figure out early on if you’re going to hire a professional moving company, or if you have some strong & willing friends to help you on your big day. If you do hire a company, do some research and ensure you’re going with a reputable place. If you go the friends/family route, keep them updated on details such as date, time, expectations, etc. In either case, make sure you have food & water on hand for anyone helping. Decide what time the movers or willing helpers should arrive and give them plenty of advance notice. Make a separate plan for what tasks you’re going to have them carry out so that you’re not trying to come up with those details on the day of the move.
Pre-clean
If you’re able to, head over to your new home and deep clean the place before moving your stuff in. This will be so much easier than trying to clean around boxes and furniture, and in the middle of unpacking. Remember to also stock up on essentials such as toilet paper, paper towels, toiletries, kitchen items, etc. that you will need right away once you’re moved in.
Label everything
Make sure you label all of your boxes! Be specific. If a certain box contains items for the living room, write on the box: living room + tv remotes, pillows, magazines, electronics, etc. so you know exactly what’s inside without having to open all kinds of them to find something. This will also help the moving company or friends who are helping to move; they will easily know where each box should be taken. Another tip is to number all the boxes from 1 to however many you end up with; this will help to know that all of your items made it with you during the move. The awesome friends who are helping, or the moving company, will definitely appreciate you having done this.. it can save lots of time and potential confusion!
Change your address & essential services
Call your cable and internet providers, along with utilities providers for electricity and gas a couple of weeks before your moving date. You can figure out what needs to be done to shut everything off & transfer to the new owner. You can also start the process of getting your new place set up with these services. Don’t forget to change your mailing address, and get your license and health card updated, too.
Pack an overnight bag
Pack one for yourself & all family members; make sure you include a few changes of clothes, toiletries such as toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper, any medications that are needed, etc. You can include things such as phone charge cords, or any valuables that you’d rather keep on hand and take with you on moving day.
As we said previously, moving can be a huge task; just remember that once it’s over, you’ll be able to relax and create memories in your new home. Get in touch if you have any questions, or need help with your buying or selling journey.