Moving into a new home is an exciting moment. Finally, the house you have always wanted is yours!
You can picture each room perfectly, imagining the family enjoying every space surrounded by those cozy objects that make the house a home. Then reality sets in and you realize that your current home is filled to the brim with an incredible assortment of...stuff. Some are old things, some new, some unrecognizable, and all of it yours to shuffle from one home to the next. All of a sudden moving day is inducing more nausea than excitement. Before the details threaten to overwhelm you, here are some tips and tricks for making the moving process much easier.
The first step that must be taken is cleaning out that clutter! It's time to admit that some things that were once loved and admired no longer serve a purpose in your home. Start sorting your belongings early on and donate, recycle, and trash everything that is appropriate. It may be to your advantage to rent a dumpster for this process. Look for providers that sift through the dumpster's contents in order to separate recyclables and garbage. For a slightly higher fee, they do all the extra work!
Once the clutter is gone, it is time to assess the situation thoroughly. Begin with the new home's floor plan and begin designating placement for your belongings. For example, dad's favorite armchair may reside in the living room now, but in the new house it is much better suited for the bonus TV room. Bare minimum: know where large furniture needs to be assembled to save time and energy rearranging later. If you can, work your way down to where knick knacks will be placed so they can be packed appropriately.
Now that you know where things will be going, it's time to discuss how they are getting there. Will movers be hired or will this task be taken upon one's self? To ensure the best movers are working for you, shop around extensively. It is most certainly worth it to shell out a bit more money for careful, attentive movers rather than saving a buck on guys who will not respect your belongings. Never sign a contract with a moving company until all your questions have been answered thoroughly and the contract has been carefully examined.
If the movers have been scheduled, it is time to get to work packing. When it comes to moving, you can never start packing too soon. Boxes can be obtained from free online sites, stores, friends, and restaurants. They can also be purchased but will cost more than is necessary. Start packing things that are rarely used like off season clothing and seasonal decorations. Then move on to knick knacks, picture frames, and other decorative items. Clothing, important documents, and valuables are packed last.
Be certain to pack by room, clearly labeling boxes with Room, Box #, and Unpacking Priority (A,B,C) and never going over 50 pounds per box . Keep an inventory list that has every room listed with box numbers and box contents. This will allow smooth unpacking and help determine losses if boxes come up missing. Professional packers can be hired to help but will still require your supervision. For homes with fragile valuables, awkwardly shaped items, and copious packing to accomplish, professional packers are the way to go as is extra insurance to cover those lightweight yet very expensive items. Be prepared for packers to arrive 1 to 2 days prior to your move-date.
When the big day arrives, make sure you are filled to the brim with patience and flexibility. No matter how prepared, there will most likely be delays, questions, and minimal frustration. The nicer you are to the people helping you – whether professionals or dear friends – the smoother the process will happen. Be present to answer questions and ask them. Look over all contracts before, during, and after the move to ensure nothing was forgotten. Get inventory copies from the movers, and remember to never sign until you are certain everything is correct. Have ways to keep in contact with movers during transit all the way up to unloading. Then upon unloading the truck, inspect everything as soon as possible, reporting losses and damages immediately.
Once everything is unloaded, the unpacking can begin. Take your time with this process, as it can be enjoyable yet tedious. Enact the One Room Rule where the family picks one room to completely unpack and settle in right away. Then as the rest of the home unfolds, there is one room that can be an oasis, completely devoid of the temporary clutter packaging materials create. It is also crucial to have a Pet and Child plan on hand upon moving in. With these plans it is important to child and pet proof the home as soon as possible, allowing them to settle into the new place without getting underfoot.
In addition to these tips, a moving day checklist is handy to have. Many are styled to allow you to count down to moving day months in advance, ensuring the most is made of your planning and moving efforts. Use all available resources, have patience, and you will find yourself all settled into the new home of your dreams.
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