Moving can be incredibly stressful, especially when you think of the growing to-do lists as you move closer to the moving day. For a hassle-free moving day, try breaking down the tasks into manageable lists. Staying organized can help you check all the items off your to-do list while allowing you some time to relax. Moving into your new home doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. To prove it, here’s a quick guide on how to prepare for your next move.
1. Do your research.
Once you have come to the decision that you need to move, there are a couple of logistical details that you’ll need to iron out first. For starters, research moving companies in your area. A great place to start can be by checking the Better Business Bureau directory for leads. Other than this, online reviews by previous customers or referrals from friends and family can also be a great place to start from.
Before settling on a single moving company, try and get at least four quotes from different movers, to make sure you’re making an informed decision. Along with this, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation to learn about your rights as you prepare to work with a new moving company. Also, remember to ask prospective moving companies what insurance they offer. As you do this, also review your homeowners’ insurance policy to see what is covered. If yours is a long-distance move, research local banks, gyms, doctors, and schools before the big day.
2. Find a new place to live.
Finding a new home is almost just as stressful as moving out. Although we no longer have to scour through endless newspaper classifieds to find a new listing, the thousands of options available to renters by way of rental search engines are just as overwhelming. Luckily, there’s a faster way to find an apartment, thanks to Venterra Realty.
Venterra is an online database of apartment communities that focuses on a comfortable, clean, and sustainable apartment living experience for its renters. Take advantage of their self-guided in-person and virtual tours and get a feel of your next home.
As you prepare to move into your new home, you should also keep in mind that some repairs and renovations are to be expected. Clogged gutters, broken locks, leaking roofs, and broken windows are some examples of repairs that you should have taken care of before your moving day. To avoid additional stress, and where possible, schedule these repairs in advance.
If you’re moving to a city that experiences extreme weather changes, you may also want to weatherproof your home to protect it from the elements. To ensure that your roof is weatherproofed, consult a professional roofing company like the team at Arlington Roofing Contractors. Their years of experience in diagnosing and repairing roofing problems make them the best team for your next home renovation project.
Consider hiring these professionals because when your gutter system is left unserviced for extended periods of time, you can expect expensive damage to your new home’s roof, siding, and basement.
3. Hire a moving company.
If you’re looking for full-service Phoenix moving companies, for example, we recommend the team at Muscular Moving Men (MMM), AZ. As a full-service Phoenix mover, their team will make sure that your fragile items (antique furniture, fragile china, artwork) are carefully taken apart and securely wrapped in protective packing to avoid any damages.
If your current home sells earlier than planned, or before your new home is ready, for instance, you can take advantage of MMM’s temporary storage solutions. Regardless of your type of move, long-distance or local, their team is well trained and equipped to facilitate each area of your relocation. What’s more, they’re an insured and licensed moving company, meaning that you can trust that your belongings will be in the safe hands of trained professionals.
4. Keep your official documents updated.
Remember to carve out time in your moving schedule to ensure that all your government documents are in order. For starters, update your new address with the U.S. Post Office. Next, cancel all annual subscriptions like newspaper deliveries, for instance. Remember to update your online shopping accounts with your new address, for deliveries. Also notify your bank, insurance company, and utility service providers that you will be moving.
If you’re relocating to a new city, your health care provider may be able to refer you to a professional they trust in your new area. Knowing this, also make it a point to notify your doctor of your move.
Lastly, remember to clean your old home either on the day of the move or shortly after, and withdraw cash so you can tip the movers. Where possible, you could also prepare a welcome packet for the new homeowners. In this packet, you could include a list of service provider recommendations and your new information, should they need to forward your mail to you.