Congratulations on your new home purchase!
Now it’s time to start thinking about moving.
Let’s face it. Moving is overwhelming.
From purging to packing to hiring a moving company to unpacking. It’s a lot.
But with a few moving tips from the experts, your move can be stress-free.
1. Find Free Boxes
Don’t pay for boxes! You can get free boxes at local recycling drop-off points as well as Craigslist, Nextdoor.com, Freecycle, book stores, warehouse clubs, liquor stores, offices, and U-Haul Box Exchange. You can find more places to get free boxes here.
2. Purge, Purge, purge
Get rid of anything you don’t use. You do not want to have to move these things. Have a yard sale, donate to charities and libraries, take things to the curb. Whatever you need to do to get rid of extra things you won’t use when you get to your new house.
3. Start purging and packing early
Packing and purging always take A LOT longer than you think they will. You will be so happy you decided to start early instead of waiting until the last minute.
4. Label & color code all boxes
This will help a TON when it comes to moving day and unpacking.
Use different colors for different rooms of your house. At the new house, mark each room with the corresponding colors so your movers will know exactly where to take each box.
5. Get quotes from at least 3 moving companies
Make sure you shop around for the best price on moving companies.
Schedule the move at least a month ahead of time and avoid weekends when selecting a moving day. You’ll save a ton of money aiming for a mid-week moving day. Also, schedule it as early in the morning as possible to ensure a fresh, energetic moving team.
6. Schedule disconnect & connection times
Make sure you call your utilities and internet provider to schedule turn-off times as well as connection times in your new home.
7. don’t forget to change your address ahead of time
Change your address with the post office at least a week ahead of time so that your mail (and Amazon packages!) will be forwarded.
8. Pack an overnight bag
You will be so happy that you packed an overnight bag for your first night in your new home. You’ll be exhausted from moving all day and the last thing you will want to do is unpack in order to get ready for bed.
In your first night kit, you’ll want to include:
- Alarm clock
- Change of clothes
- Pain relief medication and prescription medications
- Toiletries (soap, shampoo, razors, etc.)
- Contact lens solutions and cases and/or eyeglasses
- Toilet paper
- Cleaning supplies and paper towels
- Bedding and linens
- Tape and dispenser
- Scissors
- Box cutter or knife
- Screwdriver and hammer
- Work gloves
- Coffee or tea supplies
- Snacks
- Plates, cups and eating utensils
- Trash bags
- Extension cords and batteries
- First-aid kit
- Flashlights
- Light bulbs
- Pet supplies
- Toys and games for the kids
9. Stop grocery shopping a week before moving
You won’t want to have to worry about moving cold items and moving food is just extra work. Shop for the least amount of food the week before moving as possible.
10. Prepare for the movers
You want to be ready for the movers when they arrive. This could be the difference between a smooth moving day and a completely chaotic one.
- Coordinate offsite babysitting and dogsitting for moving day.
- Keep water, soda and snacks on hand for movers. Designate a bathroom for their use.
- Be present to answer any questions the movers have.
- Carefully read any paperwork. Ask questions as needed and obtain a copy.
- Accompany the driver while your inventory is prepared. Ask questions and obtain a copy before the driver leaves.
- Let your movers know about items that require special handling.
- Be aware of the movers’ timelines.
- Exchange contact information with the driver.
- Perform a last sweep of the house: Look through all closets and shelves and check walls. Also, check the garage, attic, crawl space, storage unit and under the stairs.
- Check for damaged or missing items. Note them before the movers leave.
- Create a floor plan of your new home or label rooms so items arrive in the right place.
- Be prepared with the correct method of payment.
- Keep money on hand to tip the driver and moving crew.
- Review all paperwork with your driver before signing.
11. Unpack bathrooms & bedrooms first
You’ll need to use the bathrooms and bedrooms before any other rooms, so unpack those first to ensure they’re in full working order when you need them.
Whether you’re moving down the street or across the country, these tips will help ensure you have a stress-free move.