The notion of packing up all of your earthly possessions and relocating them can feel daunting. Careful planning can help you avoid frustrating mistakes and make the process go as smoothly as possible. Here are a few simple tips to get you moving in the right direction.
MOVING TIPS
- Downsize Your Possessions – To make your move less overwhelming, thoroughly purge unused and unnecessary items before you pack a single box. You’ll have less to move and have a chance to start fresh in a new space.
- Schedule Early – If you hire moving services, hire professional painters or cleaners or rent a truck or supplies, make sure you book as early as possible. Waiting could mean paying more or not getting the supplies you need when you need them.
- Schedule Utilities – Once your dates are finalized, contact your utility providers to schedule service at your new home. At the same time, request service stops for your move-out date at your current home.
- Change Your Address – This seems like a no-brainer, but be sure to change your address with your bank, online retailers, credit cards, magazine subscriptions, your driver’s license as well as the post office.
PACKING TIPS
- Pack as Early as Possible – Ideally, you will want to start packing at least a month in advance. Start by packing off-season items, books, and things that you don’t often use.
- Pack Smart – Packing smart means a few different things. Use appropriately sized boxes depending on the weight of your items. Small boxes are ideal for heavy items like books, and large boxes can be used for linens, towels, and pillows. Make sure to place heavier items at the bottom of the box rather than the top for balance. Don’t leave empty spaces; fill gaps with clothing, towels, or packing paper to keep items from shifting around. Pack the things you will need first, like the coffee-making necessities, toilet paper, power strips, etc., in clear bins that you can find easily. Use a lot of packing paper, bubble wrap, or even clothing when packing your glassware. Packing plates vertically like vinyl records rather than stacked helps reduce the risk of damage.
- Label Boxes Well – Label each box with the room it will be moving to. Consider using different colored tape for each room or numbering each box, and keeping an inventory list. Take photos of how your electronics are wired before you unplug them so that you can remember what goes where. To make unpacking easier, mark the boxes you will need to unpack first in a special way so that you don't have to go digging through boxes.
- Pack an Overnight Bag – At the end of the moving day, you’ll most likely be too tired to unpack. Having an overnight bag with essentials such as clothes, toiletries, chargers, and laptop makes for a trouble-free evening.
Mike Thomas Associates Realtors® has staff who are dedicated to relocation in or out of Northeastern Indiana. Mike Thomas Associates is here to help you with your move to ensure a seamless transition. Give us a call today!