Does the mere mention of the word “moving” suck the iron from your blood? Moving doesn’t have to be such a dreaded experience, if you follow these few tips.
- Select a Mover: Selecting a mover at random is like rolling the dice – the outcome is highly unpredictable! Check with your family and friends – do they have some recommendations? Then filter those names through your local Better Business Bureau, and trim your list to the top two or three. Ask for a written quote from each. Now you are well positioned to make an informed choice.
- Don’t Move What You Don’t Need: Don’t move junk – get rid of it before the movers show up at your door. Deciding what to jettison and what to keep can be the hardest part. Start with your clothes closets – if you haven’t worn it for a year, or if it doesn’t fit, give it away. But don’t stop there – what about all the other stuff you never seem to use? Your basement likely has lots of it still packed from your last move which you haven’t missed. Out it goes! Maybe there’s a garage sale in your future?
- Packing Points: Pack by room. Wrap fragile items individually and pack them tightly into quality packing boxes. Used grocery boxes don’t make the grade – dollars spent at a local ‘big box’ store on proper moving boxes are well spent.
- Labels and Lists: Label and number each box by room. For instance – ‘Sam’s BR 1 of 4′. You can even add the name of each major item inside each box if you want – it’s a good idea if you won’t be unpacking at destination right away. You should also make a list of all labeled boxes. Remember, time spent at ‘this’ end recording these details will pay off in a big way at the other end when faced with that mountain of unpacked boxes.
- Protect Critical Items: Don’t let the movers handle anything which would cause great distress if they went missing or were damaged.
- Activate Utilities: When your move is still in the planning stage, call all of your utility providers (phone, cable, gas, hydro, water, etc) to nail down their requirements for change of service. Follow their instructions.
- Oversee the Move: Don’t take anything for granted. As tempting as it may be to disappear for the time it takes the movers to load the truck, don’t do it! Be there for loading and unloading to watch and direct, and to deal with questions as they come up. You may also want to try an ethical bribe – let your movers know – in advance – you plan to tip them for a damage-free, efficient move.
- Celebrate: Don’t overdo it!
I hope this moving tip helps takes the stress out of your next move.
Bye for now,
...Victoria's blogging real estate professional.
