Excited about moving to your new home? Months before the big move, you might probably have done research on your new neighborhood, planned your moving budget, taken care of all the necessary paperwork, and chosen the local moving company to help you move your stuff.
The next thing that you should focus on is how to prepare before your movers arrive. Even if you have opted for a full-service move, you still need to make sure that you begin organizing and sorting your belongings as early as possible. This will enable you to pay attention on smaller details and save valuable time before moving day.
Here are some of the things that you can do before your movers arrive.
Sort your Belongings
Sort your belongings and decide which ones to keep. You might be surprised to find out that you won’t be needing all the clothes, plates, towels, or linens that you have.
Start organizing your stuff at least a month before moving day as making last-minute decisions about the fate of your belongings can end in confusion or panic. Remember, the more stuff you pack, the more it will cost you. Decide which items you need to throw away, donate, or sell. Also, coordinate with your moving company for items that are not allowed during a move.
Once you have decided which items not to include in packing, categorize your items so the movers will know how they should handle each box. You can pack according to type, destination room, priority, or any other way that will make it easier for you to pack your things quickly.
Keep valuables such as jewelry, laptops, tablets, medications, and other essentials in a separate box. These items are the ones that you would be bringing with you on moving day.
Make an Inventory
Create a detailed list of all the items in each box. For valuable items like your electronics, make sure to note down distinctive features such as the serial number, make and model. Include pictures of all the items that you packed, as well. Take pictures from several angles, including close-up images. Doing this will not only facilitate faster labeling and unpacking, it will also serve as proof in case any of your items get lost or damaged during the move.
Clean and Organize Your Items
Make sure each item you pack is clean and dry. Moisture can result in mold formation while dust particles can damage the surface of your furniture and appliances. Allot time for:
- Emptying, thawing, and cleaning your freezer and refrigerator
- Unplugging and removing batteries from electronic appliances and devices
- Draining fuel out from fuel-powered tools like your lawnmower
- Emptying cabinets, drawers, and cupboards
- Washing and drying clothes, linens, and towels
- Removing covers from pillows, sofas, chairs, and tables
Plan Logistics for Moving Day
Before the movers arrive, let them know in advance if there are difficulties that can be expected on moving day. Inform the movers if your pick up location involves lots of stairs, going up and down an elevator, or if there are restrictions on parking hours.
When moving day arrives, also make sure to treat your movers with respect and kindness. Prepare a bathroom that they can use, complete with paper towels and hand soap. Also, provide refreshments to keep their energy up.
Moving to a new home is not a spur-of-the-moment decision. You have plenty of time to prepare and organize your belongings before the big day arrives. Early preparation will help you avoid delays and misunderstandings and ensure that you have a stress-free experience.
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