Before You Move:
* It’s wise to plan ahead and make sure there is availability on the day you want to move. The beginning and end of the month is the busiest time for movers and moving vans so book in advance!
* If you’re planning on hiring a mover, but want to keep your costs low, consider doing your own packing. You can also save time and purchase your packing boxes in advance.
* Most gas, water and electricity companies require several days of prior notice for disconnecting and reconnecting your services. Contact your individual utility companies for specific details.
* Make sure that direct debit and billing links to your bank accounts are organized to handle any changes resulting from your move.
* Budget wisely for your move. There are always unexpected expenses that pop up as you settle in. You may need a new hose or other forgotten items.
* You’ll have more time to enjoy settling into your new home if you clean your belongings before they are moved.
* It’s important to tape your microwave shut and remove the glass plate from your microwave before you move.
* Make sure you use up your frozen foods or dispose of ones you have not used. Never let them thaw and try to refreeze them again. Not only will be there be less to transport, but you will also avoid the risk of food spoilage.
* Important documents such as wills or deeds, jewelry, photographs, and home videos are impossible to replace. It’s wise to consider moving these and other important belongings to a safety deposit box while you move.
* Find out if your homeowners insurance policy covers your belongings in transit.
* Be sure to settle all bills that may be overlooked in the move a few days before moving day.
* Remember to contact your local post office and fill our forwarding address forms. Additionally, leaving a small welcome card with your forwarding address for the people moving into your old home is a nice way of asking for any additional pieces of your mail to be redirected.
* Many movers will be able to make special arrangements for transporting your plants and pets. Although it is really in your best interests to move your pets yourself – bringing them in the car with you (in their carriers) is going to be the easiest for them – they are very delicate and will probably not enjoy the whole moving procedure so remember to be especially loving and patient with them.
Moving Day:
* Remember that time is important on moving day. For instance, if you have a waterbed, it is likely to take around two hours to empty the water! So plan ahead and consider doing certain tasks the night before.
* You should always shut and lock all windows and doors as you leave your old home on moving day.
* More hands make the workload lighter as long as everyone knows what they’re doing. Delegate specific duties to your helpers on moving day.
* A close friend or relative can help out of moving day by acting as a message center for you if you don’t have a mobile phone.
After You Move In:
* Before you begin to unpack, don’t forget to wipe out all cupboards and shelves. You can also use shelving paper to line cupboards and drawers.
* It’s a good idea to let all your electrical appliances return to room temperature before plugging them in.
* Don’t forget to be environmentally friendly! Flatten all your moving boxes for recycling. Many moving companies will pick them up after your move.
* General rule of thumb is if something hasn’t been used in over 12 months, seriously consider selling or donating it. Help from a family member or friend will ensure you remain objective. Garage sales are a great way of getting rid of those unnecessary and unused items. Anything that’s left over can be donated to a local Goodwill.
* Things that you have a hard time parting with, but which will inevitably be stored in a garage, storage facility, or shed after the move should be packed in stackable containers that are rodent and dust proof.
* Be prepared to order take-out food or eat out on the first couple of nights in your new home. Chances are you’ll feel too tired to cook, but even if you do feel like cooking, most of your kitchen appliances will probably still be packed away!
