10 Key Things to Do Before You Move
When you begin to plan for your move, you’re likely going to be looking at all sorts of details related to the process. You will be putting together checklists and trying to determine exactly what is important to you and your situation.
Before you even schedule cross country movers to take care of things for you, it’s essential to know that everything you need to do is on your moving checklist. Here’s a quick fly-by of some things you need to be sure that you include.
1. Eat everything in your pantry, fridge, and freezer
You may be tempted to go grocery shopping during this time – but only go for essentials. The more food that you eat and get rid of, the less that you’ll have to pack up to take with you.
2. Schedule your movers properly
Get quotes from multiple local moving companies, and do everything that you can in order to get the info you need to pick the right place. You want to schedule them during the middle of the month, if possible. You’ll spend less money and you will have an easier time scheduling them.
3. Pack your essentials in a bag that you keep with you
Essentials include a couple of days’ worth of clothing, any medications that need to be taken, and any paperwork that you may need to have with you on move-in day. You may have other things that you consider to be essentials, but these are the most important ones to consider.
4. Let family and friends know what is going on
Don’t forget to line up everything that needs to happen with your family and friends. You don’t want to get up on moving day and realize that you didn’t tell your Uncle Bill that you were moving across the state. Take some time to say goodbyes, if you’re moving further away, or just to let people know your new address.
5. Have a plan for your new home’s layout and setup
What plans do you have in mind for every room in your new home? If you know what different spaces are going to be used for, then you will find that it’s a lot easier to label your boxes and have your movers take them into the right spaces on moving day. It’ll mean less time carrying boxes and more time unpacking and prepping your home.
6. Find someone to help with pets and kids on moving day
If you have pets and kids involved in this, you’re going to need to try and keep them out from underfoot. Whether that means that your kids stay at your parent's for a few hours or you send your pets off to doggy daycare or a day boarder (if you’re staying local), you want to get them out the way. It’s safer for everyone and it’s less irritating for you.
7. Have a plan for moving day food
You are absolutely not going to want to cook on the day that you move. So, you want to be sure that you have some sort of an idea as to how you’re going to feed yourself and your family. Find a great takeout place, go out to dinner, or set up something so that someone brings dinner for you.
8. Plan out what your trip looks like
The drive is going to be different depending on how far you’re moving. Do you have to book a hotel for an evening because you’re driving across multiple states? Are you going to stop and see friends or family on the way through? Take the time to plan and you’ll be less stressed as you take your trip.
9. Have bedding and pillows within easy access on moving day
You may not feel like doing much after moving day is over, and you don’t want to spend hours digging through your boxes in order to try and find your bedding and pillows. So, instead, put them in their own special space and make sure that the box is on your bed. Then, you can make your bed and go to sleep early.
10. Drink plenty of water
It sounds trite, but if you stay hydrated, you’re going to have a much easier time concentrating and dealing with everything that you need to do in order to get your move completed. You’ll also feel less stressed and fatigued. Keep plenty of water on hand on moving day and you’ll be ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hire movers or do it myself?
This is a question that always comes up with people – and it all depends on your circumstances. If you don’t have time or you have physical limitations of some sort, then it’s probably best for you to go ahead and hire movers to take care of it. If you have a lot of friends and family willing to help, or you don’t have a lot to be moved, you may want to do it yourself.
How much should I budget for moving?
On average, you’ll want to budget anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 for a local move. Long-distance moves could cost anywhere from $2,500 to $7500, and cross-country moves could be up to $10,000.
What do I do with plants during a move?
Your plants are not going to be able to go with the moving truck – they aren’t allowed to move living things of any type. So, you’re going to need to determine where the plants are going to go during the transport process. Be careful with their pots, cover up the dirt so that it doesn’t end up all over your car, and don’t put them anywhere that they could be broken or bunched up.
Plan Well, Move Well
If you take some time to really plan out what is most important to you here, you’re going to have a much easier time getting it all done. See what you can learn and find ways to make the process simpler. Your move will go much more smoothly if you know how to plan it all well.