It’s here! Moving time! This is a big step in your relocation, the actual relocation of you and your stuff to your new place! Don’t worry though, just like previous steps if you plan, things are going to go smoothly. Just be positive and heed the advice below.
Make sure to budget your move
Making sure you have enough money for your move is critical in getting your belongings from point A to point B. We are of course assuming everything you own doesn’t fit into a suitcase! To figure out how much your move will cost is dependent on a few of factors. How far will you be moving? How much stuff are you moving? Are you doing it yourself or hiring a professional company?
A moving truck rental can cost anywhere between $50 up to $2,000 or more depending on the size of the truck and how far you are taking it. Hiring a moving company to help load and unload your truck can cost anywhere between $60 to over $100 per hour. Hiring a full service company to get you moved can run you anywhere from $1,000 to possibly over $10,000! Even moving containers can run you between $300 to more than $4,000 for that service.
Whatever route you decide to take in regard to your method of moving, you need to have the details of your move worked out. Know how much stuff you have, how far you are taking it, and whether you want to move yourself or have professionals do it. Knowing these three things can help you really nail down a budget and timeframe. If you decide to hire a moving company be sure to get that process stated as early as you can to ensure availability
Make a checklist for your move
Below are 10 ideas that can help you make your move go as smooth as possible:
- Get your move date nailed down.
Make sure you get the details and dates of your move locked in. You’ll need to know exactly when everything is supposed to happen. You’ll need to know when to reserve a moving truck, the date you are supposed to be out, when you should cancel your utility services and finally, when you will be arriving at your new place! - Getting ready to transfer to a new school.
If your kids are still in school, a new move will mean a whole new school! Be sure to notify their current school about the move. Don’t forget to ask about any documents or paperwork you’ll need for transfer. If you know what school they will be attending in your new city make sure to see what your kids will need to attend and what date they will start. - Getting your mail forwarded.
You can go online to the USPS and arrange for your current mail to be forwarded with a change of address form. You can also update your address on any accounts you may have that are non utility related. - Trim down on the clutter.
Packing is a perfect time to declutter. You can sell or donate anything you don’t need. It’s not so much about making a profit on your old stuff, but rather lessening the amount you have to move! - Pack it up!
You’ve got to pack all your stuff before you move. If you’re hiring a full service mover, you wont have to worry so much about this, but if not you’ll have to get all your moving supplies gathered and ready. Don’t forget to label your boxes, it will make unpacking a lot easier if you know where each one should go. - Keep the essentials aside.
While you’re packing make sure to set aside some things that you and your family will need right away. Maybe this will include some clothes, bedsheets and pillows, toiletries, etc. You won’t want to be digging through unpacked boxes looking for your pillow after that long move. - Get your moving truck.
Make sure you have a good idea on exactly what size truck you will need for your move. If you hire a professional company, they will be able to tell you exactly what will be needed. If you are renting your own truck, do some research on how much stuff can fit in each size. You don’t want to have to make two trips or leave anything behind! - It’s OK to ask for help.
If you are hiring a moving company, you’ll likely have all the help you’ll need. f not you may want to ask for help. Moving isn’t an easy job and every bit of help makes the process a lot less stressful. Friends and family are a good place to start. Make sure to arrange as much help as you can as early as possible to ensure you will have enough when the time comes. - Get your house clean.
Leave your current home clean. After you’re done getting everything out give it one good last clean for the new homeowners. Whether you pay someone to do it, or make enough time to do it yourself, it’s a small gesture but will be greatly appreciated. - Get moved and start unpacking.
You’ve made the move and now it’s time to get unpacked. If you hired movers, make sure you are available to tell them where your boxes go. Even though they are labeled, your movers don’t know your stuff as well as you, so help them out. If you are unpacking yourself, take your time and get everything into the right room. This is why you labeled your boxes!
If you heed the advice above it will make your move and your transition to your new place go a lot smoother. Just remember, the more you plan and prepare, the better your move will be.