The most exciting part of purchasing a new home has finally come - MOVING DAY! However, it can quickly turn into a very stressful experience, especially without proper planning. The best place to start is figuring out your overall moving budget, which basically determines how you’re going to get everything from point A to point B.
Next, you’ll need to research your options from hiring a full service mover, using a portable moving container or renting a moving truck to determine what’s in your budget. Once your budget and moving method is finalized, you’re ready to start organizing and planning out your move.
Now comes the fun part - packing! And the sooner you start plugging away at packing the better off you will be. Living amongst boxes for a few weeks pales in comparison to the stress you’ll feel if you aren't ready when moving day arrives.
Take note of our 17 essential moving tips below to ensure a smooth moving day from beginning to end! Happy moving!
Start gathering as many free boxes and supplies as you can get your hands on. The best places to check with is nearby big box retailers, local liquor stores or grocery stores for free boxes.
Pack heavy items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes. It will make carrying these items much easier. Also, keep in mind some things are easier to carry unboxed.
Pack the kitchen last. You’re going to need utensils, plates, bowls and glasses before you move out. We suggest holding off on packing up your kitchen until at least a week before the move. If you don’t want to wait, leave out what you think you’ll absolutely need and wash them as you use them.
All fragile kitchen items, from fancy china to champagne flutes and wine glasses, should be wrapped in bubble wrap to protect them during the move. Plates should be packed in boxes vertically, rather than placed flat and stacked.
If you still have original boxes for small kitchen appliances, this is the time they will come in handy. These boxes already designed to fit your appliances perfectly, and saves you from buying additional boxes.
Before throwing a refrigerator’s worth of food in the trash, transport it in a cooler instead so you don’t have to worry about restocking the new home. Any non perishable items can be donated to your local food pantry, if you don’t intend on moving them to your new home.
Moving to a new home can be a good time to purge some unwanted items. So go ahead and toss anything and everything you won’t be needing in your new home. Donate gently used items to your local second hand store.
If something is irreplaceable, you’ll feel better taking it with you in the car that way you know it’s protected. When packing personal items, such as framed photos or art, place sheets or blankets between them for added protection.
Transport plants or other foliage in your car to your new residence to insure they arrive safely. Also, remove bulbs before transporting lamps to reduce the risk of being damaged.
If you’re planning to move without hiring a mover, ask friends and family well in advance if they can assist you to insure you have plenty of help. If they have access to a large moving truck that would certainly be a plus! Providing food and beverages as an incentive always helps too!
When hiring a full service mover, check their credentials and ask friends and family who they have used in the past so they can provide their experiences whether positive or negative. Make sure you have the driver’s phone number to make it easier to check on the status of your items during the move. Also, make sure to have cash on-hand. While tipping isn’t required, it’s a nice way to thank your mover for a job well done.
If you’re renting a moving truck, be sure to book a truck large enough to hold your all your items. It would not make for a good day if you can’t fit all your belongings or have to make multiple trips between homes.
When moving with small children, try to enlist some sort of childcare during the day. Whether it’s a paid babysitter or a family member, having someone watch the child while you deal with the moving logistics will make your day much easier.
If childcare is not an option, it’s important to keep your child’s routine as close to on schedule as possible. For an easier transition, unpack their bedroom first. This will also help them adjust to their new room quickly and easily. And after a long day of moving, you’ll want to send tired children to bed as soon as possible.
Moving is exhausting! To stay hydrated on such a taxing day, be sure to pack plenty of water bottles in a cooler that morning.
A final walk through of the home is important to make sure you haven't left anything behind. Pay close attention to easy-to-forget places, such as refrigerators, pantries, cabinets and closets.
Final step to moving day: place all keys inside of an envelope to hand over to the new owners or landlord.
Are you ready to move?
While moving to a new home is certainly an exciting time, it can be complicated. Taking it one step at a time will make it more enjoyable and less stressful. Let us know if the tips provided above help when considering your next big move!
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Well informed homeowners choose The Fontaine Homeselling System to obtain them top dollar faster, along with a stress free experience. We know buying or selling a home can be very stressful and emotional, but when you have an experienced, top-producing agent on your side, you are more likely to have a smooth and successful home sale. Contact one of our agents today to start the process of finding your forever home!
Fontaine Family Team
Auburn - 207-784-3800
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