When you’re moving, pre-move preparation can make a big difference between a smooth move and a “pulling your hair out”, chaotic kind of move. A check list is the glue that will hold everything together, including your sanity. With this list, you want to include everything from before, during, to even after the move. We’ve outlined some steps intended to make your move as successful and stress free as possible.
- First thing first, you want to start with your A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
Approach this task with a clear and positive mindset. With all the nitty gritty of moving, staying focus and motivated is going to help you have a continuous momentum towards getting the move done.
- Make a checklist and be prepared to adjust it.
Expecting that the list might need to be adjusted at any point will decrease your stress levels, and keeping you in a clear and positive mindset.
HERE WE GO
1. Gather information on movers:
- Do some research and make some phone calls to find the right fit with a moving company.
- Your research should include; checking with friends, realtors, and the BBB.
2. Obtaining & Understanding Estimates:
- Speaking to a Certified Moving Consultant can help you establish an estimate for your move.
- You will go over things such as: in-home physical survey, packing instructions, detailed written estimate, and much more. This step is where you’ll learn in greater detail the ins and outs that are specific to YOUR MOVE.
- Be sure to ask about the movers’ responsibilities for damaged or lost items, and payment methods.
3. Booking the Move:
- Make sure all that you have carefully reviewed and discussed all of the details (pricing, dates, addresses, contact information, etc.) with your moving consultant. Be certain that all information is clearly specified in all the documents you have to sign.
4. Payment Options:
- Make sure the movers’ have a payment option that you are able to fulfill.
- Depending on your situation, payment options can include a Personal Check, Certified Bank Check, major credit card and Debit Card.
5. Plan your road trip!
- Depending on how long your drive is, and when your mover expects to deliver to your new home, schedule places to stop for breaks or an overnight stay. It is much easier to have a realistic goal of how many hours you want to drive per day than just winging it.
- This is especially helpful if you have kids and/or pets! We all know how unpleasant it is to sit in the same spot for long periods of time, this gives everyone time to stretch, breathe some fresh air, and regroup!
- Try to have some fun along the way! If you have time, plan to visit national parks. amusement parks, take short hikes or visit friends or relatives along the way. Look for motels with pools and/or hot tubs to help soothe yourself after hours of driving.
6. Organize What’s Moving & What’s Not
- Chuck it – Don’t Truck it! Prepare to get rid of items that you no longer have use for. Donate to a charity, give to friends, neighbors, have a yard sale, or toss items in the trash.
7. Day of Packing:
- THIS IS IT; the day is finally here. IT’S PACKIN’ TIME.
- It is important to be there to oversee all the packing and answer any questions from the movers. Make sure you know all that needs to be moved IN EACH ROOM. This makes it easier to direct the movers when they come to pack your things.
- Double Check, then check the double check. You want to make sure all your belongings have been packed and loaded on the truck. Take a last walk-through the now-empty house. Check cupboards, closets and behind doors.
- Lastly inform the driver where you can be reached during the move, just incase the universe tries to intervene in the plans.
8. Let the Journey begin:
- Now this is where you get set to travel. No matter how far, most importantly enjoy the road trip because the heavy lifting is done and out of the way!
9. After the move:
- Hurray!! You’ve made it but last but definitely not least, you want to make sure you are there to receive all of your belongings. Make sure all of your possessions have arrived at your new home on the correct day.
- Because we do not live in Utopia and at times things may happen, examine all the boxes for damage and loss. If you find some of your things damaged or lost, report it to the moving company before signing any closing documents.
- Document any damages or missing items on the movers’ appropriate forms.
Now that you have all the important steps to having a successful stress-free move, move with movers who truly care about your things, CALLS US so we can make it happen!