Moving to a new home can be very exciting, but also a tad overwhelming. If you've never moved before, there's a lot that you need to know and do in preparation for your move. This guide will provide you with the knowledge that you need to have a smooth, successful move. Even if you've moved dozens of times, you're bound to find a piece of advice here that helps you out!
Decide Your Budget and How You Want to Move
A good first step is to decide your moving budget. After all, moving is quite expensive, so you need to know what you're getting yourself into. It can be cheaper to rent a U-haul and move everything on your own, but this isn't recommended for long distances. If you're going to hire movers, you need to decide which company to use. Here's a simple checklist to follow:
- Determine your budget
- Price out rental trucks and/or moving companies
- Compare estimates from movers
- Select the most affordable quote with the best reviews
- Find a rental truck that's in your price range and possibly some friends to help you
If you're making a local move from one neighborhood to another, moving by yourself is a viable option. It can be more affordable, but it will involve some heavy lifting, labor, and the use of your free time.
Enter Your New Address Into Everything
One big mistake rookies make when they move is not to update their address. Emails, companies, and other services will keep sending mail to your old address if you don't.
Also, be sure to transfer all your prescriptions to a pharmacy close to your new home. It's also a smart idea to find a bank and healthcare professionals in your new area. Think through your weekly routine and all the places that you visit. You'll need a replacement for them all in your new town or city.
Set a Moving Date in Stone
If you're using movers, make sure they've set a specific date. Also, be sure to follow up with your leasing agent to make sure you have the keys to your new home before you move in. You don't want movers or your friends to show up to a locked home or apartment!
Update your Utilities and Subscriptions
Don't forget to cancel the utilities for your old residence or they'll keep billing you! Cancel your phone, cable, and internet. For your new home, it's smart to be proactive and already set up utilities before moving in. If you're going to use the same company, simply tell them to transfer your policy to the new residence.
Take Inventory of Everything
You don't want to leave anything important behind, so it's crucial to make a list of everything in your home. If you have any valuables or special items, you need to be extra delicate. Make special note of them so that the movers know they're fragile and valuable. If you're packing your valuables yourself, make sure to use plenty of quality packing materials.
You can also decide what you'd like the movers to take and what you'd like to transport yourself. If you'd rather have your most valuable items with you at all times, see about fitting them in a suitcase or bag to take along with you. This is also a great cost-saving technique if you're using a moving service. The fewer items that they carry, the cheaper your quote becomes! Try and fit as much clothing, valuables, and other items in the car with you instead of on the moving truck.
We hope this guide serves you well in preparing for your next move. Good luck!