How to Prepare For A Move: 13 Actionable Steps

Relocating to a new home is an exciting adventure, but it can also be stressful if you aren’t prepared. There are many considerations to think about before and during the move such as packing your belongings, choosing movers, and setting up utilities. Fortunately, these new home moving tips will provide you with all the advice needed to make sure that your relocation goes smoothly. From beginning to end we’ll cover everything related to preparing for a successful transition so get ready for a stress-free experience!

How to Prepare to Move: 13 Tips

1. Set a budget

To begin creating a budget, make a list of all the expenses associated with your relocation such as packing materials, rental fees, fuel or transportation fees, professional movers, and any possible storage costs. Once this list is made, sit down and itemize each cost and assign it a total amount. Be sure to add in additional costs that come from unexpected circumstances.

2. Prepare a moving plan

Taking the time to outline the details of your upcoming move can help avoid extra stress and anxiety down the line. Make a list of tasks that need to be done with deadlines attached. Outline in detail how to prepare for movers as well as what to do on the moving day. This will create a timeline for all aspects of the relocation, from packing to setting up utilities in your new home.

3. Find reliable movers

Don’t settle for the first company you find — do some research! Look up reviews online of different local movers, get bids from companies, read customer feedback on various services, and ask around. Stick with movers such as https://www.puremovers.com/services/residential/ that have years of experience and provide insurance that covers losses and damage alike.

4. Create an inventory of items and get rid of unwanted things

One great way how to prepare for movers is to create a detailed inventory of all the items you’ll be bringing with you. Taking the time to go through each room or area in your current home. Logging the items and their estimated value will help you keep track of your possessions and any insurance claims that may need to be made during the relocation.

5. Start packing ahead

Packing ahead of time will help make sure you don’t forget things and have enough time to properly label boxes and arrange everything safely. To make packing simpler, start with items you use less often such as seasonal decorations or items in storage. As the big day draws near, focus on packing what’s necessary to keep things running smoothly while you transition into your new home.

6. Pack belongings by room

To make packing more organized, one important tip is to pack belongings by room. All items in the bedroom should be packed together, and likewise, everything from the kitchen should be kept in that same box. This makes unpacking much easier because when you arrive at your new house, you will know exactly which boxes contain which items and where they should go.

7. Label boxes

Be sure to include the contents of each box on the label, as well as which room in your new place it should go in. On top of saving time and energy, by labeling each box you’ll have a general idea of what needs to be unpacked first upon arrival so you can get settled in more quickly.

8. Pack a “first-day box”

There are so many details to attend to that one might feel overwhelmed at the thought of it all. One tip on how to prepare to move effectively is to pack a first-day box. This should include items that you will need from the moment you move into your new house until everything else is unpacked and put away. The box should thus contain essential items such as toothbrushes, toiletries, snacks, coffee, cell phone chargers, spare change for laundry, and any other things that you might need as soon as you’ve arrived in your new place.

9. Plan for small children and pets

Relocating to a new home can be an overwhelming experience when there are small children and pets involved. One of the best tips is to put together an essentials bag for each of them that will include things such as toys, treats, snacks, leashes, litter box items as well as their beds or blankets. Plus, you may want to ask relatives and friends to babysit on the moving day to ensure kids and pets alike are taken care of when you are busy moving.

10. Transfer utilities

Transferring utilities beforehand means you won’t have to worry about not having heat or electricity when you arrive at your new residence. Besides, many utility companies will offer discounts or special offers for transferring your service which helps keep costs down.

11. Change your address

Changing your address will ensure that all important mail items such as bills and personal letters get sent to your new home without any complications. It’s best to start this process in advance and provide full details on where the mail should be delivered to, such as apartment numbers or suite numbers if applicable.

12. Change your locks

Even if the previous owners left you a spare set of keys, it’s best to go ahead and change out all of the door locks just in case they misplaced another copy somewhere. Make sure to buy high-quality locks with multiple tumblers so they are harder to pick or jimmy open.

13. Meet your neighbors

Finally, one of the new home moving tips often overlooked is to meet your neighbors as soon as possible. Introducing yourself to the people around you at your new home will not only help ensure a positive living environment but will make it easier when you call upon them for any practical help.

Conclusion

Moving can be an exciting experience and a great opportunity for starting fresh in a new place. Following the above tips on how to prepare for a move will help you to ensure that your relocation is successful and runs as smoothly as possible. With the right pre-planning and organizational tactics you can make the transition happen without too much stress. Good luck with your upcoming move! We hope it goes off without a hitch!