Starting your move with a plan is crucial for a smooth change. Experts like Laura McHolm, Brian Brooks, and NEAT Method’s Ashley Murphy and Marissa Hagmeyer share their knowledge. They highlight the need to prepare one to two months ahead.
They suggest turning off your current utilities and starting to sort your belongings. You should decide what to keep, donate, or throw away. Also, it’s smart to look for and book trusted movers early, and set up new services in your future home.
An 8-week plan is ideal for a less stressful move. It’s smart to get quotes from three moving companies to budget better. For families, choosing new schools should begin six weeks before the move. Keeping track of your stuff can help avoid losing them, as 25% of people do during moves.
Taking off work 1-2 weeks before you move is a good idea. Start packing things you don’t often use two weeks before moving. Doing small fixes before you leave could help get your full security deposit back—often around $1,200 in cities.
Planning early is a must. With our tips and a detailed moving list, you’ll have everything needed for a well-organized move.
Planning Your Move in Advance
Starting your move preparations early can help lower stress and improve efficiency. Over 60% of movers share this concern. We suggest beginning at least eight weeks before your move. Set up a digital folder to keep all moving papers, like quotes, receipts, and inventory lists. Keeping things organized is key for a smooth move.
First, look into several moving companies and get estimates. This step ensures you get the best service at a fair price. Move costs can vary a lot, from $2,000 to $5,000 for short moves and $4,000 to $10,000 for longer ones. About 30% of people choose professional movers, so picking wisely is important.
Setting up a moving budget is crucial. Make sure to read all contracts with your chosen company carefully. This prevents surprise costs. Most moving companies have an hourly rate, from $100 to $250, depending on services and location.
Make a detailed moving checklist early on. This reduces the chance of forgetting key items, which happens to around 70% of movers. Also, booking moving services early keeps your moving plan on track. This way you can make changes if needed, without last-minute worries.
Here is a summary table to assist your move planning:
| Task | Recommended Start Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Initiate Moving Timeline | 8 Weeks Prior | Create a digital folder for documents |
| Research Moving Companies | 8 Weeks Prior | Compare estimates from several companies |
| Set Moving Budget | 8 Weeks Prior | Review all contracts and agreements |
| Schedule Moving Services | 6-8 Weeks Prior | Book your preferred moving date |
| Create Moving Checklist | 6 Weeks Prior | Ensure no important items are forgotten |
Things to do before moving: Planning early and carefully organizing your move can make the whole process easier and less stressful. By following these strategies, you’re on your way to a successful move.
Sorting and Decluttering Your Home
Start decluttering early, ideally between two to twelve months before you move. This early start helps reduce stress. Tackling one to two rooms every weekend makes this big task easier. Set aside one to three hours each week for decluttering to get into a routine. If moving day is near, you might need three to six hours instead.
Begin by sorting items to decide what to keep, give away, or throw out. Getting kids involved often leads to a more honest cleanup, helping to give away unused items. Thinking about your new space helps decide what fits and works well, especially in smaller homes.
Many find they can get rid of half to three-quarters of their stuff when they start decluttering. You can sell things at a garage sale, online, or donate them. This can also help others and possibly give you extra money.
To cut down on what you move, consider using portable storage options like PODS. This avoids paying movers to deal with stuff you don’t want. If an item takes less than 20 minutes and less than $20 to replace, consider getting rid of it.
Waiting too long to declutter can mean not doing it right, with too much or too little gone. Starting before you list your home for sale makes it look better. Though, be wary, using storage units for too long can just move the clutter elsewhere.
Be thoughtful about sentimental items. Replacing them with similar items or taking photos can help you decide. It’s important to check that what you keep is in good shape, including linens and projects you haven’t finished.
- Start decluttering two to twelve months before moving.
- Involve children to assess their belongings accurately.
- Typically, discard or donate one-half to three-fourths of belongings.
- Schedule one to three hours of weekly decluttering time.
- Utilize the 20/20 rule for a more efficient process.
- Consider temporary storage solutions like PODS.
- Begin decluttering before listing your home for sale.
- Use photos as memory aids for sentimental items.
Things to Do Before Moving
In the busy time before moving, there are important tasks to tackle for a smooth change. Making sure your moving plans are set is a top priority. Whether you’re hiring a moving company or counting on friends, getting details nailed down early helps avoid problems later.
Telling your neighbors about your move is smart. This keeps things friendly and handles parking issues beforehand. Also, set up your new utilities early. Having electricity, water, and internet ready means your new home will be comfortable right away.
Things to do before moving: Don’t forget to clean your old place. This matters if you want your security deposit back or to stay on good terms with your landlord. A clean space also makes a positive last impression and smooths the handover.
Moving stress is common, with 80% feeling the strain and thinking “never again.” But, careful planning and handling key tasks can greatly cut down on this stress.
- Confirm Moving Arrangements: Double-check hiring details and schedules with your chosen moving company or helpers.
- Notify Neighbors: Inform them about your upcoming move to avoid parking issues and noise complaints.
- Finalize Utility Setups: Arrange for electricity, water, internet, and other utilities to be active upon arrival at your new home.
- Clean Previous Residence: Ensure you leave your old place spotless to secure your security deposit and maintain good relations.
- Measurement and Fit: Measure new spaces to ensure your large furniture fits; 60% of movers stress this step’s importance.
Things to do before moving: Only 10% of people let all relevant parties know about their move, often causing delays. Handling these key moving tasks simply can help you stay on budget. Moving costs usually range from $1,000 to $5,000 for most homes.
| Task | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Confirm Arrangements | Prevents last-minute complications and ensures timely assistance. |
| Notify Neighbors | Avoids parking issues and maintains good relations. |
| Finalize Utilities | Ensures comfort and avoids service interruptions. |
| Clean Residence | Secures deposit refund and maintains positive impressions. |
| Measure New Spaces | Prevents fitting issues with large furniture. |
Dealing with important moving tasks and sorting things out efficiently means a smooth move to your new home. Planning well can help control costs and stress, letting you begin your next chapter positively.
Choosing and Booking a Moving Company
Start by asking friends and family for recommendations or read online reviews. This helps in picking a trusted mover. Over 75% of customers find online reviews very important in their choice. Check that the moving company has the right licenses and insurance as required by law. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that 85% of interstate movers are legal.
Things to do before moving: It’s important to know the cost upfront. 88% of movers say transparent pricing makes budgeting easier and builds trust. Most people, about 70%, prefer getting an estimate in person for more accurate pricing. Companies that give a fixed price in advance tend to make 90% of their customers happy.
Trying to book a move during the busy season means movers fill up fast. Start early to get your preferred date. About 60% of people need help with packing because they don’t have time or can’t do it physically.
Here is a quick guide on what to look for in a moving company:
| Criteria | Importance | Data |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing & Insurance | High | 85% of movers comply |
| Transparent Pricing | Essential | 88% value this for budgeting |
| In-home Estimates | Preferred | 70% prefer for accuracy |
| Binding Estimates | High | 90% satisfaction rate with these |
| Online Reviews | Influential | 75% read reviews |
| Peak Season Booking | Time-sensitive | Up to 6 weeks in advance |
| Packing & Unpacking Services | Convenient | 60% require these services |
Planning ahead and knowing what to look for make finding a mover easier. Your moving experience will be smoother and less stressful.
Packing Strategies and Tips
Things to do before moving: In five years, we’ve learned a lot about moving. We’ve done it three times successfully and figured out how to pack smartly. Whether you are preparing to move or just looking for tips on packing, having a plan is key. Packing might take a lot of time in moving, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
We start with items we don’t use daily and move to the essentials as the big day gets closer. By packing things we seldom use first, we can keep living our lives with little interruption. We’ve found that medium boxes and bankers boxes work great for packing. Plus, you don’t even need tape for the bankers boxes.
We try to pack most of our stuff a month before our POD arrives. Getting the POD a week before we leave gives us plenty of time to load. By packing carefully, we fully use the POD’s space. This helps us save room and avoid damages, which many POD users worry about.
Experience has taught us that using boxes of the same size is best. This saves space and time. Packing a small apartment can take 1-3 days. A two-bedroom house might need 3-5 days. For a three-bedroom home, it usually takes 5-7 days. And for larger homes, it could be two weeks or more, based on how much stuff you have.
Surveys show that 50% of people don’t get enough packing supplies. To solve this, it’s important to guess accurately and pack wisely. Doing it yourself can save a lot of money, helping keep moving costs under $4,000.
Handle fragile items with care. Experts recommend using 2-3 layers of bubble wrap for protection. It’s best not to pack expensive electronics in PODs. They can get damaged from extreme temperatures and rough treatment.
Having a personal box for each family member helps emotionally during the move. This box, filled to the brim and padded, prevents items from moving around and breaking. Labeling each box clearly with what’s inside and where it should go makes unpacking easier. This helps since 30% of people often forget to label their boxes well.
Handling Permits and Regulations
Things to think about when moving: Moving permits and rules are essential for a smooth move. Getting ready can avoid legal problems and fines.
Research is the first step for getting the right permits. In big cities, you often need a parking permit for your truck. Knowing terms like “street occupancy permit” helps find local rules. Over half the movers need to book parking, so don’t skip this.
Things to remember when moving: Knowing the rules for moving day at both places is also key. Every city or area has its own rules. Following these helps prevent issues. You might need to tell your landlord you’re leaving 30 to 90 days before, depending on local laws and your lease.
Learning about moving laws is critical. This is really important in cities, where parking and scheduling can affect your move’s cost and time. There might be extra fees if your truck can’t park close due to rules.
Here’s an overview to help you manage:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Research Local Permits | Check city regulations and terms like “street occupancy permit”. |
| Secure Permission | Obtain required parking permits for the moving truck. |
| Understand Local Laws | Review residential moving laws to ensure full compliance. |
| Check Notice Requirements | Ensure you provide the correct notice period to landlords based on state laws. |
Things to do when moving: By following these steps, you can avoid legal issues and have a smooth move. It’s all about respecting the rules and planning well.
Preparing Travel Arrangements
It’s key to have all travel plans set before you move. Planning every detail, from flights to rentals, makes your move smoother. Your travel experience on the moving day will be much better.
Start by organizing your travel carefully. Make sure all your flights are booked if you’re moving to another state. Check all the dates and times to avoid problems later. If you’re moving takes more than a day, book hotels early. Aim to confirm your stay at least a week early to dodge any issues.
If driving is part of your relocation plan, give your vehicle a full check. This is to make sure everything works well and avoids breakdowns.
- Apply for an International Driver’s Permit up to 3 weeks before the move if you intend to drive in another country. Processing times can vary by country.
- Check the CDC’s guidelines for vaccination requirements based on your destination to ensure compliance and safety.
- Consider travel insurance, which typically covers emergency medical treatment and personal liability. Coverage specifics may vary by provider.
- Inform your bank of your travel dates to prevent your credit cards from being flagged for fraudulent purchases.
- A week before travel, check the weather forecast. This practice helps tailor your packing list to anticipated conditions.
Remember, airlines have different carry-on luggage weight limits. Keep these in mind to avoid extra charges. Also, get your travel documents ready 2-3 days before your travel day.
Make sure your passport is valid for six months beyond your trip. A traveler in 2020 couldn’t board their flight because of a stamp issue. Check the blank pages needed for your destination.
Things to do when you move: If you have pets or plants, arrange for their care a week before you leave. This ensures they’re taken care of while you’re away.
Here’s a brief table to help plan your travel efficiently:
| Task | Recommended Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Confirm flight bookings | 1 week before |
| Book hotel accommodations | 1 week before |
| Vehicle check-up | Immediately before the move |
| Apply for International Driver’s Permit | 3 weeks prior |
| Check vaccination requirements | 1 week prior or based on destination guidelines |
| Travel insurance | As early as possible |
| Notify bank of travel dates | Before departure |
| Check weather forecast | 1 week prior |
| Organize travel documents | 2-3 days before |
Getting Ready for Moving Day
Preparing for moving day means planning well to make things go smoothly. Up to 40% of people feel anxious the night before moving. A checklist for moving day can really help calm these worries. It should have steps like labeling your boxes and unplugging appliances. Also, make sure nothing is left in closets or cabinets.
Many wait until the last minute to pack, raising stress levels. Around 25% of people do this. Almost 75% remember they have to clean something at the last minute. Always have a box of essentials for when you get to your new place. Issues like finding parking can also slow things down, with 70% facing this problem. Booking a spot for your moving truck early can help avoid these delays.
It’s key to talk to your neighbors about your moving plans. About 60% of families say it’s necessary. Make sure your car is ready for the move to prevent problems, as 45% advise. Offering snacks and drinks to keep movers and yourself energized is a good tip from over 30%. And don’t forget, tipping your movers around $20 each is a nice touch.
