Life is all about decisions. You make choices every day, though many of these are insignificant and require little thought and planning. Other decisions are life-changing and warrant strong consideration. Moving to a new place is in the latter category. If you are thinking about a change of venue, you have a lot on your plate and many critical responsibilities.
Going through with a move is not something you can plan and execute in just a couple of days or even weeks. If you want things to go smoothly and for your move to be successful, you need to be smart and thorough. There are some helpful steps you can take to increase your likelihood of success and to have a good experience.
Whether you have children or whether you are on your own; whether you are moving because of a job change; or whether you are moving because you want to start over somewhere new, moving is not an endeavor to take lightly.
Start Getting Price Quotes from Moving Companies
If you are thinking about moving without the helping of professionals, you might want to reconsider. Professional moving companies offer benefits that you can’t get from moving alone or having a few family members and friends help you. Moving companies have years of experience moving people short and long distances. Whether you have a huge or small load of belongings, hiring a professional moving company makes sense.
Professional movers are fast and efficient. Moving crews are skilled at packing boxes and other materials onto the truck safely and effectively. Movers are also equipped to lift and move heavy and oversized items, even up flights of stairs, around corners, and in small doorways. Professional moving companies are also licensed and insured.
Don’t wait until a few weeks before you schedule a moving company. Start right away to obtain price quotes and find the right place for your needs. If possible, move during the week or outside of the busier summer months. Moving companies are more available during these times.
Take Inventory and Organize
If you start looking around your house, you may discover materials and belongings that you didn’t remember you had. If you are thinking about moving, this is the perfect chance to declutter and purge your home of unnecessary items. Check your closets, garage, basement, and attic for possessions that you haven’t used in years. You could very well discover clothes that no longer fit or match your style. You might realize that you have toys, games, or sports equipment that your kids have outgrown.
Separate these items from those belongings you will need to take with you. Then, decide whether you want to donate, sell, or simply discard these things. Yard sales and online classifieds sites are good options for selling unneeded items.
This process has a few benefits. First, you can save yourself time and effort in loading and unloading the moving truck. Your load will be smaller, which can save you money. You can also make some extra cash by selling those belongings you are ready to part with.
Gather Packing Materials
To get started with your move, you’ll need to find ways to pack and transport your belongings. Scour your home for spare boxes lying around. If you don’t have any, you don’t have to spend a lot of money by purchasing new ones at the store. Ask friends, family members, or neighbors if they have any spare boxes available. You may even be able to take boxes that local businesses are giving away free of charge.
An alternative to using boxes is to pack as much as you can in suitcases, duffle bags, laundry baskets, and clothes hampers. Garbage sacks are also good options for packing light items such as clothes and linens. Also, instead of using bubble wrap, try protecting your precious materials with blankets, towels, or bedding.
Scope Out Your New Place
When you know when and where you’re moving, it’s time to start house hunting. Decide whether you plan on buying or renting. Then, start researching the right options in your new city. If you have children, you may want to look for places close to schools. It’s also helpful to search for housing near your office.
Once you have found a new place to live, get to know the neighborhood and surroundings. If you can, visit the area in the weeks before you move. Get a good feel for the popular activities and places to see and visit. You may even be able to meet your future neighbors.
You can reduce a lot of stress with your move by careful, effective planning. The sooner you begin, the better you will feel about your decision and the moving process. Put these tips into practice so your move will be much less of a burden.
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