Are you moving to a new home soon? According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2021, 8.4% of Americans decided to change their living location. A residential mover can help with certain aspects of the move, but you need to make sure you and your family are ready for them. Here are a few things you should consider doing before the movers arrive.
1. Sort and Document Everything
Before you can begin preparing for the move, you need to have a good understanding of what you actually own. When was the last time you went through all the boxes in your garage or basement? The sooner you start working on this, the better. If you don’t take stock of what’s in your house, you’re going to have a hard time finding anything once you get to your new home, and you may end up moving things you didn’t even need. Decide which things you want to keep and which ones are no longer needed.
Luckily, if you start this project well before the move, you can take your sweet time. Dedicate one day each weekend to work on sorting through a single room. As you sort through your belongings, document what you have. This could be a written list, a spreadsheet, or photos. One of the fastest ways to do this is to take a video. Slowly pan your phone or camera around the room and describe each item you plan on bringing with you. Another benefit of this method is that even if you forget to mention something, it will still be shown in the video footage. For the most valuable items, write down a description, any serial numbers, and the value of the item. Your local residential mover can offer additional tips on organizing your items.
2. Discard Unwanted Items
Once you’ve sorted through your belongings, it’s time to start discarding anything that you don’t want to move. This could include old furniture, clothes, appliances, or anything else that you no longer need or use. Anything in good condition can be donated to a charity or sold in a yard sale. Trash and recycling should be discarded so it’s not in your way during the move. Any old documents you have should be shredded and properly disposed of. If you’re not sure what to do with something, ask your moving company for advice.
3. Set Aside the Essentials
There are certain items you’ll want on hand while you’re moving. This includes things like clothes, toiletries, food, and important documents. The last thing you want is to make a stop at a gas station on your way to your new home, only to find that your wallet is inside a box at the back of the moving truck. You’ll want to pack these items separately so that you have easy access to them on moving day. Make a checklist of everything you’ll need and look it over before you begin packing.
4. Pack Up
It’s time to start packing. Luckily, any qualified residential mover can help you with this process. Ask your moving company about their packing services and make a plan. Since they move things every day, they’ll know the best way to pack up your belongings to keep them organized and safe.
5. Clean Your Home
While it may seem odd to clean a home you’re about to move out of, it’s beneficial to you, the residential mover, and whoever’s moving into it! With one last top-to-bottom cleaning, you can double-check that absolutely nothing was missed during packing. While you may have packed up the kitchen, there’s a chance you may have forgotten to pack some serving dishes way in the back of a cabinet or in the pantry. Once you’ve cleaned, both you and the movers will know that there’s nothing left to pack, and the new homeowners will appreciate moving into a nice, clean house.
By taking these steps, the actual move will be a quick and easy process. You’ll soon be enjoying your new home with everything in its place. Do you have more questions about moving? As an experienced residential mover, 208 Moving Company can help. Call today for more information or to get a free estimate on our packing and moving services.
