There is no getting around it, moving is overwhelming. Packing, wrapping, tossing, donating – it’s work – a whole lot of work! But if you take the time to prepare for the weeks ahead, you will feel better knowing there is an end in sight.
Survive your move by doing these 10 things before you embark on your new adventure.
Once you have found your new home, it’s a good time to start looking for a reputable moving company. After all, you are entrusting someone with all your personal items. Choose a company who comes highly recommended, has positive online reviews and a good Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. We are proud to say, we received an A+ by the Better Business Bureau®.
When you have found a reputable moving company near you, give some thought to your moving date. Weekend rates may be higher than midweek, just as the beginning or end of month may be busier than mid-month. Consider the seasons too. Summer is the most popular to moving – winter – not so much. Moving during the less desirable time of the week, month or year may save you money. Moving soon? Request a FREE ESTIMATE today!
Notify the USPS, credit card companies, banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and magazine or newspaper subscriptions about three weeks before your move-in date. Changing your address is easy to do and can be done online, but it may take a few weeks for things to take effect. Don’t wait until you move to make the change, so things aren’t lost in the mail.
Depending on where you are moving, you will need to notify your old utility providers to disconnect service at your old address. You will also need to add these services to your new location. Give your gas, electric, water, sewage, TV and internet providers two- or three-weeks’ notice of the changes. The last thing you need is to pay for service at an address you no longer live or be without the services you need at your new place.
Whether you ask a local retailer for boxes they are tossing, or you are purchasing moving boxes, be sure you have enough. Consider saving newspapers, old magazines, or paper bags for packing and wrapping. Buy bubble wrap or filler paper for expensive items like antiques and china and get yourself a healthy supply of packaging tape.
There are a lot of things we tend to hold on to that simply aren’t necessary. As you begin to pack, begin to part ways with the things you really don’t need. Go through things like your medicine cabinets, bathroom closets, junk drawers, filing cabinets, and shoe bins. Do yourself a favor and toss (or shred) what you don’t need and donate the rest.
Moving doesn’t happen overnight, or over a few nights for that matter. Packing can take weeks, so take your time. Be organized about your methods. For example, set aside a room per day (or two) – and move on to the next room. Pack “like” things together and label everything.
When you move, you probably won’t be packing those half-eaten boxes of cereal, open bags of snacks or other open pantry items. Take this time to consider eating what is left in your pantry, toss out what’s outdated and donate the rest to a local food pantry.
Your first night in your new home will likely consist of eating take-out at a “table and chairs” made of cardboard boxes! As you wrap up packing, pack some essentials for your first night in your new home. Consider putting aside a box or two for a change of clothes, toiletries, toilet paper, cell phone chargers and anything else you may need.
Before it’s all said and done, it’s a good idea to go through your house with a fine-tooth comb. Look in each closet, cupboard, cabinet, and crawlspace. Look upstairs in the attic and downstairs in the basement. Check every room, and don’t forget your back patio or shed. Before you lock-it up, take one final walk-through and be sure nothing is left behind.
Searching for a moving company near you? Since 1914, Gardner Moving has helped Pittsburgh residents move near and far. We received Angie’s List’s 2015 Super Service Award. And if that’s not enough – check out what our customers have to say!
Need a moving company near you? Call us today! 412-257-4443.
