Moving can be an exciting occasion, but it can quickly become overwhelming if you do not plan appropriately and create manageable tasks to tackle in the weeks before moving day. While some things cannot be handled until the week before a move, the process of transitioning to a new address starts long before that.
Leading up to your move there are a variety of proactive steps you can take to make the process much easier. Because of this, we’ve created a timeline of helpful advice that you can review today and implement throughout the coming weeks to make things easier as your relocation gets nearer:
With plenty of time before moving day, now is a great time to look into the following:
It is a good idea to reach out to moving companies as soon as you decide you will be moving. Most movers prefer to receive at least six weeks’ notice from customers in order to properly plan for their move. Get quotes from two to three moving companies and pick the mover that can best care for your belongings and your needs, while still offering a good price. Once you’ve selected a mover you should have a personal move coordinator assigned to your move (you will if you choose Corrigan!) – don’t hesitate to contact this person if you have any questions or wish to discuss any changes that need to occur.
Whether your house is small or spacious, tour every room and storage space in your home and determine what to move and what to sell or donate. Since moving costs are based on weight, it’s important to keep in mind that the cost of moving an item might be greater than the cost of replacing it.
The excitement of moving comes with the urge to buy new furniture and decorations that will make your new house feel like the home you’ve always dreamed of owning. To satisfy your decoration desires, create an interior design wish list for how you would like your new home to look. Don’t buy new items and then pay to move them; postpone those purchases until you arrive at your new home. Similarly, if you know you will be replacing a current item, discard the old piece before moving. Formalizing a list of what’s coming and going is a great way to plan ahead.
A key part of moving is making sure items arrive in the same condition as they were in before the move. The easiest way to ensure this is to have a professional packing team box up your items. If you are looking to save some money and have free time on your hands, choosing to do-it-yourself can also be a good option. If you are packing, we have a list of packing tips to help you learn how to pack your personal possessions like a pro.
Moving can be a hectic and confusing time for the entire family, especially children. You can make the transition easier for your kids before moving day by explaining all the advantages and opportunities that come with moving to a new city, like how they’ll have new things to see and do and new friends to make. Finding unique ways to involve them in the moving process will also help make the move easier. Let kids help pack some of their most prized personal possessions or help make creative moving announcements.
Even though packing may still be weeks away, collecting boxes, containers and protective materials can never start early enough. Now is also a great time to start planning how each room will be packed. Set weekly goals and deadlines to ensure all packing is completed before moving day.
Although the moving process has only just begun, if you follow these simple tips, you’ll be in good shape for the weeks before moving day and well on your way to having a successful and stress-free new home.
