If you’re relocating soon, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and a little bit stressed. After all, relocation is such a big step! But don’t worry – we’re here to help. Below, we’ve compiled a list of moving day tips to help make the last few hours in your home go as smoothly as possible. So read on and get ready to tackle the relocation like a pro!
Create a Detailed Moving To-Do List
Making a to-do list is one of the most important things when preparing for a move. It will help ensure that everything gets done and that nothing is forgotten. The last days before the move can be a bit hectic, so it’s essential to have a plan. When creating a relocation checklist, you should:
- Start by creating a list of all the tasks that need to be done, no matter how small,
- Prioritize the tasks by importance and order them from most to least important,
- Make sure to include a timeline for each job so you can stay on track,
- Delegate tasks to family members or friends, if possible, and determine how they could help
This list is an important tool to help you plan and execute a move successfully. However, creating it also has some other benefits. It can help you reduce relocation stress by providing a clear plan of action. It’s a great way to lower your anxiety about moving out and make your move easier.
Wake up Bright and Early Is One of the Best Moving Day Tips You Can Get
Getting an early start is mandatory when it comes to this part of relocating to a new city. First of all, you’ll have more time to get everything done at a leisurely pace. If you sleep in, there is a high chance that you’ll have to rush through everything that needs to be done, which can lead to making severe relocation mistakes. Fortunately, you can avoid it simply by waking up early.
Of course, note that an early start will also help you avoid the heat – both figuratively and literally. The afternoon is typically the busiest time for relocating. However, the sooner you lock the doors of your old home, the better your chance of avoiding heavy traffic is. Additionally, it’s usually cooler in the morning, so you won’t have to worry about dealing with the heat.
Still, it doesn’t mean that you should get only a few hours of sleep. People who are sleep-deprived are more likely to make mistakes and have accidents. This is especially dangerous when you need to deal with the physically demanding work the next day – such as the relocation. To conclude – make sure you go to bed early the night before the move, and get an early start in the morning.
Make Sure You Wear Comfy Clothes
Don’t risk bruised shins and crushed fingers and toes. Instead, consider wearing long pants, shoes with laces, and a long-sleeve shirt that will protect your arms from scratches and bruises. In addition, note that clothing that fits too loosely increases the risk of snagging on furniture, garden equipment, and doorknobs, which can result in unnecessary injuries and damage. One of the most helpful tips for moving and choosing clothes is also to prepare for adverse weather conditions if it looks like you’re going to move during the rain or snow.
Try to Minimize Packing During the Moving Day
When relocating to a new state, it’s important to start packing well in advance. Trying to do everything in just a few days can make the process more difficult and stressful. Therefore, make sure you start on time – or simply get packing services and leave wrapping and protecting your items to professional movers from California to Seattle (or movers from Seattle to California).
However, there are items that you’ll use up until the morning of the move, such as medicine, bathroom supplies, electronics, kitchenware, and the like. Still, make sure there aren’t many of these items left to pack when the relocation date is approaching. Keep a few boxes on hand to accommodate these products to make the procedure quick and simple.
Pack up a Bag of Essentials in Advance
When relocation to a new home is fast approaching, pack a bag with relocation essentials to make things go more smoothly. This way, you’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips during the trip and when you arrive at a future place. Some essential items to pack in your bag include:
- Toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, body soap,
- Medical supplies – prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, a first-aid kit,
- Clothing – a few changes of clothes, including underwear and socks,
- Bedding – sheets, pillow, blanket,
- Electronics and charger for your phone, laptop,
- Other essential items – keys, ID, credit cards, cash, important documents
You should pack some of these necessities a few days before you move so that you’re not scrambling to find things at the last minute. However, there will be some that you can’t pack until the morning of the relation comes (chargers, money, medicines, and things alike), so ensure not to forget to box them up when the time comes. Additionally, keep in mind that these items must be a part of your personal luggage – they should not be loaded with the rest of the stuff.
How to Start the Task of Moving From a Large Home to a Smaller?
If you’re downsizing and moving to a smaller home, it’s likely that you’ll have fewer items to protect and pack – but that doesn’t mean you’ll have less work altogether. Moving to a smaller house always implies more decluttering, which cannot be left for the last few days before the move. Have you weighed the pros and cons of moving to a smaller home and decided you don’t need a large living space? If so, leave enough time for purging your place and make sure you leave behind all items you don’t use or need – it’s one of the first things to do when you plan to live in a smaller space.
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Set Aside Cleaning Supplies
After being devoid of furniture, even homes inhabited by the most meticulous housekeepers will need to be cleaned thoroughly. After the movers have left and you’ve completed your last walk-through, you’ll probably have to do some dusting and sweeping to get your old house or apartment ready for its new occupants. To make the space look tidy, all you need is a dustpan and broom, an all-purpose cleaner, trash bags, and sponges.
Remember that these cleaning chemicals are some of the items movers won’t move. After you’re done cleaning, you can dispose of them appropriately, leave them with your friends or neighbors, or make them a part of your relocation essentials. After all, one of the best move-in-day tips is to have cleaning supplies by your side to help you tidy up the new place before the furniture arrives.
Hire a Babysitter and a Pet Sitter
If you’re relocating with kids or planning to move with pets, hiring a babysitter and a pet sitter can be a lifesaver. It can take a lot of stress off of you but also ensure that your kids and pets are taken care of while you’re busy with the move. You can make plans for them to spend this period with some of your friends or relatives. However, if it’s not possible, here are some tips on how to find and hire the right sitters for your family:
- Talk to friends, family, and neighbors who have used babysitters or pet sitters before and ask for recommendations,
- Once you have a few names, check out their online reviews,
- Make sure to interview the sitters ahead of time and ask them about their experience and qualifications.
- Be sure to let the sitters know what your expectations are, and make sure they are comfortable with those expectations.
- Keep a backup plan in place in case the sitter cancels at the last minute or is unable to show up for some reason.
Schedule Utility Transfer on Time
When you’re relocating, you must transfer (or cancel) power, water, and other utilities – they all must be turned off when you leave the old place and turned on when you arrive at the new one. If the transfer is possible, it can be done easily online or over the phone, but you’ll need to have your new address handy.
Depending on your utility company, you may be able to do a same-day transfer, but it’s always best to plan ahead to avoid any headaches. However, if your current company doesn’t do business in your new city, you may need to contact a new utility provider before the move.
If you can use some tips on how to transfer utilities effortlessly, take a look at the video below:
Prepare the Home for Cross-Country Movers
Deep clean your place before movers come
Cleaning is not reserved only for the final walkthrough of your old residence – the biggest part of it must be done before movers arrive. You can begin your move-out cleaning several days before the scheduled date. You can either hire a cleaning service or do the deep cleaning on your own. Cleaning one room each day will ensure that you know how to get your house ready for movers. In this manner, everything will be thoroughly cleaned without requiring a lot of your energy.
Clear the pathways
Professionals will pack furniture and other bulky items first when they arrive. When you begin to arrange your boxes throughout the house, keep that in mind. Make sure they have sufficient room to move large items; if you make a pathway for them, they will carry everything more quickly. It would be beneficial if you could check all of your entrances to determine whether your furniture would fit. If you determine that more space would be beneficial, you might have to remove the doors.
Secure the parking for the relocation truck
If you’re hiring professionals or renting a relocation truck, be sure to secure parking space for it in advance. Many apartments and condos have strict regulations about where moving trucks can park, so it’s important to find out the rules before you book your truck. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your leasing office or building management for advice. They should be able to point you in the right direction and help you avoid any potential problems.
Get food and beverages for everyone
You’re going to need to keep your energy up during this time, so make sure you have plenty of food and drinks on hand. If you’re hiring movers, ask them if they provide refreshments for their crews; if not, be prepared to supply your own. Don’t forget to include snacks and drinks for yourself and any friends or family helping you move. A few pizzas or a cooler full of sandwiches, chips, and beverages will help everyone stay fueled.
Have some cash for tips
Tipping the workers is a great way to show your appreciation for all their hard work. Determine how much to tip movers depending on the size of the move and how difficult it was. If you have some extra cash on hand and you’re satisfied with the long-distance moving services provided, consider tipping a bit more.
Have a Final Walkthrough When the Long-Distance Moving Team Leaves
No matter how careful you believe you have been, some items can always be hidden in the corners of your semi-empty house. You won’t be the owner or renter anymore, so make sure to give the place a good once-over before you leave. Pay extra attention to inspecting unused rooms, including attics, basements, and sheds, and check all drawers, cabinets, and closets. Only when you’re certain nothing is forgotten should you turn the lock and start the trip to your future residence.
With the Right Long-Distance Moving Company, the Relocation Process Can Be Much More Manageable
Vast distance is no longer an issue when you have the right cross-country moving company by your side to help with the heavy lifting, packing, and logistics. When you’re ready to start planning your move, be sure to choose a reputable relocation company with an experienced and skilled team. They will be able to make every part of your relocation much easier – including the big day of your move.