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What to Do First When Getting Ready to Move? [2024]
Moving to a new home can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. With so many tasks to tackle, it’s important to have a plan in place to ensure a smooth and successful move. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential steps you should take when getting ready to move. From finding a reputable moving company to decluttering your belongings, we’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in and make your moving process a breeze!
Quick Answer
When getting ready to move, here are the top 12 things you should do:
- Get estimates from movers.
- Select a mover and review the details of the move.
- Collect cardboard boxes.
- Begin packing little-used items.
- Go through your stuff and identify unwanted items.
- Have a garage sale.
- Donate items to charity.
- Notify correspondents of your move.
- Plan menus to use up leftover food.
- Arrange air travel for family, if necessary.
- Organize your house for moving packing.
- Hire professional cleaners for your new home.
Now, let’s explore each of these steps in detail and provide you with expert advice to make your move a success.
Quick Tips and Facts
- Moving can be a stressful process, but with proper planning and organization, it can also be an exciting adventure.
- Start preparing for your move at least two months in advance to ensure you have enough time to complete all the necessary tasks.
- Create a moving checklist to keep track of everything you need to do and stay organized throughout the process.
- Label your moving boxes with the contents and the room they belong to. This will make unpacking much easier.
- Consider hiring professional movers to handle the heavy lifting and transportation of your belongings. They have the experience and equipment to ensure a smooth move.
Background: The Importance of Proper Preparation
Moving to a new home is a significant life event that requires careful planning and preparation. By taking the time to get organized and tackle important tasks in advance, you can minimize stress and ensure a successful move. Proper preparation will also help you save time and money, as well as protect your belongings during the transition.
Now, let’s dive into the 12 essential steps you should take when getting ready to move.
12: Get Estimates from Movers
One of the first things you should do when getting ready to move is to get estimates from moving companies. This will give you an idea of the cost involved and help you choose the right mover for your needs. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Research and compare multiple moving companies to find the best fit for your budget and requirements.
- Request in-home estimates whenever possible, as they tend to be more accurate than phone or online estimates.
- Ask about additional services offered by the movers, such as packing and unpacking, storage options, and insurance coverage.
- Read reviews and check the company’s credentials to ensure they are reputable and reliable.
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11: Select a Mover and Review the Details of the Move
Once you have received estimates from different movers, it’s time to select the one that best suits your needs. Here’s what you should do:
- Review the details of the move with the chosen mover, including the moving date, estimated delivery time, and any special requirements you may have.
- Read the contract carefully and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions before signing it.
- Clarify any doubts or concerns you may have regarding charges, packing services, and the terms of the security deposit.
- Keep a copy of the contract and any other important documents related to the move.
10: Collect Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes are essential for packing and organizing your belongings during a move. Here are some ways to collect them:
- Ask friends, family, and neighbors if they have any spare boxes they no longer need.
- Check with local businesses, such as grocery stores, liquor stores, and bookstores, as they often have extra boxes they are willing to give away.
- Look for online platforms where people offer free moving boxes, such as Freecycle or Craigslist.
9: Begin Packing Little-Used Items
Start packing items that you don’t use frequently, such as seasonal clothing, decorations, or rarely used kitchen appliances. Here are some tips to make the packing process more efficient:
- Use sturdy boxes and packing materials to protect your belongings during the move.
- Pack similar items together and label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to.
- Pack small items in big boxes and large items in small boxes to prevent breakage and make carrying them easier.
8: Go Through Your Stuff and Identify Unwanted Items
Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need or want. Here’s how to tackle this task:
- Go through each room and sort your belongings into three categories: keep, donate, and discard.
- Consider having a garage sale to sell unwanted items and make some extra cash.
- Donate items that are in good condition to local charities or nonprofit organizations.
- Properly dispose of items that cannot be donated or sold.
7: Have a Garage Sale
A garage sale is a great way to get rid of unwanted items and make some extra money before your move. Here’s how to organize a successful garage sale:
- Advertise your garage sale in local newspapers, online classifieds, and community bulletin boards.
- Display your items neatly and clearly price them.
- Consider offering discounts for bulk purchases or towards the end of the sale to encourage buyers.
- Donate any unsold items to charity or arrange for a bulk pickup service to dispose of them.
6: Donate Items to Charity
Donating unwanted items to charity is a meaningful way to give back to the community and help those in need. Here’s how to go about it:
- Research local charities and nonprofit organizations that accept donations.
- Contact them to find out what items they are currently accepting and any specific requirements they may have.
- Schedule a pickup or drop off your donations at their designated location.
5: Notify Correspondents of Your Move
Informing organizations, friends, and family of your move is crucial to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s who you should notify:
- Update your address with utility companies, banks, credit card companies, and any other financial institutions you have accounts with.
- Notify your employer, schools, and healthcare providers of your new address.
- Fill out a change of address form with the postal service to have your mail forwarded to your new home.
4: Plan Menus to Use Up Leftover Food
As moving day approaches, it’s a good idea to plan your meals to use up any nonperishable food items you have. Here are some tips:
- Take inventory of your pantry and freezer and create menus based on the items you already have.
- Consider donating excess food to local food banks or shelters to help those in need.
3: Arrange Air Travel for Family, if Necessary
If you’re moving to a faraway city or country, you may need to arrange air travel for your family members. Here’s what you should do:
- Research airlines and compare prices to find the best deals.
- Book your tickets well in advance to secure the best prices and ensure availability.
- Consider arranging travel for your pets if you’re moving with them.
2: Organize Your House for Moving Packing
To make the packing process more efficient, it’s important to organize your house properly. Here are some tips:
- Start by decluttering and getting rid of items you no longer need.
- Pack room by room, labeling each box with its contents and the room it belongs to.
- Create an inventory of your belongings to keep track of everything during the move.
For more detailed information on organizing your house for moving packing, check out our article on How do I organize my house for moving packing? 2024.
1: Hire Professional Cleaners for Your New Home
Before moving into your new home, it’s a good idea to hire professional cleaners to ensure it’s clean and ready for your arrival. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- Professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment to thoroughly clean your new home.
- They can save you time and energy, allowing you to focus on other aspects of the move.
- A clean home will make the unpacking process more enjoyable and hygienic.
FAQ
Where do I start when getting ready to move?
When getting ready to move, start by creating a moving checklist and setting a timeline for completing each task. Begin by getting estimates from movers, collecting cardboard boxes, and decluttering your belongings. From there, you can move on to packing, notifying correspondents of your move, and making necessary travel arrangements.
Read more about “How do I organize my house for moving packing? …”
How do I start preparing to move house?
To start preparing to move house, begin by decluttering and getting rid of unwanted items. Collect cardboard boxes and packing materials, and start packing nonessential items. Notify correspondents of your move, plan menus to use up leftover food, and arrange any necessary travel. Finally, organize your house for moving packing and hire professional cleaners for your new home.
Read more about “What Should I Do 2 Weeks Before Moving? …”
How far in advance should you prepare to move?
It’s recommended to start preparing to move at least two months in advance. This will give you enough time to complete all the necessary tasks, such as finding a mover, collecting packing supplies, and decluttering your belongings. Starting early will help reduce stress and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
Read more about “How do I prepare for a move in 6 weeks? …”
How long in advance should you start packing?
Ideally, you should start packing at least a few weeks before your move. Begin by packing items you don’t use frequently, such as seasonal clothing and decorations. As moving day approaches, pack essential items last. Remember to label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to for easy unpacking.
Read more about “Things to Do Before Moving In …”
Conclusion
Getting ready to move can be a daunting task, but with proper planning and organization, it can also be an exciting adventure. By following the 12 essential steps outlined in this article, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful move. From getting estimates from movers to hiring professional cleaners for your new home, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition. Remember to stay organized, declutter, and take advantage of professional services to make your move as stress-free as possible.
If you’re looking for more moving tips and advice, be sure to check out our other articles on Moving Checklist™ for comprehensive guides and checklists to help you throughout the moving process.
Recommended Links
- Moving Checklist™: Pre-Move Planning
- Moving Checklist™: Moving Essentials
- Moving Checklist™: Moving Day Checklist
- Moving Checklist™: Packing Tips
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