The long househunting process is over and you found your dream home. Now, you have to prepare for the move.
"While it can seem daunting, there are some steps you can take to make it a little less hectic," said Andrea Kazantzis, owner and agent at Kazantzis Real Estate. "Taking a step-by-step process can really make it not only manageable but, dare I say, enjoyable."
Make a Schedule
Time has a way of slipping away from us and moving day will be here before you know it. The last thing you want to do is procrastinate and have to pack up an entire house the night before closing.
Make moving more manageable by making a schedule. Break it down room by room. Then spend an hour or two each day packing. You'll be surprised how fast you can get it done.
Consider a Mover
If the idea of packing up an entire house seems a bit overwhelming, you may want to consider hiring a mover. This may be an option for you if time is of the essence, if you're moving a long distance, or if you don't have friends or family to help you with your move.
To find a reputable company you should:
- Find out when the company was established
- Check reviews on sites like the BBB and Yelp
- Search for a company that has locations in starting and ending destinations
If you're going to move yourself, Kazantzis Real Estate offers a free moving truck to anyone who lists or buys with one of our agents.
Declutter
No matter how you look at it, moving is a big task. Not only is it more work if you're moving things you don't need, but it can actually be more expensive.
"You see, if you're using a moving company, they charge by the pound. So the more stuff you have, the more expensive it is," Kazantzis said. "So, the more you can cull now, the cheaper it will be for you come moving day."
Even if you're doing the heavy lifting yourself, you'll be happy you unloaded those unwanted knick-knacks.
We're not just talking about the small stuff. Take measurements in your new home and get rid of furniture that won't fit. You can either sell or donate what you don't need.
Box It Up
Start collecting boxes. While you can buy them, you can often find them free for the taking. Here are some places you can check:
- Recycling Center
- Work
- Book Stores
- Liquor Stores
- Your Office
Also, if you've kept the boxes for your TV or other small appliances, use those to pack those items up. They'll fit perfectly and they'll be perfectly protected.
You can also consider repurposing other household items, like suitcases or hampers, for storing items.
Vacuum sealed bags are also a great option.
Pack Smart
Once you have your boxes, make sure you pack them in a way that will make them easier to transport. Rule of thumb - no box should be heavier than 50 pounds.
Heavier items, like books, should go in smaller boxes. Lighter, bulkier items can go into big boxes. If you have fragile items, pack those with blankets and pillows. Not only will this protect your belongings, but you'll also save money on packing supplies.
Instead of emptying dresser drawers, you can take the drawers out, put the dresser on the truck, and then put the drawers back in. Then do the reverse when you arrive to your new home.
Color Code
Make unpacking go smoothly by color-coding your boxes by their destination. This way when you're unloading the truck you'll know what boxes go in what rooms, cutting down on the post-move confusion.
Essentials Tote
When you get to your new home, you will be exhausted. You will not feel like unpacking. You'll want to make sure to have some essential supplies easily accessible so you're not digging through boxes, including:
- Cleaning Supplies
- Bedding & Pillow
- Toolkit
- Flashlight
- Toilet Paper
- Charging Cables
Rekey Your New Home
Make sure you rekey your new home as soon as possible. You have no way of knowing who the previous owners gave keys to - the neighbor, the babysitter, the dog walker. As soon as you can, you will want to change the locks in your new house. In fact, you should try doing this before you move in.
If you want to make a moving day planner, moving.com has an online tool you may want to check out.
Good luck and congratulations on your dream home!