10 Tips for moving
Granted, moving home is not rocket science, and despite popular belief, is an overall straightforward task. One of the best things you can do for yourself when moving, is to prepare. Get organized, know what to expect, and plan ahead.
Preparing is a step-by-step system that will simplify your move, and help keep things in order. Below is a list of 10 Tips for moving to help you get started. Whether you are moving in Queens, or any other borough in New York City, these moving tips will help you prepare.
Tip #1: Professional Movers
Make arrangements in advance with movers in your area. Credible moving companies are in high demand and therefore tend to get booked quite fast. If you set to move on a particular date with no
room to budge, reserving your spot in advance becomes even more important. There are several tools you can utilize to find the best movers near you. Make sure to choose wisely, because not all movers are the same.
Tip #2: Change your address
File a “Change of Address” form with your local post office. This process can take some time; therefore you should do it at least at least two weeks before you actually move.
Tip #3: Purge
Moving is a great time to get rid of things you no longer need or use. Consider having a yard sale for things of value. There are several online marketplaces that make it easy to sell your used items.
This is a great way to potentially make some extra cash, and reduce your moving expenses, as you will now have fewer things to move and extra capital to pay for it.
Tip #4: Start packing as soon as you know you are moving
This may sound a bit excessive, but you will quickly learn that packing is the most time consuming part of relocating home. This is not a process you will want to rush through either.
If you simply don’t have the time or the energy, you can pay your movers to pack for you. Most moving companies offer packing as an extra service, if this is something you are interested in. Otherwise, start by packing decorative, seasonal items, and items of rare use first.
Tip #5: Label and number your boxes
Once you begin the packing process, you will want to do one room at a time, so your items are not scattered all over. Label all boxes
you pack with the appropriate room and place they belong to. Once all boxes are labeled, continue to number them as well. This way you know exactly how many boxes you have.
Pro Tip You can record what particular numbers belong to a specific room. This will also save you time when unpacking.
Tip #6: Make sure you pack properly
Avoid over-stuffing and/or under packing boxes. Over-stuffing may potentially make them heavier and harder to handle, as well as
susceptible to breaking. Under packing boxes will leave the items inside unstable, and shifting easily. This too can jeopardize the integrity of your things.
Tip #7: Take pictures of any complex electronic set ups
When you start packing your home theater or entertainment area, document which wire goes where before unplugging. Take pictures of any complex set ups, this will make re-wiring all your electronics a lot easier.
Tip #8: Keep “important items” with you
Keep anything that is of great value on you throughout the move. These items include, important documents, jewelry, laptop, etc. Don’t pack these things for the movers to move. In fact, the movers prefer you take such items with you in your own car.
Tip #9: Pack an overnight bag
Moving home doesn’t end with the arrival at your new place. In fact, that is just the peaking point of the entire process. To make the next few days a little more convenient, be sure to pack a box of essentials.
These are the items that you will need, and will have easy access to while still settling in. Items such as utensils, toiletries, and bedding, should be among the top in your essentials box.
Pro Tip Don’t forget your chargers!
Tip #10: Take pictures of your empty apartment – If you are renting, be sure to take pictures of your old place just before you leave, as well as your new apartment before you move in. This will keep you covered in the unfortunate event of property damage or rental deposit disputes.
Pro Tip More on how to avoid losing your rental deposit when moving.