About one in four US adults reported moving in the past five years. In fact, the US is one of the most geographically mobile countries in the world. If you’re preparing for an upcoming Lowcountry move, it helps to have a plan.
Here are eight tips that can help you when preparing to move. With these tips, you can save valuable time, money, and stress. You can enjoy the move instead of scrambling to get organized at the last minute.
Grab a pen, piece of paper, and start preparing your moving checklist with these eight simple tips today!
1. Start Planning (Now!)
First, it’s important not to wait until the last minute. Once you know you’re moving, start planning. Make a list of everything you need to accomplish when preparing to move.
Planning ahead of time can help you save valuable time. You can avoid forgetting any essential steps, too. Otherwise, you might not realize you forgot something until the day of the move.
You might have to pay more for last-minute services.
Here are a few tasks you might want to add to your moving checklist:
- Create a moving folder — online or offline, whichever you prefer — to organize your documents
- Schedule in-home estimates with a moving company
- Create a budget for your moving expenses
- Review all contracts before signing anything
- Request time off work to move
- Choose a new school for your kids if necessary
- Request transcripts for your kids from their current school
- Plan and host garage sale
- Determine how you’ll move fragile items
- Make time for friends and family before you move
- Collect packing boxes and supplies
- Take photos of your possessions
- Make the necessary home repairs
- Have your vehicle serviced
- Consider moving insurance
- Find cable and internet providers for your new home
- Plan your route
- Forward your mail
We’ll discuss a few of these items in depth below.
Consider asking for help as soon as possible, too. Your friends and family members might already have plans if you wait until the last minute.
Plan a way to say thank you for their help as well. For example, you can have water bottles and lunch ready. Consider ordering a pizza for everyone to enjoy on the day of the move, too.
Once you have your moving checklist in hand, you can start preparing to move!
2. Establish a Schedule
As you work on your moving checklist, consider breaking your tasks into buckets.
Organize your moving checklist based on tasks you can complete:
- Two months before moving day
- A month before moving day
- The week before
- The day of
Try to get as much done as possible in the two months before your move. Remember, you don’t want to hustle at the last minute.
For example, you can start packing items you don’t need. As you pack, consider organizing your items into three sections. Create an area for “Pack,” “Donate/Sell,” and “Toss.”
3. Gather Estimates
In the two months before moving day, consider calling local moving companies.
Start by Googling “movers near me.” Make a list of potential options. Then, start vetting your choices.
First, make sure each moving company on your list has years of experience. Look for an established company. They’ve likely worked out operational kinks over the years.
A team that lacks experience, on the other hand, might make costly mistakes when helping you move.
Make sure the company is licensed, bonded, and insured, too. Look for members of the American Mover and Storage Association. Make sure they have a US Department of Transportation number, too.
This tool will help you determine if the company is operating legally.
Finding a company that’s bonded and has liability insurance will give you peace of mind.
Otherwise, ask for references and reviews. Choose a company with a strong professional reputation. They’ll strive to maintain their reputation by offering the best possible services.
Review the services they offer as well. For example, some companies will pack for you.
Then, gather moving quotes from at least three companies to gauge the local average. Don’t choose the cheapest option.
Instead, choose an experienced, professional team you can trust. The best moving companies will help ensure an easy, stress-free move.
4. Update Your Documents
When preparing to move, don’t forget to update your documents. That includes your driver’s license and registration. Getting this step done long before your move can help you avoid stress down the road.
5. Consider Moving Insurance
Before moving day, consider purchasing moving insurance as well. You can’t anticipate what might happen during the move.
Some of the best moving companies offer a limited insurance policy. You might want to consider a more comprehensive plan if you have valuable items.
6. Make an Inventory List
As you start packing, number your boxes. Then, list every item you put in each box. Keep this list on your phone.
Creating an inventory list can help you prepare if you lose a box. You’ll know exactly what was inside. You could have an easier time filing an insurance claim as a result.
Take pictures of what’s inside each box, too. Keep these photos saved in your prep folder you created above.
7. Donate or Hold a Garage Sale
Once you know which items you want to sell, schedule a day for a garage sale. Ask your friends and family members to spread the word.
Consider having GoodWill pick up any items you want to donate, too.
Donating and selling items will give you less to pack. You could save money if your movers charge by the box as well.
8. Pack With Care
Make sure to start packing long before the day of your move. Pack your boxes with distance in mind.
For example, you can bubblewrap valuable items. You can also wrap certain possessions in paper or old t-shirts.
Label your boxes with your name and phone number. If you lose a box along the way, someone might find it and contact you.
Pack It Up: 8 Tips for Preparing to Move Without Stress
Preparing to move doesn’t have to feel stressful. Instead, keep these eight tips in mind. With this moving checklist, you can plan for a simple, stress-free move.
Don’t forget to hire an experienced team of movers you can trust. They’ll help you move with ease.
Ready to make a move? We’re here to help.
Tell us about your move for a free moving quote today!