The Process of Moving
It’s easy to get caught up thinking only about moving day itself, but you’ll have a more successful outcome if you remember that moving is a long-term process that begins the moment you decide to move. The following stages highlight the moving process from beginning to end with some handy tips added in:
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Planning
A successful move begins with the planning stage. Take the time to think through your needs and preferences.
- Are you moving a long distance?
- Will you need a moving truck?
- Do you have heavy items you’ll need help moving?
- Do you just want someone to take care of it all, including the packing?
- Will you need temporary storage?
Getting a notebook to jot down your thoughts, ideas, and various checklists will help you organize what needs to be done and what kind of help you’ll need. You’ll quickly realize just how long the to-do list is, but having a place to keep track of your thoughts will keep any overwhelming feelings away.
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Preparing
The preparing stage involves everything from purchasing the supplies you’ll need (boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, labels, and markers) to scheduling services that need to be shut off in your current home and turned on in your new one. It also includes contacting moving companies and determining what services you may need and how much they may cost so you can budget for it.
It’s a good idea to prepare early on. That way you won’t be scrambling at the last minute to get everything done at once. Other things to consider during this stage include:
- Donating or selling items you don’t really need
- Contacting schools in your new area, if you have kids
- Filling out a change of address form
- Renting a storage space near your new home
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Packing
Now that you have a plan in place and supplies on hand, it’s time to get to packing. Be sure to label boxes with proper rooms so you and the movers will know where to put them on moving day.
Take care to pack fragile items and essential items separately, with clear labels. You don’t want your valuables broken or to be without things that you need. As you’re packing, start with infrequently used items, then move on to items you use regularly.
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Moving Day
It’s finally the big day. If movers are coming, be sure to be ready with clear instructions. If you’ve taken the care to plan, prepare, and pack carefully, this part shouldn’t be too stressful, especially with plenty of help.
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Settling In
It’s time to settle in and enjoy your new place. Having a plan for simple meals the first week in your new home is always a good idea. It will give you a chance to focus on any repairs, cleaning, painting, and unpacking you need to do, without any additional mess or stress.
Common Moving Mistakes
Here are some mistakes that are frequently made. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll avoid unnecessary stress, and possibly even an injury.
Here are things you need to watch out for:
- Not budgeting for the move
- Not allowing enough time for the move
- Jumping right into packing without a plan
- Waiting until the last minute to pack
- Packing and moving stuff you don’t really need
- Trying to move heavy items yourself
- Attempting to drive a moving truck without any experience
With a little planning, a few handy tips, and some extra help, the process of moving doesn’t have to be a stressful event. Marrins’ Moving has several options to fit a range of needs and budgets. Call Marrins’ Moving today to learn about our moving options and to get a free quote.