Moving into a new home can be a great way to kick-start your life and begin a new chapter, but it’s not without its downsides. Everyone knows that moving day itself can be long, exhausting, and stressful, particularly if you’ve left things to the last minute. Fortunately, there are some sure-fire ways you can minimize stress and streamline the process. To get started, take a look at the five things you must do before moving:
1. Set Your Utilities Up
When you arrive at your new home, you don’t want to be without heat or water. Once you’ve got your move in date, talk to utility companies, and arrange to get essentials connected and switched on in advance. Similarly, you may want to talk to internet providers so that you can get your new home connected before you even step through the door.
2. Declutter Your Life
Moving gives you the ideal opportunity to par down your belongings and declutter your life. Instead of taking everything you own with you, take the time to decide which items you no longer want or need. Donating, discarding, or recycling these belongings will mean you have less to pack up and move. Furthermore, you can enjoy enhancing your new home with only the things that you truly value.
3. Check Your Paperwork
Throughout the moving process, you may require a variety of documents and paperwork. If you’re moving to a new state, you may need proof of your professional licenses so that you can work, for example. Alternatively, if you’re moving internationally, you may need to consult with lawyers to ensure you have visas and other documentation ready. Even securing a lease on an apartment means you’ll need to have formal identification to hand, so check your paperwork is all valid and up to date before you start packing your belongings.
4. Make Use of Storage
If there are items you know you want to keep but you don’t use them every day, it might make sense to keep them in storage for a temporary period of time. This allows you to create more space at home and focus on the things that you really need to take with you. Many removal firms offer storage services too, so talk to local companies to find out how they can help you.
There are a few different ways you can store your stuff. Which one you choose might depend on your budget, as well as how easily you want to access your things. Some storage types make it easier to check or pick up the things you need, compared to others. If you want the freedom to rearrange your stuff or collect items anytime you want, it's a good idea to look at storage units so you can come and go as you like. But if you just want to put some things out of sight for a while to save space, you could have your boxes collected and put into storage for you. When you want them back, you can simply request that they be delivered to you.
Self-storage can be a great option if you want to sort through your things and decide what's really worth keeping.
5. Undertake Essential Repairs
If you’re selling a property, you might need to complete pre-agreed repairs so as not to breach your contract. Alternatively, if you’re moving out of rental accommodation, you may need to undertake repairs in order to get your deposit back. Be sure to plan these repairs in advance and leave enough time so that they can be completed properly.
Planning Your Move
Detailed planning is the key to success when it comes to any move. By creating an inventory and a timeline, you can ensure that you’re on track. No matter how far you’re moving, planning the transition will give you the time you need to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Comments