The task of moving to a new home is overwhelming, even if your new location is local. Despite the proximity, you still have a laundry list of chores to complete and responsibilities to attend to. Regardless of where you’re moving and what your circumstances are, you can follow a few simple tips that turn local moving into a breeze.
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- Clean & declutter your space
Perhaps one of the biggest tasks you can complete before moving is the process of cleaning. Living in any space, we all accumulate some form of clutter. Maybe there are things hidden away in cabinets or closets that you’ve completely forgotten about. Maybe you have a pile of clothes to donate that you’ve been putting off for a while. No matter the case, decluttering should be on your to-do list in some shape or form.
Start by cleaning your space. As you deep clean each room, you’re bound to find items you no longer need (or maybe some you thought you had lost). Oftentimes, you can separate these items into four major categories: donate, sell, throw away, and keep. Try to be honest with yourself. If you really don’t use something or haven’t worn it in years, it’s probably for the best to rid yourself of it.
If you find items that would be worth the effort of selling, you even manage to make a bit of extra money – something you’ll likely appreciate amid all the moving costs. Otherwise, offloading what you no longer need can make packing feel a lot less daunting. You’ll have less to pack, and you can rest assured that the items you’re bringing are actually wanted in your new digs.
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- Find a local moving company
Enlisting the help of professional movers can expedite the process on your moving day and generally eliminate some stress. Although you may think it’s easier and cheaper to just do it yourself, especially with the shorter distance of a local move, a moving company can prove to be a valuable asset. Your items have less protection when you move yourself, and renting a truck or storage container can be just as costly.
Start by seeing what’s available in your area. You might want to ask friends or neighbors to see who they rely on for the big task. Otherwise, you can always turn to the Internet for reviews. Crowdsourcing these opinions is a great way to find out which local moving company is up to par. You’ll also want to get quotes from a few different services to make sure you receive the best price possible. If you’re looking for a reliable company, you can get a free quote from Able Moving & Storage today.
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- Update your address
It sounds straightforward, but you probably need to update your address in more places than you think. First, you need to make sure the postal service forwards your mail to your new address. Other important places where you need to update your address include your bank, employer, and insurance company, among others.
If you have subscriptions at places that send you, for instance, a monthly box, you’ll want to update that accordingly as well. Plus, plenty of online stores save your address to automatically use when you place an order, so making sure to change the address before you buy anything at your new place is important. Another consideration is your local subscriptions. For example, if your new home is far enough that you can no longer go to the same gym, you’ll need to cancel your subscription – and avoid any forgotten bills catching you off guard.
Finally, your friends and family will want to know your new address to send you any mail (or perhaps a housewarming gift!) in the future. You can just send it to them via text or email, but you could also opt to send out new address cards. Either way, it’s good to update everyone who needs to know.
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- Set up your utilities
Another important matter is your utilities. You’ll want to make sure all your utilities are set up at the new place for moving day. It’s best to give your providers a bit of notice to make the process as seamless as possible. You need to consider electricity, water, gas, trash and recycling pick-up, and wifi.
Since you’re moving locally, there’s a decent probability that you can transfer your utilities over to your new home. If you need to switch providers, you will need to cancel with your current provider and set up new services elsewhere. Giving yourself time to figure things out will eliminate some anxiety as well.
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- Coordinate your packing
Let’s be honest – packing can be a pain. But since you’ll have taken care of decluttering your space and finding professional movers, you’re in good shape for this step. If you can spread out this process over the course of weeks, you’ll feel a lot more relaxed. When you pack ahead of time, you can start with the items you’ll need the least. In terms of clothes, pack up clothes for a different season – if it’s summertime, start packing up your heavy sweaters first.
Make sure you keep an organized inventory of what items go in which box, and label each box thoroughly. You’ll also want to make sure you use sturdy, reinforced boxes. Ensure you have the appropriate materials, such as bubble wrap, if needed. You can also repurpose any soft things, like clothes or blankets, to protect fragile items in boxes.
For essential items, they can be packed last in a clearly labeled box. This box will contain anything you will urgently need on your first day in the new house. It’s also a great idea for everyone in your household to have a bag of essentials, such as toiletries, any medication, and a spare outfit or two for the day of the move. This eliminates the risk of wasting time and energy digging through boxes and wasting time and energy.
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- Plan your moving day
Moving day can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. You have lots to coordinate, and of course, smooth sailing is the objective. Ensure your vehicle is ready to go, stocked with your essentials bags or boxes. Prepare for your local moving company to arrive, and make sure you know what time they’re coming – you’ll want to be ready the moment they show up.
If you want to have anyone outside of your household available to help with the move, make sure to coordinate that as well. You’ll also be working hard on that day, so make sure to have plenty of water and snacks available for you, your loved ones, and your movers. It’ll prevent everyone from getting grouchy, and you’ll feel a lot better if you’re fueled up.
Once everything’s been cleared out, give your home a final check to make sure nothing has been left behind. Then say your final goodbye to your old home. It’s time to make new memories elsewhere!
Wrapping up your big local move
Armed and ready with these steps, you’re prepared for a smooth transition to your new home. If you want to ensure the most effortless process possible, discover how Able Moving & Storage can assist in your local move. No matter what your moving needs are, Able Moving & Storage can assist you with their professional packers and movers. Check out their website for more information.
