Assuming that you are ready to move and thinking, “Well, this is nothing. I can get everything done within a fortnight”. You should start checking with the potential mover’s company you are hiring while checking on their moving arbitration policies. One thing is for sure: the to-do list is long enough to keep you occupied for more than two weeks. In other words, it is going to take longer than you think.
With that said, you need to play it smart and plan at least two months ahead of the actual moving date. Read on to learn more about what should be part of your to-do list when it comes to moving and relocating.
Get a Better Idea and Rough Estimates From Movers
Unless several of your friends look like the Hulk or John Cena, you are probably going to need the services of professional movers to do the heavy lifting while transporting your belongings from one place to another. That said, you will have to take out some time to do the research and get the best deal.
It is recommended to keep family and friends in the loop and ask them for recommendations. Compare the prices and value services of the movers in your area. Make sure to select a reputable moving company licensed with your state’s DOT (Department of Transportation). In case you are moving out of state, you need to check that the moving company is licensed for interstate transport.
Research & Review Details of The Move
Once you have selected your mover, make sure to double-check their contract and read all clauses carefully. For instance, you might want to check whether the moving company charges per hour or according to the overall weight. Will the selected moving packing do the packing for you, or will they move only the larger items?
Will there be any hidden charges? Are the employees of the moving company insured? Lastly, is the quote that you received from the moving company binding or non-binding? In case you don’t know, the binding quote guarantees that the price doesn’t change and there are no surprise/ hidden charges to be revealed later.
Gather Boxes as Many as You Need
You are recommended to start packing your items slowly but steadily at least a month before the move. Hence, boxes are required. When it comes to boxes, you have different options: you may buy them from a retailer or ask your family and friends for boxes (maybe they have stocked them from their recent move).
You might also be able to pick up a few boxes from a business – you don’t necessarily have to hit the ABC or grocery stores. Sometimes, thinking out of the box can help you better. Another way to obtain boxes would be to check in with apartment complexes and find some used/ recycled boxes. Craigslist is another source to find boxes.
Get Rid of Unwanted/ Unnecessary Items
Getting rid of unwanted or unnecessary items is a smart move that can save you loads of time and effort during the move. It wouldn’t be wrong to state that moving provides you with the perfect excuse to get rid of junk and hoarded items that you have been keeping at your house, over the years, for non-specific reasons.
Did you know that there is a rule of thumb for such a situation: if you haven’t used an item/ belonging for over a year, you ought to get rid of it as it contains no value. We know that it can be hard to let go of things, especially if emotions and memories are attached. We recommend going through each storage space or closet at least twice. On the first go, remove/ discard all items that are unnecessary and unwanted. On the second go, scan those items that you might feel a little attached to, but you don’t need them anyway.
Trust us when we tell you that you will be saving loads of time, space, and effort by filtering your items, possessions, and belongings. Only take those items with you that are valuable, and that would fit in your new home. You can sell the rest in a yard sale or give them away as a charity.