When preparing for a move, it’s important to start the planning process as early as possible. Planning ahead will
help you save money, time and avoid those last minute headaches. Keep these five easy tips in mind as you prepare to move into your new home.
1.) Visit a self-storage finder website several weeks in advance to lock in a low rate on a storage locker. These types of facilities can be helpful when you need an interim facility to store large items, or if you are downsizing.
2.) Enlist help in advance. Moving can undoubtedly be a challenging process, so if you are going to enlist the help of your friends on moving day, be sure to ask them well in advance. It doesn’t hurt to think about what you will offer to repay them for their hard work! Also, if you have young children or pets, think about who can look after them on moving day.
3.) Check the weather if you live in or are moving to an area with frequent inclement weather, say Minneapolis, MN. While the weather forecast isn’t always a guarantee, monitor the forecast in advance to try and avoid a moving day during a snowstorm.
4.) Invest in plenty of supplies and labels. Once you’ve asked for moving help and reserved your moving van and/or storage unit, it’s time to think about packing supplies – boxes, labels, packing tape, permanent marker, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, etc. It’s helpful to mark each box according to which room its contents belong; for example, all kitchen items go into a box labeled “kitchen”, all necessities go into a “necessity” box, dog items in a “dog box,” etc. Although this may sound like a rather obvious tip, you will certainly find it helpful when you arrive at your destination.
5.) Loading time! When loading your boxes into the moving van, remember to place the heaviest boxes on the bottom and the lightest boxes on top. Also, be sure to set aside plenty of water and snacks for all involved in the move, as moving day will usually take longer than you expect, even with the pre-planning.
Planning in advance is the secret to minimizing the time, stress and additional costs associated with moving day. Incorporate your moving strategy into your overall home buying/selling plan to have a relatively painless move!