Heights, snakes, clowns, spiders and…moving?! Do these sound like things on your dreaded list of worst fears? Knock one of those fears off the list by planning
for your move well in advance, and avoid being the protagonist in your own moving horror story.
1.) Don’t get caught in the Jaws of procrastination. Hire professional movers or a moving van early to secure lower rates and avoid last minute headaches on the eve of your move. Also use an online self-storage finder several weeks before your move to lock in low storage rates and ensure you have access to rental moving equipment
2.) Paranormal weather forecast? After you have secured a self-storage facility, movers, and equipment weeks in advance, check the weather for the day of the move. If the local forecast calls for a snowstorm or torrential rain, you may want to reschedule your move.
3.) Don’t let moving eve become Night of the Living Dead Acquire moving supplies in advance, including your boxes, labels, packing peanuts, and wraps to protect your fragile items. If you know you are not going to need certain household items until after the move, box those items first.
4.) Keep your prized possessions away from Psycho movers. If using a mover, pack your small, non-breakable, valuable items (jewelry, treasured photos, small family heirlooms) separately to transport in your own car. Be sure your large valuable items, such as artwork or electronics, are clearly noted on the mover’s inventory form in case of damage during transit. Invest in moving insurance to cover any damage that may occur. Be sure to note movers generally will not insure damages to items you pack yourself.
5.) Be The Exorcist of your home’s previous owners. Remember, improvements always take much longer than you think! If you want to make any updates to your new home such as painting, new carpeting or refinishing the floors before you move in, allow enough time to complete it before your move so your furniture and belongings are not in the way.
6.) Don’t rely on your Sixth Sense: Take notes on the room measurements, door measurements and location of the outlets in your new home, so you can be sure your current belongings will fit. If you are bringing your own appliances, measure to make sure they fit in the space available, factoring in both the width and depth.
7.) Avoid playing Hide and Seek with the neighbors. Measure the windows in rooms that require immediate privacy, such as the bedrooms and bathrooms, so you can install your curtains and blinds immediately upon move in.
8.) Moving doesn’t have to be a Nightmare on Elm Street! Don’t forget to have some fun during your move. Blast some music in the background, and if you’re moving around Halloween, throw on a “moving costume” and have some candy on hand to greet any surprise trick-or-treaters!