12 tips for an easier move

As exciting as it is to move into a new home, not many people look forward to the actual moving day! Whether you are moving across town or across the country, moving is stressful. 
I’ve just recently had a few properties settle, so…
Here are some helpful tips for an easier move from expert movers, to make the big day a little more bearable.

Helpful Tips:

1. SCHEDULE YOUR MOVE WELL AHEAD OF TIME. 

Moving companies get booked up weeks in advance, so don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your move. Make sure they know ahead of time if you have any very large or heavy items to move. The last thing you want is for the movers to show up with a truck that isn’t big enough or without enough people to move your belongings safely. 

2. CONSIDER LETTING THE MOVING COMPANY PACK YOUR ITEMS.

If it’s within your budget to hire packers, it may be money well spent. Packers are usually very efficient and take time to wrap fragile items securely. Packers will usually pack you the day before your move, so you don’t have to pack items away that you may need up until the day of your move.

3. SCHEDULE SERVICES.

Don’t forget to have services and utilities transferred or started at your new home before you move in. 
These may include:
Power
Water
Internet/TV/Phone
Gas
Green care service - gardens, lawns etc
Pool service
Security system monitoring

4. HAVE YOUR NEW HOME PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED. 

If your seller is not arranging for cleaning to be done prior to settlement, arrange to have it done before you move in so that you won’t arrive to a dirty house. Not necessarily ‘dirty’ but peoples definition of ‘clean’ can vary greatly… 

5. PACK A MOVING SUPPLY BOX. 

Your moving supply box/bag should contain items you may need while you are unpacking and getting settled in your new home, such as:
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Sponge
All-purpose cleaner and glass cleaner
Shelf liner paper
Scissors
Furniture moving pads
Tape measure
Cordless screwdriver
Hammer
Picture hanging kit
Bottled water, snacks, pet food
Paper plates, cups, and disposable utensils
Dish Soap and Hand Soap


6. MAKE YOUR BED. 

As soon as your bed frames and mattresses come off the truck, put them together or have the movers put them together, and make them up. Pack your sheets, blankets, and pillows together in well-marked boxes so you can find them easily. When you are ready to collapse at the end of moving day, you’ll be thankful the beds are made up and ready to fall into.

7. DITTO FOR YOUR TOWELS AND BATH SOAP. 

Pack bath towels and soap with your bed sheets so you can jump in the shower before retiring without having to search for towels.

8. MAKE PLANS FOR YOUR PETS. 

The last thing you need on moving day is a stressed-out pup or kitty, or worse, one that escapes in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Make plans for your pets to spend the day with family or friends, a pet sitter, or boarding facility until you are ready to introduce them to their new home.

9. SAY YES TO HELPERS.

Sometimes it’s hard to accept extra help from family or friends if you aren’t sure what they can help with. Here are some tasks you can delegate:
Lay shelf liner in the kitchen and bathroom cabinets and drawers
Unpack and put away your kitchen items (you can rearrange later!)
Babysit or keep your children occupied
Make up your beds, place towels in the bathrooms
Wipe down cabinets and counters
Break down packing boxes
Hang clothes in closets
Organize tools and equipment in the garage
Pick up lunch or dinner

10. HIRE A SITTER. 

If you have little ones, they will be very excited about their new home, new rooms, and section. They will want to be with you, but they will not be interested in unpacking boxes! Make plans for someone to be available just for them, so you can concentrate. A family member, friend or hired sitter can help them explore their new surroundings, build a box fort, or organize their toys in their new rooms without you worrying about where they are.

11. HIRE SOMEONE TO HOOK UP YOUR TECH.

Unless you love to set up your TV and wifi yourself, you might consider having an expert scheduled to come in and sort out all of your tech for you. This can save you a great deal of time getting settled. Just before you finish your first day, it’s so good to know that you can sit down before jumping into your bed and relax with a bit of Netflix or on the web. I don’t know about you, but this sort of stuff always takes me way longer than i think it will! Get in a tech expert to just get it all done for you.

12. CHECK OUT OF THE OLD HOUSE. 

Prior to settlement, you should have submitted a change of address form with the post office. You’ll also need to remember to leave all keys and garage door or gate openers with your agent, and make sure the movers don’t pack up things like heat pump remote controls or other loose items that stay with the house. Don’t forget to clean out spaces like the roof space, garden sheds, crawl spaces, or any other hideaway spaces you might have stored items. It’s always nice to have the home professionally cleaned for the new owners, and, if you feel inclined, leave a list of recommended local suppliers for household services.


That is a reasonably comprehensive list, although it’s a big day and somewhat stressful - when working with me on the sale of your home, I aim to make the rest of it work out for you in the best way possible!

Let’s talk. Cheers. Paul

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