When moving to a new home, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the details. After all, there’s a lot to do – from dealing with a relocation specialist to hiring a moving company, collecting records, selling your home, purchasing supplies, packing, and more. So where do you start? Here are 10 of the most important things to remember when moving to a new home:
- Get organized. This may seem fairly obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people decide to “wing it” when moving. A few months before you move – if you have that much notice – you should create a checklist of everything you want to accomplish, and when you want to accomplish each item. Have a plan and adjust as time goes by.
- Compare moving companies. You definitely don’t want to go with the first company that catches your attention. Unfortunately, there are a lot of companies that are out to defraud you, so you need to protect yourself by comparing several movers’ services, experience, and price.
- Evaluate which services you want to pay for vs. DIY. It may be slightly more expensive to hire a moving company, but you need to weigh the cost versus the time it’ll take to do everything yourself, including packing, loading, transporting your belongings, and unloading/unpacking. Which is more important to you: convenience or cost?
- Arrange for storage needs in advance. If you’re downsizing to a smaller home, or your home won’t be move-in ready upon arrival in your new city, the last thing you want is to be unprepared. Locate a reputable storage facility before moving day so you can direct your movers to head straight there and drop off everything you won’t have room for at your new home at the moment.
- First sell, then buy – or rent. Most people can’t afford two mortgages, so unless you can, sell your current home before purchasing one in your new city. If you absolutely must move before your home has sold, then make arrangements to rent an apartment or home, or stay in an extended-stay hotel. Renting can have real advantages, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area where you’re moving. It gives you time (usually six months to a year) to get comfortable in the city and find a community in which you’d really love to live permanently.
- Talk with HR. If you’re moving for a job, be sure to talk with your company’s relocation specialist to get all the necessary details. Most companies have specific reimbursement policies and rules you’ll need to abide by during your move.
- Purchase moving kits. Instead of scrambling to find the exact supplies you need, see if your moving company offers moving kits for a reasonable price. These kits have all the boxes, tape, newsprint, and other packing supplies you need to successfully pack up your belongings.
- Keep costs low by moving at certain times. Avoid moving in summer, as kids are out of school and thus more people tend to move at this time of year. This pushes demand – and thus, prices – higher. Also avoid the end of each month, holidays, and weekends.
- Research your city before arrival. You don’t want to get to your new home, only to have no clue where the nearest restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores are. Do your research in advance, but also don’t be afraid to explore upon arrival!
- Prepare your family. Kids can be upset when you tell them you’re moving away from their friends and everything they’ve known. Take time to explain why you’re moving, and let them ask any questions they may have about the move. Find some way for them to get involved, like packing up their room or preparing their essentials box for the first night/week.
For more tips on moving, contact a relocation specialist at North American Van Lines. We have the experience, services, and expertise to help you achieve a successful, smooth move. Call or email us today!
