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The process of moving into a new home can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Fortunately, you don’t have to do everything in a day. You don’t have to do it all alone, either.
When you work with me, you’ll have an ally by your side long after your home sale or purchase has closed. I’ll continue to be a resource, offering advice and referrals along the way.
When it comes to an event as stressful as moving, it pays to have a professional by your side. Here are some of my favorite pro tips to share with clients as they prepare for an upcoming move.
- Watch out for moving scams. Reputable movers should offer transparent pricing, conduct in-home estimates, and provide referrals and copies of their insurance documents upon request. [1] Feel free to reach out to me for recommendations.
- Insure your belongings. Ask your moving company how much insurance they carry and talk about how the claims process works. That way, you’ll know what is (and isn’t) covered in case of loss or damage.
- Start packing when you start looking for a new home. Pack away things you won’t need for the next few weeks, like seasonal items or books. If you’re selling your current home, you’ll need to declutter anyway. Tackling a box or two a day will give you a head start.
- Pack to make unpacking easier. Bundle items from a single room in each labeled box. The labels should let movers know (and remind you) where to place each box, whether it’s fragile, and which side needs to be up.
- Think outside the box when transporting clothes. If you plan on hiring professional movers, ask if you can leave clothing in your dressers. In many cases, they will use plastic to wrap the dresser so the drawers don’t fall out during transport.
- Document prior to disassembling. Before you disconnect your entertainment center or disassemble your dining table, think about how you’ll need to reassemble those items in your new home. Prep for that process by taking photos and videos as you go.
- Prioritize unpacking kids’ rooms. Kids can become stressed by a big move. Focus on unpacking their rooms first so they can begin to feel settled in their new space.[2]
- Be a thoughtful pet parent. Moving can be stressful for our pets, too. When you first move in, give your pet access to just one or two rooms so they can adjust slowly to their new environment.[3]
- Plan for your move like you’re planning for a vacation. Create a list of attractions you want to visit and restaurants you want to try near your newly purchased home. And if you’re relocating to my neck of the woods, I would love to introduce you to some of my own local favorites!
- Pack an “Open Me First!” box. You won’t be able to unpack all your boxes in a day, but you shouldn’t go without your sheets, pillows, or toothbrush. Designate some boxes with “Open Me First!” labels. This will give you easy access to the essential items you’ll need in those first 24 hours.
Here’s a list of items you may want to include in your “Open Me First!” box:
- Tool kit
- Scissors and box cutter
- Trash bags
- Paper towels and sponges
- All-purpose cleaner
- Bed sheets and blankets
- Pillows
- Bath and hand towels
- Toilet paper
- Hand soap
- Shower curtain and mat
- Toiletries and hand soap
- Change of clothes
- Medicine and first-aid kit
- Coffee maker
- Coffee/tea and cream, sugar, etc.
- Easy breakfast and snacks
- Plates/cups/utensils
- Dish soap and towel
- Pet supplies
- Phone/device chargers
- Games/toys/books for entertainment
LET’S GET MOVING
Getting the phone call from your real estate agent that your bid was accepted is a thrilling moment. Make sure you keep the positivity flowing during the following weeks by mapping out a streamlined, efficient move. Feel free to get in touch with me today to help make your big move your best move.
Dorothy Trainer, GRI
Dorothytrainer@jbgoodwin.com | 512.796.3723
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