Moving from one home to another is a stressful experience even for singles with few possessions, time constraints and budget concerns. For families, the complications related to moving are magnified greatly due to a variety of factors. If you plan on relocating your own family any time in the near future, include the following items on your pre-move checklist.
Ditch Expendable Gear Early On
During any move, a typical family will have plenty of odds and ends that aren’t worth taking along. At the very least, compile a list of furniture that you won’t need and sell it or give it away to friends. Hold a yard sale to unload smaller items that won’t be needed.
Storyboard the Move in Detail
Planning any move ahead of time is the key to minimizing frustration and expenses. If your new home is a multi-story affair, ensure that the items destined for the second or third levels are the first to arrive. Come up with a game plan that keeps the moving company’s billable hours low.
Consider Moving Companies Carefully
Spending a little money on a moving company can save you far more in the long run. Before you hire any moving outfit, ensure that it’s the right one for you. Some companies specialize in commercial operations while others are better at family moving help in Lexington, Kentucky and other areas of the country. Ask hard questions of any potential mover before signing a contract.
Pack Up Non-Essential Items Yourself
When the moving day arrives, the only things that shouldn’t be in boxes are beds and furniture such as bureaus and dressers. Everything else from lamps to miscellaneous kitchen utensils should be boxed up and labeled accurately. The movers can deal with the big stuff while you oversee the transportation of bric-a-brac.
Handle the Paperwork Beforehand
After a long day of moving, nothing’s worse than finding out that utilities aren’t active. Make sure that electric, water and phone accounts are ready to go in the new house at least a week before the move. Playing phone tag with the local utility companies is an aggravation that you don’t need when you’re settling in.
Where Moving Theory Meets Reality
Few if any moves go exactly according to plan no matter how well-prepared you are. There will always be a few curveballs that must be negotiated during the process. Regardless, your move will likely be a relatively smooth affair if you keep these five simple tips in mind.
