METCALF MOVING BLOG
Your Moving Day Head Start: How to Prep Before the Pros Arrive
Although it is an exciting adventure, moving to a new home can also be overwhelming. Preparation is vital to ensuring a smooth and efficient household relocation. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get ready before the movers arrive, helping you minimize stress and maximize efficiency.
Declutter Your Home
One of the most crucial steps is to declutter your home. Go through each room and decide what you must take and what should be left behind. Items you no longer need can be donated, sold, or discarded. Decluttering helps reduce the volume of items that need to be moved and allows you a fresh start in your new home.
Organize and Inventory Your Belongings
Once you’ve decluttered, start organizing and taking inventory of your belongings. This will make packing more manageable and help you keep track of your possessions during the move. Use a notebook or a digital app to list items by category or room. Taking photos of high-value items can be beneficial for insurance purposes.
Gather Packing Supplies
A successful move requires the right packing supplies. Stock up on boxes in various sizes, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, and markers. Specialized cartons for fragile items like dishes and glassware can offer extra protection. Make sure you have plenty of these materials on hand before you begin packing.
Start Packing Early
Start packing as early as possible to avoid the last-minute rush. Begin with items you don’t use daily, like seasonal clothing and holiday decor. Label each carton with its contents and the room it belongs to, saving time during the unpacking process.
Create a packing schedule to keep track of your progress and ensure you have packed everything by moving day.
Prepare an Essentials Box
As the moving day nears, pack a box of essentials you’ll need as soon as you arrive at your new home. This might include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, chargers, basic kitchen supplies, and medications. An essentials box will make your first day and night in your new home much more comfortable.
Inform and Coordinate
Inform necessary parties about your move. This includes updating your address with service providers like your bank, insurance company, and utilities. Schedule the disconnection of utilities at your old home and the connection at your new one to ensure you have the necessary services when you arrive.
Secure Parking for the Moving Truck
Parking can be a significant concern on moving day, especially in urban areas. Ensure a designated space for the moving truck is available in both your old and new homes. You may need to reserve public parking or get permission from a building manager. This step helps avoid unnecessary delays and additional costs.
Supervise Kids and Pets
If you have children or pets, make arrangements to keep them safe and entertained on moving day. It is best to have a friend or family member watch them or set up a quiet room during the move to ensure their safety and keep them out of the movers’ way.
Communicate With Your Movers
Maintain open lines of communication with your moving company. Confirm the date and time of the move, provide clear directions to your homes, and discuss any special instructions or items that require extra care. This will help the movers offer the best possible service.
Following these steps can significantly reduce the stress and chaos of moving. By planning ahead, you can quickly move into your new house and ensure that your belongings arrive safely. Let us help ease your transition. Contact us today for a quote.