Selling a home is a lot of work. And the work doesn’t stop after you have accepted the offer. Now it’s time to prepare yourself and your current home for moving. Depending on the closing date, you may not have a lot of time to get organized. These pro moving tips will help set you up for a smooth move.
Hire a moving company
Let’s be real, the days of enticing a couple of your friends with the promise of payment in beer and pizza are probably behind you. Professional movers, while certainly not inexpensive, will save you sanity and time in the long run. Do some research first. Check online reviews and ratings. Get a few different quotes and look for hidden costs like minimum charges or predetermined amounts for travel time. Also check liability amounts or damage coverage.
Pro moving tips: Booking your move during non-peak times of the year like wintertime or during the week may score you discounted rates.
Get packing
Unless you’re packing a suitcase for a dream vacation to Hawaii, chances are you hate packing. But if you can’t afford to pay someone else to do it for you, it’s a necessary part of the moving process.
The good news is that you have probably already done a fair bit of decluttering and packing when you staged your house for sale. Next you need to collect your moving supplies: boxes, plastic storage containers, tape guns, bubble wrap, wrapping paper, protective blankets, etc. Start packing items you don’t use regularly and take time to label your boxes appropriately.
Remember: The only thing somewhat less annoying than packing is unpacking. Having boxes unloaded in the correct room and appropriately labeled with the contents makes it that much easier to unpack efficiently.
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Nail down a contractor
Planning on having some work done before you go? Whether you have renos on tap for your current home or for your new one, finding a reliable, high quality general contractor is key. And if the renovations will mean a gap between move-out and move-in, you’ll need to arrange storage for your belongings in the interim.
Some moving companies also offer storage solutions, but there are also portable storage container options like Pods, which give you the flexibility of not having to load and unload your items twice during the moving process.
Arrange for utilities
Most utility companies offer a smooth transition of your account to a new address, but bear in mind that you may need to book appointments if a technician needs to set something up onsite.
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Forward your mail
Still receiving snail mail? Contact companies or organizations that send you mail with your new address in advance. Better yet, arrange for online statements or reminders and save paper.
You can also contact Canada Post and arrange for mail forwarding. Chances are there will be at least a few places you forget to update with your new address and this ensures you don’t miss an important payment deadline or dental appointment.
Book the elevator
Currently living in (or moving to) a high-rise condo? You do not want to be lugging boxes up or down 20 flights of stairs or fighting with elevator doors that keep closing.
Check in with the building’s management company about their moving policies and make arrangements in advance. Some charge a moving fee or damage deposit. And if you are moving during a peak time, reserving the elevator early may ensure you get it when you need it.
Don’t forget food
Plan ahead for some quick and easy meals for moving week. In the days leading up to the move, you won’t have much time to prepare meals. Some advance planning will help keep you out of the drive thru and help get you through those busy days. Stock up on disposable plates, cups and cutlery to use until you unpack the kitchen.
Have an unpacking strategy
Once the movers are gone and you are left with towers of boxes, it’s great to have a strategic unpacking plan. Tackling kids' rooms is a good place to start. Then it’s usually good to unpack the kitchen next, as having a functional kitchen really helps bring some normalcy and routine back to your daily life.
Take some time off
Even the most organized person will tell you that moving is a lot of work. Taking a few days off before and after a move really gives you a chance to focus and get everything done.
You may also want to consider pet boarding or getting someone to look after the kids for a couple days to ensure a smooth move. Eliminating stressors wherever possible will really help.
Even when your house is turned upside down and inside out, these moving tips will help you keep calm and move on.
Do you have home selling questions for Wally? Call/text him at 780.238.7384!