It’s moving day. You’re one of 11% of the U.S. population that is in the process of moving, according to the 2016 Population Annual Social and Economic Supplement Survey.
How do you prepare? There is a process that starts six to eight weeks out, which will significantly ease your move come moving day.
Below is the general timeline for a better moving experience.
Six to Eight Weeks Prior to Moving Day
- Get rid of everything you do not need. Comb through your house or apartment in order to find the items you never use and do not need. Why move stuff that you do not need or never use? Exactly.
- Research moving companies. Look for experienced movers to give you a cost estimate and to schedule a time to move. It is best to get your estimate in person. An experienced and professional moving company will insist on seeing your house or apartment so that they will know how long it will take and to see if they will need any additional equipment. This way, there’ll be no surprises regarding extra charges on moving day. You can also check your state’s transportation department for the moving company’s credentials or with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints. Finally, start purchasing packing material for the big day.
One Month Prior to Moving Day
- Select the mover. Make arrangements with the moving company, start packing household items into boxes, and label these boxes. You will want to start packing things that you do not use every day and then when it is closer to moving day, you will put away more essential items.
Two Weeks Prior to Moving Day
- Fill out a change of address form. Go to your local U.S. Post Office and fill out a change of address form, or go to usps.gov to fill it out and submit online.
- Let family members, friends, and important people know that you are moving. Call family, friends, your doctor, utility company and any other person or entity for whom your move will affect.
- Ask for time off from work, if you haven’t already. You want to be present on moving day.
- Call your moving company. Make sure that they still have you scheduled to move on the day previously arranged.
The Final Week Prior to Moving Day
- Start packing your clothes. Pack your clothes into wardrobe boxes or suitcases. Keep enough clothes out to wear until the next time for laundry, which may not be until a day or two after your move.
- Defrost the freezer and refrigerator. By the day of the move, you’ll want to have your freezer and refrigerator empty and cleaned. Keep an ice chest for perishable food and drinks. Keep food and drink in an insulated lunch box to hold you over through the move.
- Confirm payment details with your moving company, if you have pre-paid. Be sure to include a gratuity for a job well done for the movers. 10% percent is standard. A 15%-20% tip is for service above and beyond. It’s always a good idea to offer the movers a cold drink on moving day.
Moving Day
Make sure everything is packed and in order for your move. This will help make the move as stress free as possible, and you’ll be able to enjoy the drive to your new place. Greet your movers (make sure it is the company you contracted with) and load up your vehicle with your family and any pets.
Moves can be stressful, however, with the right planning–as suggested above–your move can be easy-peasy.
