10 Tips for Moving Day

Finally! You have just signed the lease for your new apartment. It is everything you have been looking for. It is spacious, bright, close to everything you need & the price fits nicely in your budget. The hard part is done right?

It is true that the hunt for a new place to hang your hat can seem like a challenge. But the really hard part is right around the corner unless you plan ahead and prepare for the big event. Moving Day!

Many people have learned the hard way that careful planning is the key to a smooth move. What is the best way to be prepared? Start before even signing the lease.

1. Will you be able to get the help you need on moving day? If not, consider moving the bulk of your household items into storage ahead of time so that you can take your time bring items into the new place after you pick up the keys.
2. Make a list of any utilities that need to be changed over. Most service providers can handle these transactions quite easily. Depending on the circumstances, you may need a week or two to arrange for phone, cable or satellite changes. The sooner theses matters are handled, the better.
3. Changing your address may be a bit time consuming. Re-routing your mail at the post office is a great way to ensure that mail still finds you while you update your information. Don’t forget about your driver’s license, health card etc. The Internet is a great tool for accomplishing many of these tasks.
4. Will the new place need any repairs before you fill it full of your belongings? Many tasks are much easier to do while the unit is vacant. Painting, carpet cleaning, general maintenance and repairs are best completed in an empty space. Take the time to discuss these issues with your landlord or superintendent. You don’t want to be trying to move furniture in while a painter is touching up the walls or when the carpets are still damp after being cleaned.
5. Take your time while packing. Marking boxes clearly and with detail will speed up the move. Adding words like “living room” or “kitchen” will tell your helpers where to place items. This will save a great deal of time when you are hunting down your coffee cup the next day. Labeling precious items, as “fragile” will alert movers that special care is needed when handling those packages.
6. Stock up on some re-sealable sandwich bags before the bug day. You can place the nuts & bolts or screws from disassemble furniture into labeled bags. This is a great way to prevent from mixing up or loosing those important pieces. If you attach the bag to the furniture it will be readily available for assembly.
7. Garage sales are a great way to recycle items that wont be needed after the move. They are also an excellent method of finding things that you may need in the new place. You may find the perfect end table or a vintage lamp that will suit the new space perfectly. Your local charities will be grateful for any donations that you make. You can help the community and reduce the things you have to move all in one step.
8. Packing an overnight bag with essentials from a change of clothes to a toothbrush will take the urgency out of unpacking. You will no doubt be tired by the end of the day and having your personal items at your fingertips will help to reduce the stress. Paper plates & cups are great when serving the pizza & lemonade to your helpers on moving day.
9. Even the most experienced movers can run into unexpected situations. That is why insurance is an important factor to consider. Making sure that the company you hire is insured is the first step in protecting your belongings during a move. You should also check with your insurance provider to ensure that your own policy is up to date and designed to protect you during and after the move. Having an appropriate renter’s insurance policy in place when you take possession of your new place is vital to protecting yourself against a huge variety of issues. Although the building that you are in is likely insured, your personal belongings are not. You will be glad that you took the time to create a policy in the event that you must relocate temporarily due to problems such as floods, fires etc. Tenant insurance is generally quite affordable & should be acquired by anyone renting as space. Whether it is your first bachelor apartment or the house you are raising your family in.
10. Make arrangements for children and pets. The excitement of moving day can turn into chaos if you are trying to juggle the family, Fido and the move. A local kennel or friend’s place may be a perfect spot for your pets during the transition. Perhaps the children can stay with a family member or even sleep over at a friend’s house. The result will be less stress on everyone involved.