Residential relocation is one of the biggest life events that is famous for being stressful and chaotic; however, it does not have to be that way if proper planning and management techniques are applied. Allow me to explain to you what is a step-by-step guide starting from the preparations phase to moving day. With this guide in your hand, you will not fail to note all the significant aspects of the moving process to enable you to make your move as smooth as possible.
A Checklist To The Moving Process:
Create a Moving Folder
Begin a folder that would contain all the papers that relate to moving such as quotes, receipts, and an inventory list.
Research Moving Companies
It is recommended that the client gets estimates from at least three different moving companies. However, to be more specific to find the most appropriate provider, check for the reviews and ask for recommendations.
Budget Planning
It is necessary to create a moving budget that would encompass all the possible costs associated with the relocation process: the price for the services of the moving company, supplies needed to pack items, and any travelling expenditures that the moving company may have.
Notify Important Parties
The next step is to notify the landlord, utility companies, and any associations that need to know that you will be moving soon. Make sure that you order the transfer of services or stop utility services.
6 Weeks Before Moving Date
Begin Decluttering
Clear each room depending on whether you are going to keep, sell, donate, or finally dispose of the items. It is advisable to declutter early to avoid the following problems, packing will be much easier when started early and moving costs are also minimised when one declutters each room in a structured process..
Gather Packing Supplies
Gather the box, packing tape, bubble wrap, and more. Remember to think green so as not to hurt the environment.
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Create an Inventory
Prepare a general list of all your properties. This will help you in keeping a record of everything and deal with insurers at times of need.
Label Boxes
Begin labelling boxes with their contents and the room the boxes belong to. This will of course make unpacking a much easier process.
Four Weeks Before The Moving Date
Start Packing Non-Essentials
Start with moving the items which are not frequently used in everyday life, for example, clothes for specific seasons, books, and decorations. Protect delicate goods and mark them properly using the labels.
Arrange for Storage
On the same note, should you require some items to be stored for a short period, this is the right time to seek a storage place. Storage Spot also has safe services to give protection to the things that they will bring during the transfer.
Notify Change of Address
Notify the post office, banks, insurance companies and any organisations with which you have subscriptions of the change of address.
Wanted, But An Unfocused Symbolic Plan For Pets And Plants.
Pet and plant owners should make preparations on how they are going to transport them from the current location to another. Some moving companies do not prepare these, therefore it would be wise to look for other ways.
Two Weeks Before The Move
Confirm Moving Details
It is important to verify all necessary information with the moving company the date, time, and any other instructions. Let them know how they can reach you.
Learn How to Pack a Moving Essentials Box
Immediately, pack a box with small things you will need after the moving company unpacks your car, for instance, towels, clothes, legal papers, kitchen utensils, etc.
Service Your Car
If you will be transporting some of your possessions by your own car, make sure the car is serviceable.
Get Your House Clean
Carpets, furniture, and drapes must be vacuumed if dusty and should be taken for dry cleaning in case they are too dirty.
Plan for Child care on the Moving Day
If you have children below working age or young children, it might be wise to organise for a babysitter to take care of them on this day.
Seven Days Before The Move
Finish Packing
All the rest of the portable property shall be packed. Be certain that all the boxes are accurately tagged and all the individual containers are shut tightly.
Disassemble Furniture
Begin dismantling big pieces that cannot be easily moved from one room to another. Screws and many other small items should be placed into bags that have labels on them.
Clean Your Home
Deep clean your house. Think also about arranging for a cleaning company to come in and clean the place properly for others to occupy it and remove the taks from your list. Moving is stressful enough without having to do a big spring clean.
Prepare Appliances
Defrost your refrigerator and freezer, clean all appliances and package them to prevent damage during transportation. Our appliances cost a lot of money so we want to ensure they are protected from surface and electrical damage.
Moving Day
Do a Final Walkthrough
Further, search for every room, closet, and cupboard to make sure that nothing is forgotten. Of course, do not neglect the areas such as the garage or outside the house.
Supervise the Movers
Stay present while the movers work, so that you can address any questions they may have. Make them feel that they have a map of how they are supposed to move around your home.
Collect All Keys
Bring all the key chains [house, garage, and any other that will be used]. To the landlord or new owner, hand them over.
Take Meter Readings
Record the last meter readings for the current month for the amount of gas, electricity and water utilised. Take pictures with your cell phone if possible. This step will protect you in case you encounter any disparity with the utility companies.
After the Move
Inspect Your New Home
When the movers are through with their job you should conduct your own inspection of the new home to check for any signs of scratches or any other problems. If necessary, take photos to document the final state of the property for the inventory.
Unpack Essentials
Begin with the unboxing of the ‘essentials’. It will make the first night easier and remove the stress of trying to find everyday items you and your family use.
Set Up Utilities
It is important to confirm that all utilities in the new house are on. Have a list of contact numbers so if there is a problem, immediate action can be taken.
Change Locks
For safety purposes, it is always advisable to change the locks on your new home as you never know who might have a key when the property was previously tenanted.
Introduce Yourself
Meeting new neighbours is always an advisable step when living in a new location. Knowing the people around can help build a sense of community as you get familiar with the people around you.
When applying these guidelines, you’ll be able to keep your move as stress-free as possible and sort out all the processes properly. As we have shown moving can be easily managed and does not have to be a really big deal if the proper arrangement is made and the right management tools are used.
How Storage Spot Can Assist
Relocating can be nerve-racking so Storage Spot is here to assist you, click here to contact us. Our secure storage in Cape Town is perfect for the storage of your belongings during the moving process. We have 24/7 access with strong security measures in place. Get in touch with us today to know how we can be of help to you in your move.
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