Once you’ve decided that it is time to move, there are many steps between you and setting up at your final destination. Whether you are moving for work or fun, taking the time to properly plan can save you a number of headaches along the way. Before you let time pass you by, follow these steps to help make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible.
1. Choose a Move Date
Whether the date of your move is in your control or is dictated by other circumstances, it is important to understand precisely when you will have access to your new home, as well as when you must vacate your current one. Failing to properly time your move can lead to unforeseen consequences, some of which can be quite costly. Make sure you leave yourself a properly sized window of time to accommodate any unexpected shifts or delays.
2. Decide How to Move
The decision as to whether you will move yourself or go with a man with a van (and hire a professional removal service) is a big one. While moving yourself may seem less expensive, it can be more complicated depending on the availability of proper transportation.
If you do decide to move yourself, understand how many trips it may take with the available vehicles to move your entire household, and make sure your largest items will be able to be relocated successfully. If you prefer the ease of using a removal service, you will need to estimate the volume of your belongings.
3. Make Transportation Arrangements
For those who choose to work with a removal service, it is important to get those services scheduled as soon as possible, especially if you are moving during a peak season. Not only can the availability of choice movers be limited, your preferred service may not be available at all. You need time to be able to receive any required quotes, make a decision, and confirm your reservation.
If you are enlisting the assistance of friends and family for the move, it is also wise to get the timing details figured out early. This will help make sure they have the time available to help, and makes it less likely that they will accept another obligation once they have promised their attendance.
4. Organize and Review Your Belongings
Since you do not want to move anything you do not intend to keep, it makes sense to organize your belongings now and get rid of items you no longer need. Consider every item in your space, and separate the rubbish from everything else. If certain items are in good repair but aren’t things you will need in your new home, consider options for donating or selling the items.
For items, you are keeping, begin to divide them into logical groups to ease the packing and unpacking of items. This can include packing items based on the room in which they are used, or grouping delicate items together for more careful packing.
5. Begin Packing
While those who are working with a removal service who will complete the packing duties for you can skip this section, everyone else will want to start packing as soon as possible. This allows the process to be broken into stages, making it feel less overwhelming.
You can begin the process in a number of ways. Some prefer to start in one room and have that completed before moving to the next. Others prefer to pack based on the likelihood of needing that item immediately before or after the move is complete. Any process can work as long as it is an organized one.
6. Move
Once everything is packed, and the date of your move arrives, you have nothing left to do but complete your move. Make sure everything is handled with care and try to keep packed items organized. You will be enjoying your new home before you know it.
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