How to Prepare Your Home for a Move: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1:Declutter and Donate
Clearing out your home is among the best things you can do before a move. This not only makes packing easier, but it also helps you dispose of things you no longer need or want. Start by going room by room and categorizing items into piles: keep, give to charity, or sell it. Donating items in good condition to a local charity will not only reduce the amount of clutter in your home, but it will also be a tax-deductible expense. Moreover, your local moving company will have less to move, saving you money!
Step 2: Gather Supplies
You will need a range of packing materials for your move, including moving boxes, packing peanuts, packing tape, and markers. Begin gathering these supplies in advance so that you have sufficient time to obtain everything you need. You may also want to consider purchasing specialized packing materials for fragile belongings, such as dishware, drinking glasses, and artwork. Your llocal moving company likely sells these items, or can suggest the best place to purchase supplies.
Step 3: Start Packing Non-Essentials
Begin by packing items that you do not use on a day-to-day basis, such as off-season clothing, novels, and souvenirs. This will help you proactively tackle the packing process and minimize the amount of work you have to do at the end. Tag boxes unmistakably and create a list of contents to keep track of what you have packed. Remember to include your surname, destination and contents on the side of the box. When the boxes are stacked, you won't be able to read what’s written on the top of the carton!
Step 4: Notify Service Providers and Utilities
Tell your service providers and utilities of your move minimum of four to six weeks in advance. This includes your phone and internet company, utility companies, banking institutions, and other service providers. Don't forget to also arrange for your mail to be forwarded to your new address.
Step 5: Pack a Moving Day Kit
Pack a box with essential items you will need on the day of your move, such as hygiene products, towels, pillows, a new outfit, and disinfectants. You may also want to include a box of items you will need immediately upon arriving at your new home, such as coffee and tea, treats, and a box of hardware. This kit is something you should take with you, instead of having your local moving company take it with everything else.
Step 6: Label Boxes and Rooms
Clearly label boxes and make a list of contents to keep track of what you have packed. Also, tag each space in your home with a matching number and note down the items in that area. This will make it easier for your local moving company to know where to place boxes and household items in your new place.
Step 7: Plan for your Pets and Plants
For pet owners, plan ahead for them on moving day. Consider having a pet sitter come to your home or boarding them at a kennel for the day. Your local moving company will likely have exterior doors open for most of the day, so having pets secure is extremely important. If you have houseplants, make arrangements to bring them to your new home, or consider giving them away to friends or family members.
Step 8: Check with your Local Moving Company
A few days before the move, check in with your local movers to confirm the details of your move and make sure they have all the details they need. Ask about any special instructions they may have, such as unmovable items, and make arrangements for items you will need to transport yourself.
Step 9: Pack up the Kitchen
The kitchen is often one of the last rooms to be packed, as it requires the most preparation. Pack cookware, utensils, and other culinary supplies in labeled boxes and wrap delicate items in bubble wrap for protection. Make sure to pack a box of essentials for your first night in your new home, such as coffee and tea, disposable plates and utensils, body wash and personal care items.