Are you going to be renting your first home or apartment? For first-time movers, the task ahead of them can seem daunting. What you haven’t already considered could end up being the worst part. There is a lot to consider and a lot that could go wrong. Moving is a stress-filled event and certainly one that most people don’t look forward to. One of the goals for most people is to avoid mistakes that will make their life miserable.
Moving out of your parent’s home and into a rental will feel very exciting but not if you make significant mistakes. Moving into a rental home for the first time can be fairly challenging if you are not prepared adequately. Let’s take a look at some tips for moving that should make things easier when the move-in day arrives.
Vetting Your Moving Company
When deciding on which moving company to use, make sure to check that they are legitimate. Are they licensed and insured? Look at the Better Business Bureau profile to look for problems and read feedback from previous customers so that you don’t make a mistake. It is an excellent idea to pay close attention to both online reviews, as well as any friend and family who have used the companies you’re considering.
When figuring out your total moving expenses don’t forget an appropriate moving tip. If a moving company does an outstanding job it is not uncommon at all to provide a gratuity. Maximum Real Estate Exposure has an excellent guide on how much to tip a mover. Use it as a reference point before tipping.
Moving Date
If you are able to move mid-week and in the middle of the month, the costs are going to be less. When hiring professional movers the rates for the more popular moving times are going to cost you more. Typically, the spring and summer months are some of the more expensive times of the year to move. Plan accordingly if you can.
Moving Company Rules
If you are hiring a professional moving company, make sure you know what their rules are for items they won’t transport. You may run into issues if you have things like scuba tanks, fire extinguishers, paint cans, fertilizer, and more. Check with your movers for exact details.
If you are moving to a different state, check with the movers about any plants you have. Are they allowed to be moved across state lines?
Doing the Move Yourself
Are you a more independent do it yourself kind of person or maybe you need to save on significant expenses? If so, you may want to consider getting your own moving truck nearby and taking care of things yourself. Maybe you can lure a few of your friends and buy them lunch and drinks? Moving without professional assistance can save you a significant amount of money.
Just like hiring a moving professional, vetting a truck rental company is vital too.
Getting the Measurements
So that things are easier when moving your furniture into your new home, it is good to know that things will fit. If you can look at the blueprints of the home, you will be able to see where things can fit.
You could also take measurements when going to a showing so if you aren’t certain something is going to fit where you want it to. Sometimes people have furniture they realize at the last minute they no longer want. If this is something you have been debating, you can also donate furniture to charity before you move. Not only will it save you an unneeded moving expense but you’ll also be helping someone in need.
Getting Organized is a Critical Exercise
Before you pack, you should get rid of items you no longer need. This will make it easier to move as you will have less stuff. You could even sell some of your things online or through a garage sale, to help you out financially. Organizing properly is one of those things that will help immensely when moving.
Packing Materials
To avoid damage to your possessions, make sure you have the right packing materials. Decent boxes and bubble wrap may not be enough for some items of furniture and other possessions. Having the appropriate packing and moving supplies can make the difference between thinking it wasn’t as bad as you thought it would be to I don’t want to ever move again in my life. Leaving this to the last minute is one of the moving mistakes many people make.
Take the time to prepare what you need before you start the process.
Labels Are Crucial When Moving
Be sure to label the boxes as you go along. When things are moved in, you will be in a muddle if you don’t know which boxes go where and what they contain. If the contents of a box are fragile, label it to reduce the risk of damage.
Don’t Forget About an Essentials Bag
Don’t pack items you are going to need on the day of the move and a few days before and after. This should include things like your toothbrush, toiletries, a change of clothes or two, important moving documents, medicines and more. Make a list of essential items before you begin to pack.
Changing Over the Utilities
You should contact the utilities a few weeks before your move so that things will be set up for you in time for your move. Not just the obvious utilities like gas and electricity need to be set up. You will also need to contact the internet and cable providers to arrange a connection.
Notify USPS and Other Essential Parties
To make sure no important mail goes missing, you need to change your address with the USPS. They let you do this online, but you should do it before moving so that you don’t lose any mail. Don’t forget that you’ll need to change your address with businesses and subscription services as well as doing this. Here is a detailed list of who to notify of an address change.
Dealing with Pets
You should remember to have a bag of essentials for your pet as well. This will include food, toys and things like cat litter, for the move and soon afterward. You may find it easier to have a friend or relative to take care of the pet on the day of the move.
Healthcare Is Vital
You will need to find a new doctor and other providers when moving to a new area. Check with your health insurance to find out if there are doctors who are part of their network of providers in the area.
Don’t forget about your prescriptions either. You can check online reviews to find a good pharmacy in the new location and contact your current drugstore before transferring prescriptions.
Let The DMV Know
You will need to change your license soon after moving to a new state. The car insurance needs to know about your new location as well. You should be able to change these things online. When moving to a new home this is one of the first things you should do.
Telling People About Your Move
Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about your new address. Unless, of course, you don’t want to remain in contact with someone. It is easiest to just text your new address to people.
Hopefully, our moving tips will open your eyes to some of the potential problems you could face. If you give the process some thought and planning, the day of the move will be less stressful than it otherwise could be.
Moving into a house for the first time is certainly exciting but it can also be riddled with problems with no planning in place.
