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Originally Posted On: https://ykbestmovers.com/moving-day-preparation-a-definitive-checklist/
Moving is a lengthy, complicated process that can be disruptive for you and your family. Whether you’re moving across town or the country, staying ahead of the game is important for minimizing stress during your move and having a positive experience.
But what’s the best way to prepare for moving day? What’s the best way to approach a move?
In this blog, the team at %COMPANY% discusses some tips for streamlining your move. We provide tips for organizing ahead of your moving day and recommend a short checklist to ensure your move goes off without a hitch.
How Early Should You Prepare for Moving Day?
The key to a successful, stress-free moving day is preparing well ahead of time. Whether you’re selling your house or ending your lease, give yourself a couple of months to get organized. Unless you’re leaving a fully furnished apartment, it’s a good idea to start planning your move 2-3 months before your target date.
Feeling rushed or short on time can quickly become overwhelming and cause you to overlook important details or have a stressful moving day. So, don’t wait until the last minute; give yourself time to prepare so you can focus on the excitement of moving into your new space rather than worrying about what you’re leaving behind.
Tips for Organizing Your Residential Move
Creating a plan and staying on top of the little details is key when organizing your residential move. Whether you’re moving out of a short-term rental or a family home you’ve spent decades in, it’s easy to accumulate a lot of stuff. It’s only once you start packing up that you realize how many boxes or containers you’ll need.
Before your move, we recommend investing in high-quality packing supplies to keep your belongings safe, such as:
- Sturdy boxes
- Bubble wrap
- Safety blankets
- Permanent markers
- Duct tape
- Labels/label makers
We also recommend managing your administrative tasks and responsibilities, including the following:
Hire a Reliable Moving Company Well in Advance
Once you have a target move-in day, the first thing you should do is select a moving company to hire. Professional movers are essential for any significant move. They can do the heavy lifting, provide the trucks to transport your items, and even unpack your belongings at your new address.
Moving companies usually get booked quickly, especially during the summer, so hiring a company in advance is crucial for organizing and ensuring your moving day goes off seamlessly.
Update Your Address
Before moving day, usually a couple of weeks in advance, it’s essential to update your address and inform local authorities and agencies of the change. Changing your address is crucial to maintaining a viable health card and driver’s license, and it’s also required by any government bodies who are providing you with assistance.
Sharing your current address is essential and should also be done with the following:
- The CRA
- Utility providers (electricity, gas, water, internet, cable)
- Financial institutions
- Your employer
- Current schools
- Doctors and dentists
- Canada Post (set up mail forwarding from your old address)
Manage Personal Paperwork and Transfer Utilities
Another important step when getting ready for a move is to ensure your paperwork is organized, your bills arrive at your new address, and your utilities are properly managed and transferred to your new place. An essential first step is to secure documents like birth certificates, passports, social security cards, and financial records.
You also need to contact your current utility providers, including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable companies, to notify them of your move and transfer services to your new address. Transfer your utilities a few weeks before your move date so you don’t arrive at your new place without power or internet for a few days.
Declutter and Downsize Your Belongings
Before you start packing or during the process, you should take time to declutter your belongings. Going through your closet and storage spaces and discarding items you no longer use or don’t serve a purpose can simplify your move.
We recommend setting up different boxes for items you’re keeping, discarding, and donating, as well as taking the opportunity to pack to look at your belongings critically and decide what you really want to take with you.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Preparing Your Old and New Homes
A final step when leaving your old home and the first step when moving into your new space is to ensure your homes are properly cleaned and maintained. The moving process can track dirt and dust into your home, so wiping down floors, surfaces, and walls will leave your home in pristine condition for the next owners. It will also ensure you don’t leave any items behind or overlook waste and garbage.
When you get to your new property, conduct a walkthrough and make note of areas that need attention. From scuffs on the walls to grime in bathroom tiles and dusty windows, hiring professionals or tackling the tasks yourself will also make your new space feel more personal and help you settle into it.
Get Prepared for Moving Day With the Help of a Moving Company
Moving houses can be a stressful and emotionally draining experience, but partnering with an established company can help you prepare for your big day. A reputable moving company will provide guidance and support throughout the process.
From supplying the safety equipment required for protecting your belongings throughout the move to carrying out the heavy lifting, movers free you up to oversee the transition to your new space. You’ll be able to focus on your move’s personal and administrative aspects and approach the experience with less stress and concern.
Contact %COMPANY% to Make Your Next Move Stress-Free
At %COMPANY%, we’ve worked with countless homeowners and businesses on local and long-distance moves. With years of experience, we’ve developed a streamlined process for planning and executing moves seamlessly.
We’re hard-working, detail-oriented, and passionate about facilitating moves with expertise. You can count on us to simplify your next moving day.
Call us at %PHONE1% to connect with our team and discuss your needs.
