The deal is final and the keys to your new home are almost in your hands! Now you will have to pack and move, but where do you start? The idea of relocating everything you own can seem daunting, but proper planning can make all the difference. When my family and I moved into our first home, it honestly turned into a bit of a mess. We were moving from a small apartment in Brooklyn, NY and my husband figured that we did not have enough belongings to warrant using a moving company. We opted instead to call on family and friends for help, rent
a truck and move on our own. A do-it-yourself move is a viable option for some and can save you money when mapped out but was not a great fit for us. We can laugh about our missteps now, but it was a hectic couple of days. I won’t get into the entire lengthy tale, but here are the highlights. First, we lost our truck rental at the very last minute, leaving us scrambling to find an available truck at a comparable rate. We were not completely packed by moving day, so even with additional help, we had to push our moving plans forward a day. Which also meant we had to quickly make sure we could park the rented truck legally overnight. Finally when we pulled up on the street of our new home, my husband came in too close on a neighbor’s curbside tree and tore off a small piece of the truck (taking a piece of the tree with it). We learned the hard way that the truck’s insurance policy did not cover the top of the truck’s cab and we had to pay an additional $400 on top of the rental fee to cover the damage. My advice for anyone moving is to create a careful blueprint of your entire move. Here are a few tips to get your plan going so the first days in your new home are not overshadowed by the move.
Confident Home Buyer Tool Kit Tips:
Budget, budget, budget! On average, moving costs can range from $1000 to $4300* and can vary based on the situation. The number of items you want moved, the distance the movers will travel and whether you want them to pack and unpack will make a difference in your final costs.
Pick a Move Date and Research Movers. Once your closing date has been set you can decide on a day to move and check out your options for movers. You will want someone experienced handling your move to avoid any hiccups.
Don’t Forget the Small Things! We tend to overlook the little items on our to-do lists. Completing your change of address, moving utilities and services, and planning for your children and pets on moving day are small but crucial items.
Ready to Pack? Everyone has different strategies for packing but no matter your approach, organization is key.
Budget, budget, budget! On average, moving costs can range from $1000 to $4300* and can vary based on the situation. The number of items you want moved, the distance the movers will travel and whether you want them to pack and unpack will make a difference in your final costs. Establish a budget within your means so you do not have to cut corners or come up short in the middle of your move.
Take advantage of online moving calculators like this one for an initial cost estimate: https://www.moving.com/movers/moving-cost-calculator.asp
Go room to room and take a thorough inventory of your items. Consider that some items may be better sold or donated.
Remember to include the costs of packing supplies.
Leave room in your budget for emergencies or unforeseen costs.
Pick a Move Date and Research Movers. Once your closing date has been set you can decide on a day to move and check out your options for movers. You will want someone experienced handling your move to avoid any hiccups. Take the time to think through your expectations for the moving company.
Try choosing mid-week and mid-month dates to get better rates and availability.
Write down your list of questions for each of the moving companies.
Get referrals from friends and family and read reviews to gauge customer satisfaction.
Get three or more different quotes so you can compare and stay on budget.
Ask the potential moving companies to provide license and insurance information.
Once you find the mover you are happy with, try to book at least six weeks before your moving date.
Don’t Forget the Small Things!
Complete your change of address request so there is no delay in receiving mail: https://moversguide.usps.com/mgo/disclaimer
Remember to cancel or move utilities.
Organize Haves and Have nots: Have a sale or donate unwanted or not-needed items. You can use the extra cash for the move.
Make a moving-day plan for pets and young children.
Ready to Pack? Everyone has different strategies for packing but no matter your approach, organization is key. You will not want to find yourself in need of your pots or your work clothes only to learn they are lost in an assortment of boxes and bins. Streamline your packing process to stay on target and make unpacking easier.
Give yourself enough time to pack carefully and organize your belongings.
Aim to complete packing one day (or more) before moving day.
Get packing supplies early.
Go to alternative sources like local businesses or use online resources such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for free or discounted boxes.
Check your home for existing boxes and bins that can be reused for the move.
Color code boxes per room with markers or stickers.
Take pictures of items, especially in most-needed boxes and label them clearly to correspond with your photos.
Pack an essentials bag with everything you will need for your first few days.
Moving day can be exciting when you use the right tools to plan. Remember there are also a ton of resources available to help you get ready. Browse the internet for more tips and checklists, talk to friends about their experiences and give yourself enough time to bring it all together. By now you should have a great REALTOR® who may also have references or suggestions that apply to your specific moving scenario. Before you know it, you will be happily unpacking the last box and finally enjoying your new home.
About Eshe Kamau-Newman
Eshe Kamau-Newman is a married mom of two, a native of Brooklyn, NY, and a super-fan of words. She can usually be found crossing T’s and dotting I’s as a freelance Proofreader and Copy Editor or blogging and copywriting when the mood strikes. Eshe lives for her family, her faith, helping others, and dancing like no one is watching.
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