Moving can be a stressful experience, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be. We’ve put together 12 essential tips to make your move smoother and answer a common question many people have: Do you need to be present for movers?
You don’t need to be present for movers, but it’s usually a good idea to be there. Being on-site allows you to answer questions, give directions, and make sure everything goes according to plan. If you can’t be there, make sure to leave clear instructions and have a trusted friend or family member present.
Our 12 tips cover everything from packing strategies to dealing with movers. We’ll help you avoid common pitfalls and make your move as easy as possible. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, these tips will set you up for success.
Getting Started with Your Move
Planning ahead is key to a smooth move. We’ll cover choosing a moving company, creating a checklist, and starting the packing process.
Selecting the Right Moving Company
Finding trustworthy movers is crucial. We recommend getting quotes from at least three companies. Check their ratings with the Better Business Bureau and read customer reviews online. Ask about their insurance coverage and any extra fees. Make sure they’re licensed for interstate moves if you’re crossing state lines. Don’t forget to ask about their COVID-19 safety measures.
It’s also smart to ask friends and family for recommendations. They might know a reliable company from their own moves. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, schedule in-home estimates. This gives movers a chance to see your stuff and give you a more accurate quote.
Creating a Comprehensive Moving Checklist
A good moving checklist keeps you on track. Start by listing all the tasks you need to do before, during, and after the move. Break big jobs into smaller steps. This makes them less overwhelming.
Include tasks like:
- Notifying utilities of your move
- Changing your address with the post office
- Collecting important documents
- Arranging for pet care on moving day
- Cleaning your old home
Set deadlines for each task. This helps you avoid last-minute rushes. Update your checklist regularly as you think of new items or finish tasks.
Beginning Your Packing Process
Start packing early to avoid stress later. Begin with items you don’t use often, like seasonal decorations or extra linens. Label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs in.
Gather packing supplies:
- Boxes of various sizes
- Packing tape
- Bubble wrap
- Packing paper
- Markers for labeling
Use clothes and towels to wrap fragile items. This saves on bubble wrap and protects your stuff. Take photos of electronics before unplugging them. This makes setup in your new home easier.
Don’t forget to pack an essentials box with items you’ll need right away in your new home. Include toiletries, a change of clothes, and basic kitchen items.
Pre-Move Preparations
Getting ready for a move takes planning and organization. We’ll cover key steps to declutter your home and pack efficiently, helping make your move smoother.
Decluttering and Organizing
Start by sorting through your belongings. We recommend going room by room, deciding what to keep, donate, or toss. This cuts down on what you’ll need to pack and move.
Create three piles: keep, donate, and trash. Be ruthless – if you haven’t used something in a year, it might be time to let it go.
For items you’re keeping, group similar things together. This makes packing and unpacking easier.
Don’t forget to check storage areas like attics, basements, and garages. These often hold forgotten items that can be eliminated.
Donate usable items to local charities. Many will pick up larger donations for free.
Essential Packing Tips
Gather supplies before you start. You’ll need boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. Don’t forget permanent markers for labeling.
Begin packing non-essential items early. This includes out-of-season clothes, books, and decorative items.
Use smaller boxes for heavy items like books. Larger boxes work well for lighter things like pillows and blankets.
Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper. Place these in sturdy boxes marked “FRAGILE”.
Label each box clearly. Write the room it belongs in and a brief list of contents. This helps with unpacking later.
Pack an “essentials” box with items you’ll need right away in your new home. Include toiletries, a change of clothes, and basic kitchen items.
Moving Day Essentials
A smooth moving day requires careful planning and preparation. We’ve compiled key tips to help you have a stress-free experience and ensure nothing important is forgotten.
Ensuring a Stress-Free Move
We recommend packing a “first-night” box with essentials you’ll need right away. This should include toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, and basic kitchen items. Keep important documents like IDs, contracts, and financial papers in a secure folder you carry with you.
Don’t forget cleaning supplies for both your old and new homes. Pack a box with all-purpose cleaner, paper towels, trash bags, and a broom. This will come in handy for last-minute touch-ups or initial cleaning at your new place.
Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a portable charger. You’ll likely need to make calls and coordinate with movers throughout the day.
Final Preparations and Walk-Through
Before the movers arrive, do a final sweep of your home. Check all closets, cabinets, and drawers for forgotten items. Take photos of your empty rooms as proof of their condition for your landlord or buyers.
Make a list of all boxes and furniture pieces. As items are loaded onto the truck, check them off. This helps ensure nothing is left behind.
Prepare some cash for tipping the movers if you’re happy with their service. Have water and snacks on hand for yourself and the moving team.
Do a final walk-through of your old home once everything is loaded. Turn off all lights, close windows, and lock doors. Don’t forget to leave keys as arranged with your realtor or landlord.
Post-Moving Procedures
After the movers leave, we need to tackle some key tasks to settle into our new home. Let’s look at unpacking strategies and important formalities to address.
Unpacking and Settling In
We should start by unpacking essentials first. Kitchen items, bedding, and bathroom supplies are top priorities. It’s helpful to have a floor plan to guide furniture placement. We can use permanent markers to label boxes for each room, making sorting easier.
Creating a to-do list keeps us organized. We might want to clean as we unpack, especially if the home wasn’t cleaned before our arrival. Setting up the kitchen early lets us prepare meals at home, saving money on takeout.
Unpacking clothes and setting up closets comes next. We can take our time with decorative items and less crucial belongings. It’s okay if some boxes remain packed for a while as we adjust to the new space.
Addressing Formalities and Utilities
Updating our address is a crucial step. We need to inform banks, employers, and subscription services of our move. The post office can forward our mail, but it’s best to update our address directly with important contacts.
Setting up utilities is next on the list. We should contact providers for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable if needed. Some cities require new residents to get parking permits, so we’ll check local regulations.
We’ll review our insurance coverage to ensure it’s updated for the new home. Locating important documents like medical records is wise. Keeping a moving binder with all relevant paperwork helps us stay organized during this transition period.