Congratulations are in order! You just successfully closed on your new home, and the day you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived: moving day! Whether you’re downsizing, moving into a bigger space, or relocating across the country, packing up all of your things and then moving them to a new place can seem like a daunting and exhausting task. This is a day filled with a mix of excitement and potentially some nervousness, but we’ve highlighted some tips and tricks, so you know exactly what to expect that day and how to navigate through the moving process smoothly and stress-free!
Preparing for the Move
Around a week or two before your moving day, we recommend following this checklist to ensure your moving details are finalized, and you’re fully ready to take on the day once it arrives!
- Confirm Details with Movers: Contact your movers to Double-check your appointment time and go over any specifics for moving day. Be sure to confirm that they have the correct addresses and any special instructions.
- Final Packing: At this stage, most of your belongings will already be packed. Make sure to thoroughly look through the home and ensure that nothing is left behind unless agreed upon with the buyer. Spend these final couple weeks packing last-minute items and packing “priority boxes”, which will be elaborated on more below.
- Document Valuable Belongings: Take photos and videos of your valuable items. It’s important to have a record of these items in case anything gets damaged or lost during the move. Having these items documented can also help if an insurance claim needs to be made.
- Plan for Children and Pets: If you have young children or pets that could get easily startled or stressed by the commotion of the move, perhaps arrange for them to stay with family or friends if possible.
- Keep Personal Documents WITH YOU: Pack important documents such as passports, wills, or insurance papers in a separate, clearly labeled box that travels with you, not with the movers.
- Clear Pathways: Ensure all hallways and exits are clear of obstacles for easy mover access. The last thing you want on moving day is for yourself or a mover to trip and fall over boxes!
Home Packing Tips
The first step to any successful move is to pack up your house! Many home sellers accumulate a large number of items over the years, and so packing everything up can seem very daunting. If this sounds like you, you may want to consider decluttering your home and getting rid of items that you no longer have any use for. Once your house is fully decluttered you can begin carefully packing all your things into boxes. Be sure you have the proper packing materials such as bubble wrap, packing tape, markers, box cutters, and sturdy moving boxes, and label your boxes to help make unpacking easier when you arrive at your new home.
It is also wise to pack up a couple of “Priority Boxes” with items you need as soon as you get to your new home. These boxes can include soap, paper towels, toilet paper, a first aid kit, and any other item you want easy access to once you arrive at the house. Make sure these boxes are properly labeled so you know to unpack them first.
To effectively pack your moving boxes, follow these tips:
- Spread packing peanuts on the bottom of the box.
- Place heavier items on the bottoms.
- Then stack medium-weight items, finally followed by lighter items at the top.
- If you have any fragile items, make sure each one is properly wrapped and cushioned, so they don’t rattle around in the box.
- Since all your boxes will be stacked on top of each other in the truck, do not leave any empty space at the top of the box. If there is extra space, fill it with packing peanuts and tape the box tightly shut.
- Be sure each box doesn’t weigh more than 30 pounds. This will lower the risk of boxes ripping or falling apart during the move.
The Role of Professional Movers
If you opt to hire professional movers, be sure to do your research when choosing your moving company. Start by researching local companies, reading online reviews, and asking for recommendations from friends and family to see which company is the right fit for you. It’s crucial to ensure that the movers are licensed and insured to protect against potential damages or losses. Get multiple quotes to compare rates and services, and ask detailed questions about their experience, especially with handling delicate items.
On moving day, before the movers begin, review your contract carefully to understand all terms and fees. Walk the movers through your home to point out items that need special care and which items are not to be loaded. Throughout the move, keep essential personal items like your wallet and keys with you. For particularly valuable or sentimental items, consider handling their transportation yourself. Effective communication will significantly ease the moving process, allowing the professionals to work efficiently while ensuring your belongings are handled with care.
The First Day in Your New Home
So, what exactly does the first day in your new home look like? When you arrive, primarily focus on setting up the most essential rooms. Start first with the kitchen and bathrooms, unpacking and putting away toiletries and basic kitchenware so these rooms are functional. Next, move onto the bedrooms and assemble beds to make sure you get a good night’s sleep to prepare for all the unpacking ahead! It’s also wise to check the security of your new house as soon as you arrive. Make sure all doors and windows close and lock properly. You should also confirm that all utilities are operational, including water, electricity, and internet.
If you have extra time, and you’re not too tired, take a walk or drive around your new neighborhood and learn where some key locations are such as the grocery store, post office, pharmacies, and urgent care centers. If you’re feeling especially excited, you can even begin introducing yourself to your new neighbors and establish local connections.
Are you ready to move? Lamacchia Realty can help!
As you begin to settle into your new home, remember that all the hard work you put in on moving day is just the start of this exciting new chapter. When moving to a new house, it’s normal to feel a mixture of excitement and anxiousness, but with the right preparation and a strong support team by your side, you will be calling your new place “home” in no time! I am a REALTOR® with Lamacchia Realty, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way in your real estate journey.
Congratulations on your new home and your next life chapter!