Moving is a BIG deal. Sure, it’s exciting, but it can be equally as stressful. We’re here to relieve some of that stress with helpful tips to make your move go as smoothly as possible. From packing and planning to tying up some loose ends that you may not have thought of, we’ve got you covered.
Get ready: tips for decluttering, packing, and planning.
1. Grab a pen and paper.
Take some time to create an inventory of your items. It may seem a bit tedious, but we promise you’ll thank us later. This will help you group things together while packing.
2. Be honest.
…When was the last time you wore that sweater hanging in the back of your closet?! Moving is the perfect time to downsize and mercilessly purge your stuff. You will have less to pack, and you’ll have a bit more room to move around when you’re “living out of boxes.”
3. Plan ahead.
Pack as far enough in advance as possible. Start by packing off-season, holiday, and any items you don’t plan on using in the near future. When it’s time to pack your valuables and essentials, try to keep them in a separate area for easy access.
4. Group your belongings by room.
Consider packing the stuff in each room together to make unloading everything a little smoother. Label each bin and box with what room they belong in so that they are placed in the right part of your home from the get-go.
5. Don’t overdo it.
Pack heavier items in smaller bins and boxes for easier lifting. Save the big boxes for lightweight belongings like clothes or bedding.
6. Prepare your furry friends.
Pet owners know all too well that pets always notice a change in routine. Try to stick to their regular routine as much as pawsible. (Sorry, we had to.) Leading up to the move, start to desensitize them to new sounds and to the moving supplies that will be around the house — think big moving boxes and even the sound of packing tape (it’s jarring, right?). Carve out some time to take your dog on a walk through your new neighborhood so they can sniff around their new stomping grounds! Lastly, try to keep them busy while you’re living out of boxes with lots of physical activity and/or mentally stimulating toys.
7. Ask for help.
Ask your friends and family to help you move or get quotes from a local moving company. Be sure to book early to make sure they’re available on moving day. Most importantly, don’t be scammed by fake moving companies. Learn how to recognize red flags so you don’t fall victim to a scam.
8. Tie up loose ends.
Moving requires a lot of planning, making it very easy to miss some things. Don’t forget to schedule/transfer your utilities to your new place, redirect your mail and bills, and get your home security system ready for the move.
Time to get settled in: tips for your new home.
1. Change those locks.
We highly recommend changing the locks on your doors. You never know how many copies of that key are floating around. Consider a smart door lock or video doorbell for extra security.
2. Get to know your new neighborhood.
You can monitor local crimes near your home with resources like SpotCrime.com or CrimeReports.com. It’s also a great idea to get to know a neighbor or two so you have somebody a stone’s throw away if you need help.
3. Be prepared for emergencies.
Identify the local Emergency Services in your new neighborhood so you know who will respond in case of an emergency. It’s also important to plan and practice escape routes in case of a fire or other emergency with your family, especially your little ones.
4. Set some boundaries.
Establish home safety rules for children and visitors. Check out our Kids’ Safety Guide for both parents and kids.
5. Be proactive.
Take proactive steps to deter burglars. We’re not trying to oversimplify, but there may be things you wouldn’t have considered. For example, keep a car parked in your driveway, and close your blinds at night. It’s important to know the tactics that burglars use when choosing a home to break in to so you can be proactive and stay safe.
6. Secure your home, professionally.
Home security systems are the tried-and-true way to help keep your home and family safe. A study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte revealed that 60% of burglars would seek an alternative target if there was a home security system in place. Aside from burglary, smart home security can help protect your home from fire and carbon monoxide. It can even detect the unexpected opening of certain doors, cabinets, or drawers.
Interested in exploring security options for your new home? Give us a call at 1.800.PROTECT (1.800.776.8328).
