Hire Movers and Start Packing

Having officially given your landlord notice and secure in the knowledge that the purchase of your home will proceed as planned, the next item on your list is to get estimates from moving companies.

Have at least three vendors bid your job. If you need recommendations, please ask us! It is best if someone from each company comes to your home so they can see exactly what the job entails, but if time doesn’t allow, be sure to give the same specifications to each business so you get comparable quotes.

Once you’ve gotten your moving bids, choose the company you prefer and get them scheduled! Moving companies tend to book up quickly and this is not a task you want to leave until the last minute.

You will not be able to move into your new home until it has officially closed and the property is legally yours. Keep in mind that we can’t schedule a set time for closing. Based on this, you should work with your movers to have them pack your current home or apartment the morning of closing with a plan to move into your new home later that afternoon.

Prior to move day, you should check as to whether there are any parking or moving restrictions within your community and obtain the necessary permits or authorizations in advance. This is especially applicable if you are moving into a condominium, townhome, or planned community. You can contact the HOA office for more details. If you need their contact information, Dawn and The Team can provide that to you.

Some things to do prior to moving day include:

• Begin purging and decluttering your current home; getting rid of any items you don’t wish to take with you.
• Clean out all small appliances you’ll be packing (coffee makers, toaster ovens, etc.)
• Drain fuel from garden machines such as leaf blowers and lawn mowers.
• Empty all drawers, bookshelves, desks, etc.
• Strip beds and remove pillows from all furnishings. Pack these separately.
• Make arrangements for things the movers cannot move (i.e. plants, perishable food and hazardous materials such as chemicals, cleaning supplies, paint, charcoal, pesticides, etc.)
• Purchase a moving insurance plan and extra insurance to cover any high-value items that will be moved. (Ask your movers about these options.)
• Create a detailed inventory of all significant items that will be moved, including high-value objects. Make note of serial numbers of TVs, computers, and other electronics. It is also prudent to take a video or photos of all major items in advance.
• Pre-pack small items like desk contents, small decorations, cosmetics, etc. in sealable bags.
• Label pre-packed boxes indicating if they are fragile as well as what room they belong in after reaching your new home.
• Label any large, unpacked items similarly.
• Create a no-moving room or space for things you do NOT want the movers to take including personal documents, jewelry, valuables, medications, small electronics (cameras, laptops, etc.) as well as the essentials you’ll take with you.
• Determine the best route for removing large items from your current home and ensure the path is clear.
• Make plans for pets and children on moving day. If a friend or neighbor can watch them, it will be less stressful for everyone.
• Plan to be home the day of the move to oversee and direct the movers.

For a great article detailing exactly what to do before movers arrive, click here!

If you intend to pack up your belongings yourself, you will need a variety of supplies including boxes, tape, and tissue paper (for fragile items). You can often find free moving boxes on Craigslist. They can also be purchased from local moving companies like U-Haul as well as office supply stores or online from HomeDepot.com or Uline.com. In addition, we recommend purchasing or having the movers bring wardrobe boxes, which enables clothing to stay on hangers. Just grab from your closets, hang in the boxes and off you go!

Moving is very disruptive and can be extremely stressful on your pets. Plan to have them stay with a friend or at a neighbor’s house during the actual move, if possible. For more details on how to ease the transition for your pets, click here.

While preparing for your big move, it is also critical to get the utilities and services at your new home set up to begin the day of closing. Read more about the utilities and other services you should contact now.