Even if you have spent months planning your big move into a new home, the days before, the day of, and the day after can be overwhelming. Constantly having to remember if you are forgetting anything, dealing with paperwork, and worrying about bill and cable transfers can be a lot to think about while you’re in the middle of having all of your belongings moved to a completely new place.
Knowing what to do ahead of time can save you an immense amount of stress and also help your movers make sure the moving process runs smoothly. We have created a list of the things you should do before, during, and after a move.
Before You Move:
Contact Utility and Service Companies
At least two weeks before you move, set the date for your utility and service companies to disconnect services from your current home and relocate them to your new home. Make sure they disconnect after your move date, so you aren’t without utilities as the move is happening.
You should contact your water, electricity, telephone, Internet, and heating companies before your move.
Hire Movers
At least a month before you move, research moving companies in your area and book your moving date. This will give you plenty of time to coordinate your move and feel prepared in the process.
For a smooth move, it’s important to choose a company you can trust to take care of you and your belongings. At Firefighting’s Finest, we make our customers the highest priority every time.
Be Completely Packed Before Movers Arrive
Pack your belongings before the movers arrive, so your boxes and furniture can immediately be loaded into the moving truck without delay.
Need help packing? View our packing guide or consider using our packing services. We use strong packing materials, so your items stay protected through the duration of the move. The amount of time you save when you let us pack for you is also a major benefit!
Change of Address
Before your move, be sure to submit a change of address to the post office so your mail is sent and forwarded to the correct address. Fortunately, this is a very simple process that can be done online with the U.S. Post Office.
During the Move:
Let the Movers Work
Be sure to give your movers the space they need as they are moving your belongings. They will be moving large furniture and heavy boxes. Staying clear of their path and allowing them to move your items swiftly will keep you and your movers safe and productive.
Carry Valuable Items With You
Carrying your important items with you — such as fine jewelry, important paperwork and documents, and cash — saves you the stress of searching for them later on. While quality movers take great care of your items, spending time remembering what box you placed items in and finding the box can be a hassle, especially if you need the items right away.
Make Sure Your Movers Have Easy, Hassle-Free Access
Along with letting the movers work when they are in your home, try to make sure they have the access they need to move your heavy furniture. For example, keep your hallways and doorways as clear as possible, so they can easily maneuver your home and not worry about tripping over any of your items.
Some strategies for keeping your doorways and hallways clear are to stack boxes along the walls of rooms. Movers typically have dollies that help them move out multiple boxes at once, so having them pre-stacked can create more access and can also speed up the moving process.
After:
Unpack
The process of unpacking can seem overwhelming, but when segmented into small parts, it can be a smooth process. For example, if you label your boxes properly and have your movers place them in their correct rooms, it is simple to set priorities for what needs to be unpacked first and go from there.
The unpacking process also gives you another opportunity to purge items you don’t need. Has it been a while since you moved but you still have boxes of items that have gone completely untouched? This could be an indicator you might not need these items, and it’s time to sell or donate them.
Locate Fuse Box, Water Shut Off, and Propane Shut Off
In case of an emergency or power outage, it’s important to know where your fuse box, water shut-off, and propane shut-offs are. This should be something you can locate right away. Make it a first priority to find these as soon as you move in.
Update Records
Once you are finally in your new home, it’s important to update your records to reflect your new address. Many of these records can be updated at your local DMV, including:
- Updating your driver’s license
- Registering your vehicle
- Updating voter registration
Additionally, it’s good practice to contact your doctors so your medical records, bills, and paperwork are up-to-date.
The days surrounding a big move can seem daunting at first, but fortunately at Firefighting’s Finest, we are here to help! Contact us today for more information about our moving services, packing, and storage. We can help ease your stress and move you into your dream home.
