Nobody looks forward to moving or packing—after all, it can be one of the most stressful parts of the buying process! If you're feeling a little overwhelmed, my essential checklist will help you keep things organized. Here's everything you should know about the decluttering, packing, moving...and everything in between.
Before You Move
Get Organized
If it's been a while since you've moved, you may want to take some time to really sort through and reorganize your belongings. Be sure to work room by room so you don't get overwhelmed, and put things into "sell," "donate," or "throw away" piles to streamline the entire process. Remember, the less you have, the less you have to pack!
Set Up Utilities
It's important to set up your electric, gas, water, and sewer services before you move in—you don't want to get to your new house and not have any power! The seller may already have a list of their providers, but if you ever have any questions, just reach out to me or your new local government for more information.
Handy Packing Tips
Make sure all of your boxes are sturdy and reinforced—you don't want your belongings to fall out or get damaged. Bubble wrap also helps keep everything in place, and you can buy large rolls at just about any retailer.
If you really want to lighten your load, try packing larger and heavier items in small boxes. It'll be easier for you to carry, and it takes up less space in the long run. If you still have the packaging that an item came in, consider using that instead of buying a new box.
Before you get lost in the chaos of moving day, it's crucial to gather all of your essentials ahead of time and keep them in a special box. Not sure what to pack? Start with things like toilet paper, soap, cleaning supplies, tools and box cutters, paper dishes, and anything else you'll need right away. You may want to keep this box with you and not on the moving truck.
Remember all of that reorganizing you did when you started packing? Your hard work is going to pay off come moving day! If you label, color code, and organize boxes room by room, you'll have no trouble figuring out exactly where things go. There's nothing worse than having a disorganized mess right when you get into your new place, so planning ahead is worth it.
On Moving Day
Protect Your Information
As you pack, don't forget to set aside your personal documents and emergency prep items so you can always have them on you. First aid supplies, medication, financial records, medical records, IDs, and other important items should never leave your sight during the entire moving process.
Take a Bag
You don't want to be stranded if you make it to your new home before your moving truck! Be sure to pack an overnight bag with everything you might need—just think of it as packing for a vacation. If you know it's going to be a few days before your items arrive, it's not a bad idea to make reservations at a local hotel or stay with a loved one.
After You Move
Change the Locks
You never know who might have keys to your new home, so it's better to err on the side of caution. Hire a professional locksmith to change your locks soon after you move in, or tackle the project yourself if you're handy.
Get Oriented
You'll want to familiarize yourself with your appliances and utilities soon after you move in. First, take some time to locate your breaker and label the switches for ease of access. You should also find your main water valve, HVAC system, hot water heater, and any other major appliances that keep your home running. Don't forget to double check your smoke alarms and replace the fire extinguisher, too!
Clean First
It's best to deep clean your space and get rid of any dust, grime, or stains before you start unpacking. It's a lot easier to clean a house when it's empty, and you probably won't get the opportunity to scrub every nook and cranny when you're busy unpacking. If you're feeling tired or overwhelmed, you may want to invest in a professional cleaner to do all the work for you.
Inspect Boxes
As your boxes come off the truck, inspect each one for damages or mistreatment. Once everything has been unloaded, take a quick inventory of what's in each room and double check your moving truck to ensure that nothing gets left behind. As you open boxes and start the unpacking process, make a list of any lost or damaged items and call your moving company if there are any issues.
Unpack by Room
As you begin navigating an endless sea of boxes, it's helpful to view each room as a smaller, more manageable project. Start by unpacking your most important spaces, like the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. After you've tackled those rooms, you can move on to other tasks and start breaking down those extra boxes.
Enjoy Home!
If you ever feel yourself getting caught up in the stress of moving, don't forget to take a moment to breathe. You've finally made it to your new place...and your next adventure has only just begun.
The CindyD Team's Home Selling Resources
If you're getting ready to make a move to the Kansas City area, just give me a call! I'd love to help you through every step of the moving process, and I can even recommend some local vendors to lighten your load a bit. Feel free to check out my resources below and give me a call with any questions
Moving Day Cheat Sheet
Fill out this quick and easy form to get my moving day cheat sheet! It has everything you will need from a few weeks before your move to the day of your move.