Moving is generally associated with troubles and stress and a smooth and trouble-free moving is a dream that is rarely fulfilled. It takes a lot of planning and preparation to have a successful and timely move.
The top-rated local moving companies around you state that the moving process includes many small tasks including preparing a moving budget, arranging moving supplies, and hiring the right moving professionals. Even if you hire a full-service professional mover, you will have a long list of tasks to complete. Preparing well before the movers arrive will speed up the moving procedure and minimize the possible risk of damage.
If you will prepare well before the movers arrive, you will not only save a lot of time but will also save enough energy to unpack after you. Following are some most important points that can help you in preparing before the movers come:
Purge Your Home of Unwanted Stuff
Moving companies charge according to the weight and number of items so it makes no sense to pay for unwanted items and items that you may not like taking with you. As the total weight of your goods will decide the amount that you have to pay, it is a good idea to get rid of all the unwanted and unused stuff before you call in the professional packers and movers.
We all know that if an item is not used for over a year, it is hardly used ever in the future and we should consider getting rid of it. You should take out all of your worn out, undersized or oversized clothes, old fashioned kitchenware, broken furniture, and damaged electronics. Consider parting ways with whatever you do not use and do not like. Tell yourself that you are worthy of good and new stuff and leave the love for those chipped coffee mugs.
Know what cannot be moved by Your Professional Movers
Ask your movers if there are any items that they cannot move and make prior arrangements for them. You may have to arrange specialty movers for your pets and plants if you are not able to move them yourself. Give away or throw away any perishable foods and/or hazardous materials.
Get Appropriate Insurance
Consider buying additional insurance with an appropriate valuation protection plan. Make sure you understand all the available options and differences between varied insurance plans. Talk about all the liability protection plans offered by your moving company.
Consider Creating an Inventory
Once you get rid of all the unwanted stuff, consider creating an inventory for all the items that you are planning to move. This inventory will also serve as proof of your shipped items and you will be able to make out if anything is damaged or lost during the move. Make sure you note down all of your valuables properly with all the details related to it.
Keep Your Goods Clean and Organized
Make sure all your items are clean and in good condition before you pack them. It is of no use taking damaged furniture or electronic items, stained clothing pieces, and dirty appliances to your new place.
Also, make sure that all your electrical appliances are emptied and cleaned before you pack them. Don’t forget to remove their batteries too. Remove all the decorative materials from your walls and cushions etc. from your beds. Empty your chest of drawers, bookshelves, and cupboards before the movers arrive.
Drain the fuel if there is any from your lawnmower and other fuel-powered tools.
Self-pack the Small Items and Important Stuff
Consider packing all the small decorations, desk organizers, and other bric-a-brac that can delay the packing process of your professional packers. Also, pack all your valuables and important documents yourself. Keep your bag of valuables safe with you before the arrival of your movers. It is much advised to mark a no-entry area or assign a wardrobe to keep all your important documents and valuables. Don’t allow movers to enter that area or the wardrobe that you are using to keep your personal belongings and essentials kit.
Label All Your Pre-Packed Boxes
Label all the boxes that you have packed already and mark the boxes ‘Fragile’ if you want any to be handled with extra care.
Make Plans for Kids and Pets
Make sure you have made proper arrangements for your kids and pets if any. It is very much advised to leave your kids and pets at your family or friend’s place till all the moving process is completed. If you cannot arrange any family’s place then consider hiring a babysitter to look after your kids in a separate room of your house.
Take Photographs
Take photos of your house and stuff and take a lot of them. These photos can be used as proof of your items’ condition before the move.
Pack an Essentials Bag
Make sure you pack a bog of essentials that should contain a pair of clothes, some snacks, and bottled water. Also, add medicines and emergency items to it.
Whether you are moving on a short notice or have ample of time to prepare, make sure you do all these tasks before the mover arrive.
