Planning a Move? What to Do Before the Big Day

Hire a Moving Company

Do you need professional help with your move? A moving company can save you money in lost time, truck rentals, and other related costs. Beyond the price of the move, a professional provides the experience, expertise, and equipment necessary for a stress-free moving day. Before you hire a moving company, ask your would-be contractor:

• How far in advance do you schedule moves? The sooner you can schedule your move, the better. If your move isn't for months, ask the company if they'll allow you to choose a day right now. This guarantees you'll get the date and time you need for your move.
• What types of items do you move? Some moving contractors specialize in items such as pianos or oversized appliances. If you have special, fragile, or other items that may require extra attention, make sure the movers know how to handle your belongings.
• How do you charge? Does the moving company charge one flat fee, by the truckload, or by weight? Ask the mover for a written estimate that includes all the costs before you sign a contract.
• How long have you served the local community? Ask the contractor about their experience. Look for a contractor who has a long-standing history of working in one community. Constant location or company name changes are red flags to watch for.

After you hire a moving company you can take the next step and begin the packing process.

Plan to Pack

You may still have weeks or longer until your moving day arrives. But that doesn't mean you should wait until the last minute to pack. Even though you don't need to completely box or bin everything in your home immediately, you can still create and start working on a plan.

As you plan to pack, consider:

• The packing materials. Do you have the right packing materials? You may need boxes, bins, bags, bubble wrap, tape, newsprint, or specialized containers such as wardrobe boxes, divided corrugated cardboard containers, and garment bags.
• A moving inventory. This written or typed list should include everything you need to move. Organize the inventory by room, type of item, season, or another category. You can start the inventory weeks or months before your move and continuously add to it.
• A schedule. When should you pack? Create a timeline for all packing activities. Include time points for when you'll organize packing materials, complete your inventory, and pack each type of item.

The more items you need to move, the more complex the planning phase may become. Start early to make this phase manageable. A longer planning phase allows you to take a relaxed approach to the move and can reduce your overall stress level.

Pack Some of Your Items

What should you pack in the time leading up to your move? Again, you don't need to pack everything weeks ahead of your move-out date. If you pack items you need daily or may use before you move, you'll have to undo your efforts and repack some things. Instead of these types of packing picks, start with:

• Out of season items. Pack opposite season items (such as skis in the summer or bathing suits in the winter) first. Chances are you won't need these items in months or longer. This means you won't need to unpack the items anytime soon.
• Holiday décor. Along with larger seasonal items, you can also safely pack holiday décor. Christmas ornaments, an Easter wreath, or a St. Patrick's Day display can go into boxes and bins long before your kitchen or dining room items.
• In-storage items. You don't use the furniture, home accents, papers, and other items you already have in storage regularly. Either keep these items in the boxes or bins they're stored in or re-pack them in sturdier (movable) containers.
• Guest items. The bed linens and towels in your guest room aren't likely to get much use in the weeks before your move. Pack these items, along with guest room furniture and accents, as soon as you schedule the move-out/move-in day.
• Entertaining items. If you don't have a party planned in the weeks before your move, pack fine china, serving-ware, and other similar items. These pieces often require special protection and may take longer to pack.
• Home décor. A neutral or blank space can help to sell a home. If you haven't sold your soon-to-be old home, pack decorative items (such as knick-knacks, photos, and artwork) as soon as possible.  

The closer you get to your move, the more you can pack. Some items, such as clothing and toiletries, should wait until the day before or even the day of your move.

Do you need help with your next move? Contact United Moving & Storage for more information.