Moving 101: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
It does not matter who you are, the first time that you buy a new property and prepare to move in, is a scary time. There are a lot of things to get done, a lot of things to remember, a mountain of financial stresses, and then there are the plethora of emotions that tend to go along with moving in general. While there is little that an article on the internet can do to relieve all of your moving nerves and stresses, here are some key things to remember as well as some helpful tips to help make your moving experience a smooth one.
Remember: There are Always More Costs than You Anticipate
More often than not, even the most experienced mover’s end up spending more than they initially anticipated. This does not mean they end up spending a lot, but even the smallest and unexpected expenses (think buying coffee and pizza for your friends and family that help you) can add up.
Tip: Breakdown Your Expenses and Leave a Little Extra
It is a great idea to breakdown your expenses, common ones like closing costs, moving van(s), gas, and insurance can be quite costly, but knowing what you owe and how you plan on paying for it is key. Additionally, setting a little bit extra aside is a great idea as last minute items and problems do come up. What if the moving van does not arrive the same day you do? What if you experience car trouble mid-move, from emergencies to food, having that extra will go a long way in providing you peace of mind, and leaving money in your pocket book.
Remember: Organized Packing Might Take Longer, but Unpacking Will Go A Lot Smoother
Packing seems to be one of those, either you love it or you hate it things. While some people consider the entire process the opportunity to purge their closets and book shelves, others find the entire process daunting and dread even getting started. While getting started might be difficult, making sure that you are organizing your belongings by room can make the often just as overwhelming task of unpacking immensely easier.
Tip: Color Code Your Boxes
By putting a color sticker on the outside of your boxes, and listing the contents within on the side will allow you to easily sort your boxes as you unload the moving truck. This will also allow you to find what you need quickly and easily, making your day-to-day life a little bit easier as you slowly start to unpack and settle in.
Reminder: Write It Down
Creating a moving list is a fantastic way to organize yourself, as well as anyone that is helping you with your move. From listing what needs to be done on each day leading up to the big move, to an overall “Moving To-Do” list, writing down what you need to do or pay will reduce the likelihood of your missing something major.
Tip: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Advice
If it your first time moving, or you haven’t had the opportunity to really think about how you are going to get everything done, just ask someone that is in a similar situation as you how they got it all done.