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What Are The Necessary Things To Do Before Moving

Posted in Moving Essentials,Planning the Move on June 12, 2024

Ready to turn the page and start a new chapter in life? Moving across the country can be the ultimate reset button, but before you can kick back and relax in a new space, there are a bit of things to do before moving. Don’t worry, though! We’ve got the ultimate pre-move checklist that will make packing up a breeze and add a sprinkle of fun to the process.

What Are the Things To Do Before Moving?

Before you move, get rid of clutter and unwanted things by donating them. Sort out important papers and make sure that important entities, like the post office and banks, have your new address. Pick a qualified moving company with a good reputation and hire them. Spend money on good packing supplies, clearly name boxes, and pack in a planned way. Set up when to stop and reconnect utilities based on when you are relocating. Gather the things you will need for the first night. Finally, say goodbye to your old home.

It’s easy to fall into the 20% of people who consistently put things off or the 74% of adults who stay up later than planned at least once a week for no clear reason when you’re planning a cross-country relocation. These habits can make relocating a lot more difficult. Packing and planning at the last minute can make you more stressed and cause you to forget to do important things. So let’s tackle each step that needs to be taken care of before the big day comes a-knockin’.

Benefits of Decluttering Before a Move

Not only does getting rid of unnecessary things before relocating make the load lighter, but it also makes unpacking easier when you get to the new home.

Less stuff means fewer boxes and maybe even smaller moving trucks, which can lower the cost of moving. Getting rid of clutter can also be very good for mental and emotional health.

Giving to charity rose more than 4% in 2016 and around 5% in 2017

Letting go of things you don’t need makes room for new options. Here are some tips for decluttering:

  • Set aside spaces in the home for things you want to keep, donate to a charity (for instance, a Goodwill donation center), or throw away. Put stuff in the right zone as you go through different areas in the house.
  • If you haven’t used an item in over a year and it doesn’t hit any sentimental buttons, donate or toss it.
  • Do you really need three whisks or six pairs of scissors? Probably not. Keep the best and donate the rest.
  • If an item is bulky and rarely used, decide if it’s worth the space it will take up in a new home.
  • If you’re unsure about certain items, ask a friend or family member for their honest opinion.

Donating and getting rid of things you don’t need makes moving easier and helps the community by giving things a second chance. Don’t forget that what you no longer need could be just what someone else needs!

How and Where to Donate Unwanted Items

To help you decide where to donate or recycle your items, here are some options available listed in the table below.

Donation options Description Examples
Local thrift stores They accept a lot of different things and often give the money to local or national organizations Goodwill, The Salvation Army, Local charity shops
Specialized charities Focus on specific types of donations to meet particular needs within the community Dress for Success (professional attire), local shelters (bedding and towels)
Community centers and schools Often in need of educational and recreational materials Books, art supplies, educational materials
Recycling programs Ideal for disposing of items Programs for broken electronics
Donation apps Direct donations to individuals within the community, helping items find a new home quickly. Freecycle, Letgo, Nextdoor

Organize Important Documents

One of the essential things to do before you move to avoid feeling stressed and frustrated is to keep essential documents within easy reach. These include passports, legal contracts, medical records, and any other paperwork that you might need to access quickly. Placing these important documents in a separate box or case will help you find them quickly when you need them.

Also, you should take time to do some digital backups. If you lose the hard copies in transit, scanning them and saving them in a safe cloud service can save the day. Putting paper records in safe folders or fireproof lockboxes is another way to make them safer.

Binder with important documents and papers
It's crucial to know where the important papers are before you start packing

Notify Key Parties

It’s important to notify important people and entities about the relocation so that everything goes smoothly. The postal service needs to be informed so that they can send mail to the new address. Also, banks and energy companies should be kept up to date so that services and important communications don’t get interrupted.

Address can usually be changed online through the website of each organization, which is both easy and quick. For utilities, you should set up a final meter reading and make sure that services are turned on at the new home on the day you move in.

Choosing the Right Movers

Selecting the right long-distance movers like Cross Country Movers can make all the difference in ensuring that the relocation is as smooth as a well-oiled machine. Here’s a fun way to think about it – imagine you’re casting the lead actors for the blockbuster movie of your relocation. Remember, the right movers don’t just move belongings – their cross-country moving services will handle the entire relocation with care and precision.

Start with Research

Dive into reviews and testimonials like a detective on a mission. Look for movers with stellar ratings and positive feedback. Remember, a good reputation speaks volumes.

Check for Proper Licensing

Be sure that the chosen company is licensed and insured. This is like making sure pilots are certified before you board a plane. It’s crucial for peace of mind!

Get Detailed Quotes

Gather quotes from multiple companies. Think of this as auditioning actors. Compare their rates, services, and availability to find the best fit for the budget and schedule.

Ask the Right Questions

Interview potential movers like you’re the host of a talk show. Inquire about their experience with moves similar to yours, their handling of delicate items, and what happens if something goes awry. The more you know, the better!

Trust Your Gut

After all the research and conversations, trust your instincts. Choose movers who not only offer a great deal and good service but also make you feel confident and secure.

Packing Supplies and Strategies

Having the right packing materials is very important for a smooth relocation. Essential materials include sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap for fragile items, and markers for labeling. These supplies can be found at home improvement stores or bought from online retailers.

Room-By-Room Approach

When it comes to efficient packing, keep in mind that a room-by-room approach is highly effective. Start with the least used rooms and work towards the areas of the house you use daily, such as the kitchen and bedroom, packing up as you go. This method not only keeps packing organized but also minimizes disruption to daily life.

Label Boxes for Easier Unpacking

Labeling each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs in is another key strategy. You might also consider using different colored labels or markers for different rooms for even quicker unpacking. Detailed labeling helps immensely when it comes time to unload and unpack, ensuring that every box goes directly to its intended place.

A girl packing books into a container and getting ready for moving cross-country
Be strategic when you start to pack for an easier unpacking

Plan for Connection of Utilities and Services

When you’re making plans to move, you should make sure that utilities like power and internet are turned off at the current home. The best time to do this is the day after you leave. Also, make sure that these services are set up at the new home the day before you move in. This makes sure that you have all the services you need at the old home until the very end and as soon as you get to a new home.

Write down the phone numbers and account numbers for the energy providers so that everything runs smoothly. Before you move, make sure that all of the service changes are confirmed so that there are no problems.

Utility billing papers
Make sure the services and utilities are connected in the new residence before the move

Prepare an Essentials Kit

When you finally slide the last box through the door of the new home, the last thing you’ll want to do is dig through mountains of boxes in search of the toothbrush! To save yourself from this moving day chaos, it’s essential to pack a practical essentials kit. Here’s what you should include to ensure the first night is more about relaxation and less about being stressed:

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and towels to freshen up after a long day of moving.
  • Screwdriver, scissors, and a flashlight for those unexpected assembly jobs and late-night needs.
  • Keep bottled water, instant coffee or tea, and easy-to-eat snacks like granola bars on hand to recharge.

This kit will be the first night lifesaver, putting all the essentials within easy reach and letting you kick back a bit amidst the boxes.

Bathroom essentials
A box of essentials will make the first few nights in the new residence much easier

Safety and Security Measures

Moving day can feel like navigating a maze, but ensuring safety and security doesn’t have to be a puzzle! When it comes to additional things to do before relocation, first things first – safeguard treasures. Keep the shiny jewels, crucial documents, and tech gadgets close, or even in a personal carry-on or a lockable safe for extra security.

As for other stuff, treat belongings like a fort – strong and secure. Use sturdy boxes, seal them with power-packed tape, and keep the weight manageable to avoid any “oops” moments. If a moving company is in the mix, chat with them about how they secure the loot on their trucks. Even think about an extra insurance shield for that peace of mind sparkle.

Say Goodbye to the Old Life

Saying goodbye to the old home can be a bittersweet symphony, but who says it can’t be fun, too? Throw a memorable moving away party to give the beloved walls the send-off they deserve. Whether it’s a cozy backyard barbecue with close friends and family or a quirky-themed party – think “Goodbye Old Home, Hello New Adventures” – make it an event that echoes the good times you’ve had.

Don’t forget to take a final tour of the home, capturing photos or even filming a short video in each room. Share stories of memorable moments that each space witnessed. This can be a cathartic way for everyone in the family to express their feelings and cherish the memories.

Embracing the emotional part of moving cross-country is essential. Acknowledge that it’s okay to feel a mix of excitement and sadness. This transition is not just a physical move but a journey to new beginnings. So, raise a toast, share a laugh, shed a tear if you must, and set sights on the new memories you’re about to create. The old home will always be a part of the story, but now it’s time to start a new chapter!

Friends hosting a gathering before long-distance moving
Get together with friends and family to say goodbye

Time to Move On and Up With Cross Country Movers

And just like that, you’re almost on the way to a new adventure! We’ve covered everything from packing like a pro with an essentials kit to securing valuables and even throwing a fabulous farewell bash. Remember, long-distance moving isn’t just about transporting stuff from point A to point B – it’s about smoothly transitioning to a new chapter in life.

So, gear up, get set, and embrace the excitement! If you need expert help to ensure the move is as smooth as the favorite playlist, contact Cross Country Movers. We’re just waiting to help turn your moving dreams into reality. Here’s to new beginnings and a successful move – may your new home be filled with joy, laughter, and countless new memories!

Kate Holland

A true grunge and rock music fan born in Seattle, Kate has moved across the country and started writing about her experience.

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