Moving day is fast approaching. Your excitement level is rising and (hopefully) your to-do list is getting shorter. Chances are, you’re imagining the finish line: your first night in your new home. Your first coffee at your dining table. The first time you host friends for dinner. It’s easy to get caught up in the “after”, and many people forget about the “before”. That’s why we’ve created this list of tips to help you make the moving day even easier.
Pre-Moving Day Tips
Pack Strategically
Let’s be realistic: even if you have a professional mover handle your packing and unpacking, it will still take some time until everything is in place. Whether you have some help unpacking or you’re doing it yourself, you can give yourself some help in advance. If you have a box of essential items, you won’t find yourself digging through boxes looking for the necessities after a long day.
Here are some items to consider for your box of essentials:
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Toilet Paper
- Shower Supplies (including a towel!)
- Bed Linens
- Pajamas
- Chargers and Cables
- Silverware, Plate, and Cup
- Pet Food and Dishes
There may be things that aren’t on this list that would be helpful for you. Think about what you are likely to need on the first day (or a few days) and put them in this handy box.
Make a List
No matter how “on top of it” you are leading up to moving day, it always becomes a bit of a flutter of activity when things set in motion. Once the movers arrive and things start shifting from home to truck, it can feel like a bit of a whirlwind. Help yourself out ahead of time, and make a list of things to do on moving day.
Keep your list handy in the days approaching the move, so you can add things as they pop into your mind. Think about things such as vacuuming once the movers leave, returning the keys to your landlord, and doing a final check for items you may have left behind. These may all seem like obvious things to do, but trust us, you’ll be glad you put them on a list.
Plan for Kids
Your kids will also be excited about moving day. The best option, though, is to let them celebrate with you once all of the work has been done. This means finding a friend or family member who could take them for the day and keeping everyone safe while your items are being moved.
The days leading up to the big move can also be fun. If you’re moving locally, you can take your kids to their new neighborhood. Why not have a picnic in your new local park? It will not only be a fun outing for them, but it will also give you a chance to relax a bit amongst all of your practical to-do’s.
Collect Bits and Pieces
There are, of course, some small things that make a big difference to the flow of your move on moving day. Things like having your phone charged and make sure you have your movers’ contact information are a good start. Gather a copy of your keys – to your old place, and the new one – so you’re not digging around during the day. Having a copy of your contracts handy can also come in handy, in case any questions come up.
Last but not least: make sure you have the cash to tip your movers. They’ll be doing a lot of heavy lifting today and making sure your things arrive safely into your new home. It’s great to show them how much you appreciate their hard work at the end of the day.
How you handle moving day (and the days leading up to it) will have an impact on your first day in your new home. Make sure you consider what you’ll need to be comfortable while you get settled, and that everyone involved is all on the same schedule. Get your essentials sorted, and let our professional movers handle the rest. Get a quote from Flatrate, and we’ll get you moving!