Tips to Prepare for a Move

10 Jul Tips to Prepare for a Move

Moving is an omnipresent reality. In 2018 alone, around 32.35 million people moved, and that’s just in the United States. When it comes time to make a change, you will need to find the best local moving company for your needs. No two people are alike, so what you require may vary drastically from the next person. But the first step is to make sure you’re prepared. Getting ready ahead of time will cut down on time, moving money, and auxiliary expenses you simply may not have the time or budget for. To get in the best position to move possible, before looking for a local moving company, take these steps.

Calculate the Cost of Your Move

Moving can be a relatively manageable expense, especially when you plan ahead. If you’re not positive how much you want to spend, call a local moving company and ask them what they usually charge. You can then ask how that cost is broken down into the various components of the move. This will give you a rough idea, and maybe even help you find ways to save some money on the move.

Once you have an idea as to how much a local moving company is going to charge you, you can then calculate the other related expenses to see how much money you need to save or set aside. These may include the cost of food for those who are helping you out, and hiring some extra help to give you a hand with getting rid of some old stuff that is better off in the garbage dump than your new place. You may also want to budget in time you have to take off from work or vacation days you have to spend in order to both prepare for and execute the move. Throw everything into a simple spreadsheet, and that can be used to check how you’re measuring up as well as find some ways to save a little along the way.

Get Help from Friends and Family—But Just to Pack

Friends and family are great for helping you pack your things. It’s not the best idea to have them help with the actual move, however. When you are moving, the last thing you want is something to get damaged. The terror of unexpected damage is made even worse when it is someone you care about who is to blame. Too often, well-meaning people try to move something and damage either the object they’re moving or a delicate wall, door jamb, or window in the process. You don’t want to have a friend or family member responsible for you losing your security deposit, so let them sit this one out. Packing, on the other hand, can be a great activity for those closest to you. You get to enjoy going through some of your more valuable things and laughing about memories they bring to mind. After this is done, they will appreciate being able to sit and chill in your new place, guilt- and stress-free.

Get a Notebook for the Move

Keeping track of everything involved in a move can get very complicated very quickly. A dedicated place to manage all of the details is a huge help. Using a notebook, you can manage your expenses, ideas about where and how to pack different categories of things, and even ideas as to where to put them. A notebook is also a great little tool to keep next to the bed in case you get an idea while you’re sleeping or just as you close your eyes for the night. You can quickly jot it down and save it for later. Planning for a move is a lot of work, so you can reserve a section of the notebook for all of the little planning issues that you have to organize. Make sure you use a checklist as well to measure your progress along the way.

A local moving company can be a big help with your move, but you should do your part as well. Using the tips above will help you get a leg up on the moving process and eliminate costly or stressful mistakes. Be sure to factor in all the costs and look for the best movers you can find.