TOP 10 MOVING TIPS
Moving is a frustrating and complex process, but it doesn’t have to be a negative one. At Gentle Johns Moving & Storage, we work hard to make sure you have an easy and stress free move every time. Here are our team’s top tips for moving.
1. Plan Ahead
Make a moving schedule and with a week by week moving checklist to stay on task. It may seem like overkill, but moving is a major process and there are a lot of little things to keep track of. Make sure you don’t wait until the last minute to get the ball rolling.
2. Don’t Rush It
Moving day takes a while. Don’t schedule a ton of plans for your moving day. The move can go longer than anticipated for any number of reasons, and between getting everything ready for the move and then unpacking and getting settled at your new place, you’ll be exhausted.
3. Declutter
Take advantage of your upcoming move to do a clean sweep of your home. Go through each room and create piles of items to throw away and items to give away. No one wants to move into a new home with tons of clutter. Donate the items or host a yard sale to make some extra cash. Save money when you call your movers as well- less stuff means less boxes to move!
4. Do Your Research
The most important moving advice we can give is to do quality research on the moving companies you are considering. Nothing is worse than having a bad moving experience or having your items damaged during a move because you have unprofessional or inexperienced movers.
5. Don’t Wait Too Long to Pack
Never procrastinate on packing. It’s not fun, we get it, but the longer you wait the worse it will get. Start by packing up items that you don’t use as often, or seasonal items that you aren’t using right now. Then go room by room and start taking down decorations, wall art, etc. Giving yourself enough time to pack also helps make sure your items are safe and secure for the move. Don’t even want to think about it? Hire us to do it for you. Our movers are expert packers and we’ll make sure it’s an affordable rate for you.
6. Get Everything in Writing
Whether you use our moving and packing services or someone else’s, make sure you get everything in writing. Whether email or printed receipt, you’ll want to know exactly what you are being charged for and avoid any unnecessary confusion or surprises. If you have any questions about what you receive, call right away to avoid any misunderstandings.
7. Understand Your Insurance and Payment Policies
It’s important to understand your moving requirements. Does your mover require a non-refundable deposit to secure your move? What is the moving day change or cancellation policy? Does the mover have full coverage insurance or just the standard coverage? These questions and more are important to understand before your movers arrive and start the job.
8. Change your Address
Make sure you alert all the companies that use your address for billing that you are moving. You can let the post office know by submitting a change of address form on their website, but many memberships and subscriptions you have will require you to call or login to your account to change your address and keep receiving proper information.
9. Make Aesthetic Changes to Your New Home Before Moving In
It’s always easier to paint and do some home improvements before you add furniture and other belongings into the mix. If you can get into your new home before moving day, make sure that honey do list is checked off prior to adding in all your stuff.
10. Be There on Moving Day
Chances are your movers will have questions for you about what’s going in the truck versus with you in your car or where to put boxes and furniture once you arrive at your new home. Make the process easy and quick by being there in person when your movers are working. You can answer any questions they may have and make sure your furniture is exactly where you want it in your new home.