"Lessons Learned: Seven Regrettable Moving Blunders Warned by Real Estate Agents, Reshaping My Moving Preparation Strategy Permanently"
Moving homes can be a daunting task, but with the right planning and organization, it doesn't have to be a headache. Here are some tips to help make your move as smooth as possible.
Packing a First-Night Box
Packing a first-night box is essential for having essential items like car keys, house keys, and chargers within reach on moving day. This box should contain everything you need for the first night in your new home, such as toiletries, bedding, and a change of clothes.
Planning Ahead
A planner can help keep track of a move in an organized way. Start planning early, estimate realistic timelines, and budget adequately rather than rushing or choosing the cheapest option without research. Proper time management is crucial during a move to avoid delays and unexpected setbacks.
Decluttering Before Packing
The first step in moving homes is to declutter before packing. This step saves time and money by reducing what you need to move and prevents taking unwanted or obsolete items to your new home. Fiona Dogan, a realtor with decades of experience in local and global real estate, advises editing before moving, especially when downsizing.
Packing Large and Oddly Shaped Items
Home gyms, with large machines like treadmills or weight racks, need to be disassembled and carefully wrapped to prevent damage or injury. The hardest room to pack when moving is often the garage or home gym due to their bulky, heavy, and oddly shaped items. Planning ahead, using the right equipment, and asking for help are key to packing these spaces safely and efficiently.
Labeling Boxes
Not labeling boxes clearly hinders unpacking. Labels should specify the room and contents, written on the side for easy identification. Essential items should be packed in dedicated "first day" boxes so you can quickly access them upon arrival.
Improper Packing
Improper packing can lead to broken items, wasted space, and unnecessary stress. Use small boxes for heavy items and large boxes for lighter belongings. Place heavy boxes on the bottom and fragile items on top.
Transferring Utilities
Forgetting to transfer utilities is a popular moving mistake. It's important to set up gas, electricity, water, Wi-Fi, and TV services before moving.
Moving Scams
Moving scams are more common than people realize. Be cautious of companies that request full payment upfront and only accept cash, or movers who have vague contact information and no insurance.
Purging Your Home
Not purging your home before moving can result in moving expired pantry goods, outgrown kids' items, outdated paperwork, or furniture that won't fit or suit your new home. A book by Rebecca Lawson is helpful for understanding what to ditch and what to keep when purging a home during a move.
Housewarming Parties
There is a map of housewarming rituals from around the world to take inspiration from for a housewarming party.
By following a structured plan that incorporates these steps and avoids common pitfalls, your move can be much smoother and less stressful overall. Nikki Boyd's 'Beautifully Organized' book offers advice and organization plans to ensure a new home is put-together from day dot. Always check reviews, confirm licensing, and ask detailed questions before booking a moving company to avoid costly setbacks.
- To ensure a smooth move, consider investing in furniture that suits your home-and-garden's interior design, transforming each room, such as the living room or kitchen, into a canvas for art and decor.
- In the process of moving, don't forget to choose color schemes that reflect your lifestyle and aesthetics, as they can greatly influence the ambiance of your new home.
- After making necessary arrangements with the moving company, allocate time to redesign certain areas of your new home, like the kitchen or living room, to fit your preferred furniture and layout.
- To avoid clutter in your new house, consider donating or selling whatever furniture doesn't match your new home or isn't a necessity for your lifestyle, as suggested by Fiona Dogan, a realtor with decades of experience in local and global real estate.
