Moving can be stressful, mainly because a lot of people tend to leave everything till the last minute. Unpacking boxes, figuring out your new neighborhood, and making your new place feel like home are big jobs on their own. So, why add to the chaos by cramming everything into one week? To cut down on the stress, here are six moving-related tasks you can get out of the way early. After doing that, you can take your time to settle in and enjoy the process of turning your new house into a home, without the rush and hustle.
1. Hire a moving company on time
Most reputable moving companies, such as Northern Virginia movers, are more than happy to reserve your time slot months before your move. This early booking is a smart move for several reasons. First, it gives you the best chance to choose from a wider range of moving companies. The top-rated ones tend to get booked up pretty quickly, especially during peak moving seasons. Getting in early will make it more likely for you to secure the services of a company that’s well-reviewed and trusted. Additionally, booking early allows you to:
- Compare prices: You have the luxury of time to gather several estimates from different companies. This way, you can compare the costs and services to find the best deal.
- Check availability: You can choose a date that suits you best, rather than having to fit into the moving company’s schedule.
- Research thoroughly: With ample time at your disposal, you can read reviews, check ratings, and even get feedback from previous customers about their experiences.
- Negotiate better: When companies know you’re shopping around and not in a hurry, you might get more leverage in negotiating terms and prices.
- Plan your move properly: Early booking means you’re not rushing through the planning stages. You can think through every step of your move.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that a major part of your move is taken care of well in advance can significantly reduce stress, allowing you to focus on other aspects of relocating.
2. Make plans for your vehicle
When planning a move, you’ll need to arrange the transportation of your vehicle. Additionally, if you have more than one car, options include shipping the car through a professional service, towing it yourself, or having the moving company tow it with their truck. Each option offers different advantages, with professional shipping often favored for its safety and convenience.
In situations where you’re facing a long-distance relocation, hiring one of the long-distance moving companies in Northern VA or whatever region you’re moving to, can be particularly advantageous. These companies are adept at managing the intricacies of transporting vehicles over vast distances. However, for shorter moves or when managing fewer vehicles, the other methods may be more practical. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each method and discuss your specific needs with the moving company. Their guidance can help ensure a smooth transition for your vehicles, providing you with a sense of security and allowing you to concentrate on other moving tasks.
3. Get rid of things you don’t need
Many people go through their items and select some of them to throw away, donate, and sell as they pack. Getting rid of so much at once can be stressful, and you don’t always have time to run to the thrift store five times when you’re moving the next day. Getting rid of what you don’t need is one of the moving-related tasks you can get out of the way early. So, as soon as you find out you are moving, put an empty bin in the corner of each room. Whenever you come across something you no longer need or use, put it in the bin.
Also, when you have a few spare minutes, you can spend them going through drawers and closets to sort out more unneeded items. When your bins get full, sort through the contents and donate, sell, and throw away items as desired. In case you have a bunch of stuff you can neither part with permanently, nor take to your new home, consider getting a storage unit, such as the self storage Lorton VA solutions. That way you will not create clutter in your new home and you will avoid the stress a decluttering session often brings.
4. Make an inventory
If you do hire professional movers, they will want a checklist of your most valuable items for insurance purposes. Therefore, go through your home, and record — either in a notebook or your phone — what you have. You can even take pictures of the most valuable items so that, if they do become damaged during the move, you have a record of their previous condition. Here are some key points to include in your documentation process:
- Item description: Write down a detailed description of each item, including brand names, model numbers, and any unique identifying features.
- Condition notes: Make notes about the condition of each item, highlighting any existing wear or damage.
- Photographic evidence: Take clear pictures of each valuable item. Photos should capture the overall condition and any specific details that might be relevant for insurance purposes.
- Serial numbers: If applicable, record serial numbers of electronics or other high-value items.
- Purchase information: Note down the purchase date and price, if available, or approximate it. This information can be instrumental for insurance valuations.
5. One of the moving-related tasks you can get out of the way early is to call utility companies
Once you’ve scheduled your move with your chosen company, such as local movers VA, or some other region offers, and have a set date for moving into your new home, it’s important to focus on the details of settling in. A key step in this process is contacting the utility companies. You’ll need to arrange for utilities like electricity, water, gas, and internet to be transferred to your name. This needs to coincide with your move-in date or the start of your lease. Fortunately, it’s something you can usually take care of months in advance.
When you call the utility companies, they will program the changeover into their system, ensuring a seamless transition. This means that on the day you move in, your new home will be ready with all the necessary utilities functioning. The great thing about this process is its flexibility. Namely, if your moving plans change, you can simply call the utility companies to adjust the switch-over date.
6. Gather your paperwork
When your movers arrive and it’s time to go, the last thing you want to do is run around the house looking for your insurance paperwork, lease agreement, or other important documents. Therefore, work on getting your paperwork in order long in advance of your move. Also, it’s a good idea to take photos of your documents so you have a backup source of the information if needed.
Smooth sailing into your new home
If you want a stress-free relocation, you’ll have to do some timely planning. By tackling these moving-related tasks you can get out of the way early, you lay the groundwork for a seamless transition. Each of these steps not only ensures the safety and security of your possessions but also provides peace of mind. Also, if you are looking for a reliable and courteous moving experience, you might want to contact Fairfax Transfer & Storage. They stand out with their commitment to customer satisfaction, even offering free estimates to all customers. Remember, the more you prepare now, the smoother your journey to your new home will be.
