Relocation Tips

We hope these important relocation tips help you or your client start the moving process on the right foot. This is basic but important information people tend to gloss over but should be addressed prior to your moving date:

• Consider your budget. Review your finances and schedule; this will help you find the balance between time and cost. Many people only focus on the bottom line. Others don’t understand the bottom line and make poor decisions. If it’s not clear, ask us! Our moving consultants have more than 30 years of experience in the moving industry.

 

• You should determine the type of move and what is the level of packing services you need. Can you move directly to your new home or will you need storage solutions? Maybe you only need a one-day delay, what are your options then?

 

• Maybe you don’t know how much relocation costs or what your options are. Start by calling our professional moving consultants to discuss the various options you have and the costs. Then weigh the benefits to each plan. Keep in mind not all moving companies rate their moves the same way.

 

• Review the floor plan in your new home and make sure everything will fit. It’s always best to dispose the unwanted or unneeded items before you pay a mover to move them. Charities are a great way to lighten the load. Some will even pick the items up from your home. There are also great services that pick up all your donation items, recyclable materials and trash all in one quick swoop.

 

• Write lists, take notes and keep a record of everything. This will be one of the most stressful and busiest couple weeks or months you can remember. Especially if you’re buying and/or selling a home. We don’t know about you, but our digital devices have become our second brain. Keep a to do list and start working on a timeline. It’s never good to start packing the week before the move but we see it happen all the time. Use our Relocation Checklist for the ultimate timeline.

 

• Hopefully by this point you have an idea of the services you want and what it may cost (we all realize this is a moving estimate, so don’t stress the likelihood of changes). Make your reservations now! Isn’t it too early? NO! What if my dates change or I decide not to take the antique sofa after all? No problem, you can always adjust your move plans. The best moving companies will have their schedules booked to capacity 4 to 6 weeks out much of the year. Make your best plan, schedule your move and adjust as needed.

 

• Believe it or not, there are other possible scheduling needs to look at. If you’re in a highly-populated area you may need to reserve parking space for the truck. If you’re in a building with an elevator you will need to reserve the freight elevator. You will also need to make appointments to have your utilities terminated and turned back on at your new place. Don’t forget to change your address with the post office!

 

• While you’re working on scheduling all the needed services and making all the needed reservations you will want to double check the schedules for your lenders and settlement agents. If you have two settlements (purchase and sell) make sure they are scheduled in the correct order and that the moving schedule works with the dates and times you have planned.

 

• Ok, you know what you need, you know what you want to take, and you set a date for your move and possibly some packing services. Maybe you find you have more time then you thought, and you want to cut some fat off the move cost. A great way to do this is by packing your miscellaneous items . Here are some quick tips will help save time and money: Firstly, boxes and packing material can often be found for free. People often offer them on various community websites, department stores, grocery stores and liquor stores also offer free boxes. The second thing you will want to do is speak with your move professional regarding how self-packing affects the coverage on these items. For this reason, we always suggest self-packing books, clothes, linens, paper work and kids toy first. They are fast to pack and the liability concerns are minimal.

 

• You’ve probably asked yourself at least once by this point “what do I do with the kids or pets?”. Be sure to have a plan. While it is possible to manage a move with little kids running around or pets darting up and down the stairs, it is not a good idea. As you can imagine, it’s hard to see your feet when you’re carrying a sofa, a large dresser or a few boxes for that matter. It’s always best to find a safe place for your loved ones on move day. We want your items and your family to arrive safely.

Call us today! our experienced moving consultant will answer your questions and guide you through the moving process.