Moving to your new home or office can be an exciting moment, but it can also be hectic. If you don’t have the help or are not physical able to move yourself, you may want to consider hiring moving company to help you with your big move.
Keep in mind that a little preparation will ensure the move goes smoothly. You’ll want to do your research and find the best mover in your state or city as this process can be less than a chore. Here is a great example of a top Charlotte mover that does all the heavy lifting for you!
Now let’s go over a few simple tips that can help you stay focused and stress-free as you move to your new space.
1. Give Yourself Time
Before you make a big move, you should prepare in advance. Preparation will ensure you don’t take longer than it needs to be. Any experienced mover will tell you that you should never underestimate the time you need to get everything packed up. Perhaps, the best approach is to break down scheduling and packing into weekly to-do lists.
A few weeks before the move, you should check the estimates from different companies. If you start early, you’ll be more level-headed throughout the process.
2. Take Inventory of Your Belongings
You should use a inventory notebook to take into account everything you own. This is an important step as it will help take accurate records in case of losses.
Take the inventory of each room, and don’t jump around. Start with the major items like appliances and furniture before moving to smaller things. Also, you should take account of all the items hidden under the shelves. If you have some artwork and antiques, record them too. Don’t forget to take some photos to back up your written inventory.
3. Know What To Take and What Can’t Be Moved
When planning a big move, you should consult the company to know those things that you shouldn’t pack. Most companies that offer moving and delivery services will make a list of what can’t be moved. This is due to safety or liability reasons. So, if you want to bring important papers, photos, medicine, food, or pets, you may want to arrange to transport yourself.
Also, moving can be expensive, so you don’t want to pack those supplies that you don’t need. If you have a few hanging clothes, you can donate the rest.
4. Calculate Your Moving Costs
Before you prepare for a big move, you should calculate how much you’re willing to spend. Some of the moving costs you should plan for include hiring movers, moving boxes, cleaning the house, paying bills at the old home or office, etc.
The actual cost will also depend on the distance you intend to move, the weight of the items, among other factors.
5. Have A Packing Plan
Before your moving day, you should enquire whether the company is responsible for packing and unpacking your belongings. Everything is often packed differently, so you may want to pack your items by type. You can start by gathering your clothes and create piles.
If you’re going to pack breaks in your move, you should use bubble wrap or newspapers to cover them. Make sure you have enough boxes – label the contents and room destination. This will help you know where everything needs to be in your new space. Finally, you should pack the boxes by weight.
* Video sharing more on moving “hacks” and tips for your next move!
What To Look For When Hiring A Mover
After gathering your supplies and sorting out logistics, the next step is to choose a moving company. But there’s a lot to consider before you pass off the responsibility. The best home movers will make the process run smoother so you can focus on other matters. Maybe you’ve heard a few horror stories of some moving companies, so you don’t want to leave any loophole. Here is what you should look for in a moving company.
Good Reviews
While you may be tempted to do a quick Google search and go for the top companies in your area, this is not the best place to start. Instead, ask for recommendations from family and friends. As you reach out to them, ask about their experience with specific companies.
How about checking the experiences of other users. You should read online reviews to evaluate whether most people have a positive or negative experience.
License & Insurance
Even if the deal looks good, you should ever use a company that is not insured or licensed. A legitimate moving company will have insurance to take care of the possessions on the road. Another important detail you should not overlook is the license. You want to hire a company that is mandated to do the job. Sometimes, moving can be complicated and may involve your valuable possessions, so you want to work with a company you can hold responsible in case of an unforeseen accident.
Transparent Rates
When you hire a moving service, the rate you get will depend on many factors. The base rate will include the distance and items to be moved. In most cases, the rate won’t consider the packing materials. Perhaps, you can ask what constitutes an additional fee. The last thing you want is being asked to pay more for services that you don’t understand. Only hire a company that gives the costs upfront.
A Successful Track Record
A reputable moving company must have been in business for at least three years. Based on the information you get on their website and the reviews of others, you can have a general idea of the quality of service you expect. Those with a successful track record will give fair rates, and you can be sure your possessions will be handled with care. Only choose a company that has proved competent with time.
Does Moving Company Fit Your Needs?
Let’s face it: every move is different. Moving to a new home is not the same as relocating to a new office space. So, before you settle for a specific company you should ensure it suits your individual needs. Does the company have a moving truck that can accommodate your belongings? Do they provide additional packing supplies? Is the company available at the time window that meets your needs? Be sure to ask the right questions.
No matter how many times you move, you’ll realize that there’s something you’d have done differently. When you follow the above tips, you can rest assured that your new move will be stress-free. You can now put your plan into action, and you’ll be ready to settle in your new home or office.