Laney and I are REALTORS® with hundreds of past clients so we understand the moving process. When our customers go under contract we immediately begin the recommendations and create the list of tasks that need to be done for a successful move. What we've learned--it isn't that easy.
Our move reminded us of how tedious it can potentially be. The lessons we learned will hopefully help you if you're moving soon!
We've Done This Many Times Before
Sure, we've moved houses many times but forget that moving can be hard! We hired our favorite moving company, Reed Moving and Storage, to do the heavy lifting. We didn't really think about it at the time but we have to create those heavy boxes for them to pick up. There's just a lot of preparation to be done and we forgot the extent of that from our previous moves.
Let's Help Others While We Move
One of my favorite parts of the move was going through the home and finding items of value that we simply do not use any longer. For example, my son had a Razor Scooter that he outgrew so quickly that it still looked new. We had a number of those sorts of things and so we took pictures and posted them in Facebook Groups for free. It was awesome to see people arrive and get excited to have great items that we just had laying around. There are a lot... of... groups to post items.
Where Did We Get All of This Stuff?
One of the things we like to do for our buyers and sellers is to send over cardboard boxes to keep them from dumpster diving or buying them themselves. We had so many boxes spread throughout the house, labeled with a Sharpee for the room they would ultimately wind up in, yet we still had a lot of items (like the Sharpee) that weren't boxed up. Needless to say, we're still making trips over in our vehicles to get those final items.
Did You Do a Thorough Walkthrough of the New House?
It's funny but there are always going to be small items that you don't think about when you move to a new house. For example, after a long day of unboxing items and hooking up televisions and computers, all I wanted was a hot shower. I went to the bathroom, started the shower and grabbed a towel only to realize that I don't have a towel bar in a functional spot. There is a towel bar... it's just nowhere near the door of the shower! I have one on order but I would have liked to have known that ahead of time.
Do The Basics Way Ahead of Time
There are the typical tasks that aren't associated with moving boxes that we all have to get done. This isn't a comprehensive list but you will want to:
Log onto your banks and credit card companies' websites and change your address
Change your address with USPS
Change your drivers license address
Change your address for any professional licenses you may have (e.g. real estate license)
Order your new internet and cable television
Order a water filter for your new refrigerator so it arrives when you do
You can do these far in advance of actually moving! In fact, ordering your cable and internet can be very delayed so getting an appointment for moving day or the day after is crucial! Definitely make a list and do as many tasks as you can ahead of time!
Double Your Gatorade and Water Budget
We like to provide drinks to our moving crew but boy did we underestimate! These guys are thirsty! I'd count on about 4 bottles of Gatorade or water for each member of the moving crew.
Hire a Cleaning Crew... Twice
We're incredibly busy people and we have two kids. In that situation, I want the little bit of time we have available to be spent with my family. It's worth it to hire a cleaner to do a "broom clean" cleaning of the house you're leaving and then a full cleaning where you're heading to. We have fantastic cleaners and can provide you with their contact information if you'd like.
Give Your Boxes Away
This is a big one! You don't want to keep cardboard in your garage because roaches love cardboard. Instead, carefully empty all boxes and break them down. Then, post them on Facebook. You'd be shocked at how many people will want to pick up your used cardboard boxes for their own move.
What Did I Miss?
We've all moved a number of times I'm sure. What are some tips you have that will help all of our relocating friends with their move? Let me know!
