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Your Best Guide to Planning a Residential Move: What You Need to Know

Your Best Guide to Planning a Residential Move: What You Need to Know
Photo by Cottonbro Studio

Moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be a daunting (not to mention stressful!) process. Proper planning is essential to ensure a smooth and successful residential move. Whether you are relocating across town or to a different state, following these essential steps and tips will make your moving experience more organized and less overwhelming. So without further ado, here’s your best guide to planning a residential move: what you need to know.

Start early and create a timeline

One of the most crucial aspects of a successful move is starting early. You should create a moving timeline that outlines all the tasks you need to accomplish leading up to moving day. Include everything from decluttering to packing, hiring movers, notifying utilities, and updating your address. By starting early, you’ll avoid last-minute stress and have enough time to handle unexpected challenges.

Declutter and organize

Of course, moving provides a perfect opportunity to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need or use – and who knows, you may even be able to earn money by selling your used items or scrap metal, as advised by Langley Recycling. Before packing, go through each room and sort your belongings into categories: to keep, to donate or discard, or to sell. This process will help reduce the number of items you’ll need to pack and transport, saving you time and money.

Create a packing plan

Packing can be time-consuming and exhausting, so having a plan in place will make it more manageable. Start with packing non-essential items first and gradually move on to the essentials as moving day approaches, and use the sturdiest boxes you can find, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper to protect delicate items. Label every box with what is inside, which will make unpacking at your new home much more straightforward!

Hire professional movers

If your budget allows, hire professional movers to handle the heavy lifting and transportation of your belongings. Research and compare moving companies in your area, read reviews, and ask for recommendations. But be sure to book the movers well in advance, especially if you plan to move during the peak moving season.

Take care of legal and administrative tasks

Moving involves various legal and administrative tasks that need attention. For instance, you should transfer or cancel your lease or sell your old home and secure a new lease or purchase agreement for your new residence. Transfer your driver’s license and update your vehicle registration if you are moving to a new state. Also, notify your child’s school about the move and ensure all necessary documents are in order.

Prepare an ‘essentials’ box!

Prepare an ‘essentials’ box that contains items you’ll need when you arrive at your new abode. This box may include a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, basic kitchen supplies, and important documents. Having these essentials readily available will prevent you from rummaging through packed boxes in the first few days at your new place.

Plan for pets and children

Keep in mind that moving can be stressful for both pets and children. If possible, arrange for someone to take care of your pets and children on moving day. If that’s not an option, designate a quiet and safe space for them during the move to minimize their stress. Also, ensure that their favorite toys, snacks, and comforts are easily accessible. Happy moving!

About the author

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Tom Bernes

Tom Bernes is the Editorial Director at The Next Hint Inc.

Prior to joining The Next Hint Inc, Tom had a hand in a number of online and print publications, including InternetNews.com as chief copy editor and Government Technology Magazine as managing editor. He also did a stint in Sydney as group editor of RBI Australia's manufacturing group, which is when he also developed an affinity (a love, really) for cricket.

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