Moving can be overwhelming, stressful, and frustrating but if you plan ahead, it can be an exciting adventure. Whether you’re moving into one of our apartment rentals in Los Angeles, CA, Scottsdale, AZ, or someplace else, these tips should help make your move smoother.
When I made my first move, I wish I would have known then what I know now about moving – boy, would it have made things a lot easier. By the time I made my second move, I took with me the lessons I learned from the first move about what to do and what not to do and all was well in the world for those days. For you, I wish the same thing.
- Measure furniture, entryways, and rooms. Prior to your move in date, measure all furniture, entryways, and rooms. Make sure the furniture you plan on furnishing each space with will fit in the rooms you’re planning on putting them in. If an entryway is too tight, make other plans, which in worst case scenario may be getting rid your old furniture and buying new.
- Don’t do it all in one day. If you think you can pack up your old place, head over to your new one and unpack all in the same day, think again. Trying to do this will surely stress you out and leave you feeling exhausted. At least one week prior to your move, start packing up your things. On move in day, unload and you may even be able to start unpacking, but give yourself around three days to completely unpack.
- Be cautious when hiring movers and keep your eye on the ones your hire. Hiring a moving company can come in handy for moving large heavy objects in particular, but always use caution. Do your homework. Seek out a company that has a good reputation. And, anything that’s extremely valuable such as jewelry, move yourself. Even movers who work for a moving company that has a good reputation can be steal your stuff. If you are hiring a moving company, it’s also a good idea to create a list of everything they will be moving. Supervise movers loading your stuff and supervise them unloading. Create a list of items and check off everything as they are loaded and again unloaded.
- Label boxes by room. It doesn’t take long and will make things easier when unpacking. You may even want to number your boxes, which can make checking them off when unloading even easier.
- Save money on boxes and reduce waste with packing solution alternatives. If you plan on using storage containers in your new place (some people use them in attics, closets, or under their bed), pack your stuff in them to cut costs on boxes that you are likely to throw away. You can also pack your stuff in suitcases, baskets, laundry bags, and hampers. To mark them with what’s inside, pop a label on them or just use clear containers.
16.5 Gallon Clear Storage Box, Walmart 20 Gallon Clear Food Storage Container, Overstock.com Round Plastic Storage Baskets, Dollar Tree - Call utility companies. Put your utilities under your name and schedule a date for them to be turned on. At Garden Communities California, we require our tenants to connect all utilities seven days prior to moving in.
- Change your address. This should be done at least two weeks prior to your move. Let your bank know and transfer over any magazine subscriptions you may have, among other things. Hit the post office and have your mail forwarded to your place as well – you can also change your address on line for a minimal fee of $1 at usps.com. Don’t forget about changing your address on your driver’s license and car registration at dmv.ca.gov.
- Pack an overnight bag. As we mentioned above, don’t plan on doing everything in one day. You may not get around to unpacking some of the items you need to function on the first night in your new place. Pack an overnight bag with all your necessities for easy access.
Happy moving!