Just because you’re done selling or buying your home doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods. There’s one more thing you have to do: move to your new home. This usually means transporting around 7,000 pounds, or almost four tons of personal stuff.
With the right planning, however, you can eliminate the stresses of moving.
A few tips:
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Preparations
Make a plan to reduce the likelihood that mishaps and unwanted costs will ruin your move-in day.
- Decide if you should hire movers or do the moving yourself. DIY saves money. But if you’re bringing a piano with you, or need to have your belongings insured, it’s better to hire professional movers.
- Crosscheck movers with sites like the Better Business Bureau or ask friends and family for recommendations if they’ve used professional movers recently. Research the new area you’re moving to as well.
- Learn your rights and responsibilities by checking out the U.S. Department of Transportation Protect Your Move website.
- 4. Let people know you’re moving. Aside from family and friends, alert utility companies and service providers about your imminent move. Arrange to have your magazine subscriptions and postal deliveries redirected to your new address. You can also fill out an official change-of-address-form with the U.S. Postal Service.
- 5. Fix the transfer records of your children. Make sure you get it from their current school and send it to where they’re due to study next.
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Packing
- Prepare moving supplies like boxes, packing material, labels, tape, and special packing items like dishes and wardrobe boxes. Pack mattress bags if needed.
- Take an inventory of items you can and can’t leave, especially valuables. This is also a great opportunity for you to sell, donate, or throw away things you don’t need.
- Have a box-labeling system in place and organize your inventory. Pack infrequently used or seasonal items like stuff stored in basements and attics first.
- Bring valuable items like jewelry, family heirlooms, and paperwork with you or transport them through tracked shipping with insurance.
- Take photos and videos of high-value items/furniture. You can later compare them with the actual item in case of damage.
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Final to-dos
- Tie up loose ends. Make sure you double check, clean, and pack everything that needs to be moved. Finalize all documents, and make sure important items such as insurance, cash, medicine, toiletries, diapers, a change of clothes, etc. are with you or within easy access.
- Make sure major appliances you leave behind are clean, empty, defrosted, and unplugged or disconnected before you leave your old home. Turn off all home utilities and make sure all flammable or corrosive materials such as paint, chemicals, and aerosols are properly disposed of.
- Make one last check with your moving company. Confirm your moving day schedule and double check details. Keep everyone in the loop about your plans.
- Tidy up before you leave.
Essential websites and resources
Even before you move to Houston, you can check out some of the following online resources:
