Today’s the day! It’s finally time for your big move. Your movers are on their way to help you get your possessions to the place where your next chapter in life begins. Whether you are moving long distance or somewhere nearby, here are 10, often overlooked, things that we have identified to make your moving day as stress-free as possible.
1. Get Up Early
You’ve made your plan, hired the right team, and done a good job executing to this point, but still make sure you give yourself time for unexpected delays. What’s the easiest way to do this? Get up early! Add in a motivator, like going to a favorite coffee shop or bakery to get your moving day started off on the right foot.
2. Check Your Oil and Tires
Even though hiccups can happen, one you definitely don’t want on moving day is a problem with your vehicle. Especially if you are planning a long-distance move, nothing will derail your moving day faster than a blown tire or check engine light. Make sure to take a look at your tires for screws and nails, check your tire pressure, and look at your oil and essential engine fluid levels before you hit the road.
3. Pack your Important Documents
Make sure you have everything you might need in on moving day in a safe and secure place. Social security cards, birth certificates, passports, and rental or closing documents are some examples of what you should keep together for your move.
4. Grab Your Movers Some Water
Just like you, movers can get busy and forget to hydrate. Show them some kindness and have some water ready for them. Not only is it a nice thing to do, but it will ensure you keep your movers working at the top of their game!
5. Do A Final Sweep Of The House
Even when you think you have gotten every last thing out of your old house, make sure you check again. Look in junk drawers, every room and even cabinets. Since moving is often a team effort, it is easy to lose track of an area because you thought someone else got to it first. Also, if you were renting, be sure to check for any scrapes on walls or other minor damages that could impact you getting your full security deposit back.
6. Take Pictures
Although many landlords are scrupulous, there are those that will try and cheat you out of your deposit. Before you leave, give yourself some peace of mind and take thorough pictures of every room and the inside and outside of your house or apartment so that you have backup if anything comes up regarding your deposit.
7. Pack Your Day One Box
Save yourself some stress when you get to your new home and have some of these items with you in your car:
- Coffee and an easy breakfast option
- plates and cutlery
- mobile phone and charger
- basic tools (including screwdrivers, spanners and scissors)
- soap and toilet paper
- towels and bedding for your first night in your new home
- first aid kit and any important medication
- food supplies and bowls for any pets
- last but not least, a celebratory bottle (plus bottle opener!)
8. Bring Snacks
Whether it is for you or your kids, have some snacks prepared your long-distance move. This will cut down on stops and keep your energy up for your trip to your new home.
9. Keep the Kids Occupied
With your first day box, make sure you have a road bag to keep your kids entertained. Have the electronics charge, color books on hand and headphones ready. Also, consider looking into babysitting options at your destination or having one parent direct the movers while the other parent takes the kids somewhere fun to streamline moving into your new space.
10. Keep in Contact
As important as it is for you to have your movers contact information, it is equally important to make sure your movers have your number as well. You never know what can happen on the road, so prepare for that by making sure you can check in with each other as need-be.