You’ve decided to move. Congratulations! Although moving can be stressful, remember to look at the silver lining: a new start! Whether you’re moving across town or the country, the process can be tedious and stressful. However, Did you know that, despite the challenges associated with moving, South Florida has witnessed a significant influx of newcomers? In fact, according to the United States Census Bureau, the state of Florida saw the biggest increase in population in 2022, adding 319,000 new residents.
Moving can be made much easier with some planning and the right mindset. Here, We’ve assembled six essential tips to ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible. Follow these suggestions, and you’ll be settling into your new home before you know it, with your sanity intact. Take a deep breath and dive in—your fresh start awaits you on the other side!
Start Planning Early for Your Move
If you want a smooth move, Start planning at least 2-3 months before moving day.
First things first, make a list of what you’re taking with you. If you haven’t used it in ages, donate or toss it. Have a yard sale or sell bigger stuff online. The fewer belongings you have to move, the less stressful it will be.
Research Moving Companies and Get Quotes
Next, book a suitable moving company. The good ones get snatched up quickly, especially for summer moves. Get estimates from a few companies and compare. For instance, if you are moving from or to Florida, consider Solomon and Sons Relocation Services. Offering not only efficient but also affordable relocation services, they cater to both local and nationwide moves.
Here are some things you can do to ensure you’ve booked the right movers for your move:
Check Reviews
See what other customers say about different moving companies. Look for companies with mostly positive reviews mentioning friendly movers, on-time arrival, and care taken with belongings.
Get Estimates
Call around and get estimates from a few well-reviewed companies. Ask about their rates, especially if you have large furniture or are moving long distances. Make sure the estimate includes things like insurance, padding, and packing materials. The lowest bid isn’t always the best—you want a fair price for a quality move.
Compare Carefully
Compare the estimates you receive line by line. Look at things like hourly rates, flat fees, and any extra charges. Ask follow-up questions about vague areas or additional fees. Be wary of unusually low estimates, which could mean hidden costs or poor service on moving day. Go with a company that provides a detailed, comprehensive quote for an efficient move.
Set a budget
When it comes to moving, the budget is inarguably the most important factor to consider. If you go over budget, the financial stress can put a real damper on your excitement for the new place. Hence, set a realistic budget before the movers show up.
Factor in hidden costs. Don’t just budget for the movers themselves. You’ll also need money for packing supplies, cleaning fees, tips, storage units, meals, and any repairs needed in the new place. All those little extras can add up quickly!
Prioritize what’s important. Decide what’s worth paying movers to handle and what you can pack yourself to save money. For example, let the pros move heavy furniture and fragile items. You can box up books, linens, and decor yourself.
Set a maximum amount. Determine a top dollar amount you can spend on the entire move before the process begins. That way, you have a concrete limit to work within and can make cuts as needed to avoid going into debt.
Clearly label boxes while Packing
Clearly labeling your boxes while packing is key. Why? Because once those boxes are stacked in the moving truck, good luck finding anything! Prevent future frustration by taking a few minutes now to properly label each box.
As you’re packing up each room, scribble the contents on all sides of the box. Be specific—write “Plates and glasses, kitchen” rather than just “Kitchen stuff.” That way, you will know exactly which box to grab when it’s time to unpack the kitchen.
Number the boxes as well to indicate the order in which they should be unpacked. The boxes you’ll need first in your new place should get the lowest numbers. Label boxes for essentials like “Open First” or “Unpack Right Away”— these might be things like toilet paper, paper towels, chargers, pajamas, towels, and shower necessities.
Don’t just label the top of the box, but label at least two adjacent sides. That way, no matter how the boxes end up stacked, you’ll still be able to see what’s inside. Use thick black markers so your labels will be clearly visible.
As the boxes are loaded onto the truck, have the movers group similar boxes together. All boxes labeled “bedroom” go in one area, “kitchen” boxes in another, and so on. This will make unloading and unpacking at your new place a breeze.
Declutter and Donate Unneeded Items
Decluttering and donating the stuff you no longer need is essential for a smooth move. Go through all your storage spaces and purge anything ill-fitting, stained, or with missing buttons. Sell or donate furniture that’s worn, damaged, or doesn’t suit your new place. You can have a garage sale, post items on sites like Facebook Marketplace, or call a charity to pick up donations to donate or sell suits, dresses, accessories, and furniture you no longer use.
Update Accounts and Notify Important Contacts
Updating accounts and notifying important contacts is crucial when you move.
Firstly, go online and update your address for anything linked to your home, including utilities, subscriptions, insurance policies, and more. Don’t forget about updating your driver’s license and voter registration, either.
Next, reach out to friends and family to share the news of your relocation. Give them your new info so they know where to find you. Make sure to tell close coworkers or classmates as well, unless you want to be MIA for a couple of weeks!
Finally, don’t forget about services like banks and credit cards. Update your address for accounts and direct deposits to avoid hassles.
Conclusion
And just like that, you’ll move in! By following these essential tips, you’ll make it through your move with minimal stress and maximum efficiency. The boxes will be quickly unpacked, the pictures will be hung, and you’ll have plans for your first dinner party in the new place in no time. Moving is never easy, but by planning, staying organized, and keeping your eyes on the prize of settling into your new home, you will come out the other side unscathed. The hard part is over, and the adventure of this new chapter is just beginning!