Even with a professional moving company doing most of the heavy lifting, moving to a new home still can be stressful. There’s so much you have to keep track of and do in preparation for the big day that important things can be lost in the shuffle unless you’re organized. In fact, many people focus all their attention on getting their belongings packed up and ready to go that they’re blindsided by all the work they need to do on moving day itself. To help you avoid being overwhelmed, take a look at this moving day checklist. It provides you with a number of the most important things to remember on moving day so you can have the smoothest experience.
Get an Early Start
Congratulations, you’ve packed up every single item in your home and have all the boxes ready to go out the door. However, don’t think that you can sleep in tomorrow. It’s important to make sure you’re up and prepared to get started as early as possible on moving day. This way, you won’t be left scrambling to take care of any last-minute tasks you overlooked. If you have a dog, you should make sure you get in one last walk as close to your typical routine as possible to help keep him or her calm and ease the transition.
Give Your Place a Final Once-Over
Even though you may be sick of double- and triple-checking everything by now, be sure to take the time for one last sweep as part of your moving day checklist. Make sure there’s nothing left behind in any of your cabinets, drawers, pantries, etc. Basements and attics tend to be very good at hiding things, so check them one last time before you hit the road.
Pack the Final Box
Certain things couldn’t be packed ahead of time because you’ll need them the morning of your move or because they need to be refrigerated. Once you’re showered and dressed, pack up your toothbrush, other toiletries and anything from the kitchen you’re sure will make the trip without spoiling. This box also should contain a bath towel, one outfit and other things you might need immediately, for reasons we’ll get into in a moment.
Let the Movers Handle the Work
Hiring professional moving services is one of the most important moving day tips you can follow. Once the movers arrive, most of the hard work for you will be over, but you should be present and watch over them while they take care of things for you. Being there to answer questions means your move will go much more smoothly and you can feel confident that everything is being handled to your liking.
Clean Up
Once the last carton is loaded onto the truck, now’s the time to look around your soon-to-be-former home and check for anything that needs a final cleanup. Whether it’s emptying the trash one last time or sweeping the dust out of a long-neglected corner, this is your chance to leave the property in good shape for the next owner or tenant.
Hit the Road
It should go without saying that making the trip to your new home should be at the top of your moving day essentials checklist. While you’re on the road, however, it’s important to know how to check in with your movers. They may not arrive at your new place at exactly the same time as you, due to traffic or other issues, so it can be very helpful to know their ETA.
Oversee the Move-In
Once the trucks arrive and the movers start unloading your stuff, you should be there to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Even though they’re experienced professionals, you may have some specific ideas about where certain items should be placed to make things easiest for you. Also, make sure you have some bottled water on hand for your movers because it’s thirsty work and they will appreciate it. Don’t forget to tip them before they leave, too.
Unpack Your Essentials
Remember the box containing your toothbrush, bath towel and outfit for the next day? This should be the first thing you open as you get settled. The last thing you want to be doing on your first night in your new home is digging through every box looking for something you need right now. Any perishable items you brought with also should be unpacked and put in the refrigerator as soon as possible.
Big League Movers has the skill and expertise to help make your moving day as stress-free as possible. Whether you’re relocating to a new home or changing apartments, we do everything we can to make sure it’s a success. To learn more, reach out and get in touch with us today.