29 Days To A Smooth Move

Using a professional moving company is something to be considered. If funds are available, and time is a factor, then deciding to use professional moving services may be wise.

Moving companies offer varied services. Some companies pack, load, move, and unload items, placing them exactly where they belong or where the customer wishes.. Others may require that belongings already be packed, and may only provide loading and unloading services, and unloading may be simply that: off-loading the belongings at the residence, with no further placement.

Other companies may go even farther: they may pack the household contents, load the belongings, transport them to the new residence, and unload and set up the items precisely where they belong, to the residents’ specifications. Additionally, they may also clean the old residence. Some may even go so far as to clean both the old and the new residence.

A relatively new concept in moving is the “all-inclusive” company. This company does everything. They act as the real estate agency by finding the right house, then continue to offer their services during the entire packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and set-up process.

Any moving company should be thoroughly checked out before being engaged. One may wish to ask the company to provide references, preferably former customers. It is also wise to determine if any complaints have ever been filed against the company.

Do not be hesitant to negotiate. Ask if a midweek move would be cheaper than a weekend move, and even if there is a difference in the time of year a move occurs. Any company, of course, will need to inspect the home and contents to see what will be involved in the move; this may be a good time to “comparison-shop”, for the best prices and services.

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On the day of the move, if a moving company has been engaged, one will only need to supervise the loading, transporting, unloading, and, possibly setting up. If the move is being accomplished with the help of family and/or friends, then those who are involved will need to be present and ready to go.

Rooms should be emptied individually. A re-check should be done, with attention to closets and cupboards, to ensure that everything has been removed. The room should then be swept, mopped, or vacuumed, if necessary, and the door closed.

It should be understood that a closed door means a room is emptied, cleaned, and done with. This way, there will be no chance that dirt is tracked into a clean room, or that anything is inadvertantly set down in a room and possibly forgotten.

It may be wise to keep some empty boxes and bags on hand, in the event that a closet was overlooked, or some things simply could not be packed until the last minute. The containers should be clearly labeled, and care taken to ensure that they are loaded.

Any necessary items, such as supplies needed for infant or child care, or any medications that must be taken regularly throughout the day, should be kept separate from all other items. Additionally, important papers, documents, or especially valuable items should be kept separate, secure, and accessible to the owner.

Utilities should be turned off, or arrangements should be made for them to be discontinued within the next few days. The former occupant may also want to take meter readings, and ensure that there no water damage can occur while the house is vacant.

Last looks should be taken, memories stored for future recollection, one chapter closed, and another one opened in life.

Deciding what needs to be kept and what can be or will be disposed of before packing for a move is essential. This process will reduce the amount of packing and unpacking that must be done.

Careful consideration into what will be moved and what can be disposed of will also reduce moving costs, especially if a professional moving company is being retained. If the process of elimination can be achieved before the moving company representative comes to determine the amount of property to be moved and, subsequently, how much it will cost, this is all the better. One cannot be charged for items that will not be moved.

It is sometimes difficult to decide what must be disposed of; however, the benefit of efficient elimination is seen in the additional space that is gained. There is always room for items that hold sentimental value, as long as good judgement is exercised in determining whether or not something is considered in that category. A family heirloom—definitely; a ten-year-old magazine article—no.

The period before a move is a good time to determine which paper items truly need to be retained, and which ones can be disposed of. Of course, any important documentation should be kept. Ideally, it should have already been separated and securely stored. If there is any doubt as to whether or not a document, especially if it appears to have legal or official status, should be kept, it is probably wise to retain the document.

If time permits, one may wish to dispose of unwanted or unneeded property through a yard or garage sale, or by online auction. This will not only serve to dispose of the items, but will generate additional revenue. Donations to charity are still a very good choice