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How to Prepare for a Move

November 15, 2021

How to Plan a Move

The first of our steps to moving out is to figure out how you are going to be transporting your belongings to the new house. The biggest part of this decision may be whether to hire professional movers or rent a truck to do it yourself.

Which you choose can depend on several factors. Renting a truck and doing the heavy lifting yourself will save some money but hiring professional movers may be the easier way to go, depending on your circumstances. Those with plenty of brawn who want to save the money for something else may have no problem moving on their own. Others may find it worth the money to skip this physically demanding task.

For locating professional movers, the best experiences often come from referrals. Personal references will help find the best resources, so you can trust that your belongings will reach their destination safely and on time. You may find that smaller moving companies staffed by college students or off-duty firefighters to be a less-expensive option than national movers.  

Truck rental prices vary widely so be sure to check around. Home Depot and U-Haul are known for having some fairly inexpensive options especially for in-town moves. Budget and Penske are widespread and may be a better choice if you are moving from out of state. 

Once you have quotes from both types of movers, you can weigh the pros and cons and decide which are most important to you, and if the financial commitment will work. Then, make your reservations as soon as possible to make sure you get the dates you want!

Moving Timeline

Now that you have your moving day planned, it’s time to start preparing for your move. Here is a basic timeline for planning your move: 

Early Stages (30 days or earlier if possible): 

Pack items you don’t often use, making sure breakables are wrapped securely. This can be holiday decorations, collectables, out of season clothing, books, and other seldom-used items.  Start cleaning areas that will not easily get dirtied.

Take this opportunity to purge anything you doot use. A good rule of thumb is that if you have not used the item in the last year, you do not need it. Be sure to look through clothing, books, decorative items, and kitchenware. Shedding items you don’t need means you have less to move. When you donate these things to charity, you save money on truck space and just might make someone else’s day.

Getting Closer (30-15 days):

Start packing things you can do without for the next few weeks such as decorative accessories, non-essential electronics, artwork, extra clothes, toiletries you don’t use often, second sets of bed linens, towels, etc. Think like a minimalist here. 

Stock up on bubble wrap or packing paper to cushion breakables during the move or use extra bed sheets or towels to save space. Just make sure to label boxes with their contents and the room they belong in. This simplifies unpacking and ensures someone looking for a towel doesn’t get a cascade of crystal along with it.

It’s Almost Time (15-5 days): 

Pack almost everything in the kitchen, keeping out the dishware, cookware, and cutlery you need for one family meal. Pack up closet contents into wardrobe boxes. Start deep cleaning everything you can including blinds, kitchen cabinets, etc.

It starts getting real once you cancel utilities and forward your mail.  If you haven’t done it already, this is the time to make sure that utilities at your new place are ready, and the old ones cut off on time to avoid any extra charges. 

USPS has an online address change and mail forwarding setup, and they often send discounts on things you might need at your new home! 

Go Time! (5-0 days) 

It’s time to pack everything except the absolute necessities. Do any last minute cleaning to save trips back to the old place. It’s also a great time to get in contact with friends and resources near where you are moving to, so you can be connected as soon as you get there. 

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Prepare for a Move

How early should you prep for a move?

It’s different for everyone. Some thrive on the rush of procrastination, and others need order and organization. If you can, start planning your move and doing preliminary packing as you know you are going to be moving, maybe even when you are just looking at houses. 

This can help you sort through old things and give them away, so you don’t have to move them. It can also allow you more time to organize and pack fragile things carefully.

What should I pack first when moving house?

In general, focus first on holiday decorations, out of season clothing, anything in storage, and kitchen tools you do not use often.

What should you not pack when moving?

Don’t pack passports, wills, deeds, jewelry, or other valuables when moving. These items should be kept with you in your personal luggage.  It is also not safe to pack ammunition, flammables (lighter fluid, gasoline, paint, matches, etc.), garden chemicals, household cleaners, perishable foods, and car batteries. All of these things can leak and be dangerous when left in a moving truck.  

Make Your Move to a Hillwood community

Moving can be stressful, but living in your new home will be so exciting, especially if you are moving to a new home community by Hillwood Communities! When you move into a Hillwood community, we are here to help. Your HOA manager can answer any questions you may have and help you set up your home services.

Our award-winning communities feature fantastic amenities like parks, amenity centers, walking trails, pools, fishing ponds, green spaces, and sports courts where residents can build lasting friendships. Our Live Smart communities have full time, on-site Lifestyle Managers who plan and host hundreds of events each year designed to bring homeowners together for fun and fellowship!

We can’t wait to see you! Contact us today to see how we can help you find the Hillwood community that’s right for you.