According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about one in 10 Americans moves every year. That number declined slightly during the pandemic but still reached 27 million in 2021. If you plan to relocate this year, challenges like inflation and shortages make it more important than ever to be prepared. The key to a good move is having a manageable plan and being ready for the unexpected. To get started, ask your real estate agent in Lakeland for a moving checklist.
Four Steps To an Easy Move
1. Plan and Prep
Will you hire a moving company or do the job yourself? Get references for professionals, or enlist the help of friends and family. Visit the new place to see what you’ll need there. Can a moving van park in the driveway? Do you need to turn on utilities or enroll the kids in school? Don’t make the schedule so tight you don’t have downtime for unexpected events like late trucks or hungry kids. The lower the stress, the smoother the move.
2. Declutter and Pack
If you’re selling, declutter the rooms, and arrange the furniture to show off the space. Sell the things you don’t need, donate them to a charity or pack them away until after the move. Simple repairs, fresh paint, and a good cleaning cost little but make your home more appealing to buyers. Don’t forget to clean the gutters, prune the shrubs, and spruce up the exterior for curb appeal.
3. Organize Paperwork
Gather documents you’ll need during and after the move, or save them on your laptop if original copies aren’t required. Include utility bills, insurance, address information, emergency medical information for family and pets, and other necessary paperwork. Don’t turn sensitive information like passports or Social Security cards over to movers. Keep them nearby, preferably in a safe.
4. Label Your Boxes
Think twice before you throw the knitting needles in the box with the tools from the garage. Some boxes won’t get unpacked right away, and it’s nerve-wracking to need something you can’t find. Label boxes, but add a little more information than just the room. Do you really want to unpack fancy appliances when all you need is supplies to make sandwiches on the first day? If you start several weeks before the move and pack one room at a time, unpacking will be a breeze.
The Takeaway
Pack suitcases and supplies you’ll need for the first night in your new home. If you have kids, grab snacks and activities to keep them busy and calm during the excitement. Check ahead for restaurants, parks, and shopping centers to visit when you need a break from unpacking. Moving is a big deal, but you can do it if you break it down into small steps. Enjoy your new home.