It’s moving day! You are full of excitement and . . . maybe a little dread. Moving days are tough. There is so much to do and only 24 hours in a day. Here is a list of my favourite tips to help you have a stress free moving day.
1. Wear comfortable clothes.
2. Pack an overnight pack for each family member.
Include pyjamas, a change of clothes, medications, and toiletries. This will come in handy the first morning in your new home. Put this in your car so that it does not get lost amidst all the boxes. Be sure to include anything your pet might need too,such as leashes and waste bags.
3. Pack a picnic.
Put together enough food to get you through moving day and the next morning. It does not have to be anything fancy. You can include sandwiches, fresh fruit and vegetables, snacks, and drinks. Be sure to pack plates, utensils, cups, and napkins. Bring this to the new house with you and pop it right in the fridge. Remember to pack food for your pets, too.
4. Bring toilet paper and paper towels.
5. Take pictures.
You will probably be the first person to arrive at the new house. Before the movers get there, take pictures of each room to document any existing imperfections. This may come in handy if the previous owners caused damage before they moved out or if the movers damage the home while unloading boxes and furniture.
6. Label the new rooms.
You did label all the boxes you packed, right? Put a corresponding label at the entrance to each room in your new house so that the movers know where to put boxes and furniture.
7. Secure parking and clear the walkway for the movers.
The movers can work faster if they are parked directly in front of your new home and have safe access to the entryway. Remove any debris on the pathway and, if it is winter, shovel and salt the walkway.
8. Make arrangements to have someone care for your children and pets.
Moving day can be pretty chaotic. If possible, have a friend or family member entertain your children and care for your pets that day.
9. Bring a tool kit.
You might actually have time to start reassembling furniture on moving day. Bring a small tool kit with everything you will need such as screwdrivers, picture hangers, wrenches, a box cutter, and Allen keys.
10. Bring sanitizing wipes.
If possible, try to clean your new kitchen and bathrooms before your actual moving day. If this is not an option, bring a container of sanitizing wipes and give surfaces a quick clean.
11. Make sure you have your cell phone, laptop, and chargers for both.
12. Break down boxes as you unpack them.
This will clear up much needed floor space.
13. Bring important documents with you.
Grab a file folder and put all your important house related documents into it. This could include documents related to the real estate transaction, a copy of your contract with the moving company, or take out menus (you will definitely need those!). Keep your documents in a place that is easily accessible.
14. Run the self-clean cycle on appliances.
Washers, dishwashers, and ovens often have a self-clean cycle. Turn these on when you get to your new place. It literally takes seconds to do!
15. Create a note on your phone with important phone numbers that you might need on moving day.
This should include your Realtor, moving company, phone and cable providers, and utility companies.
16. Set aside one box or bag for garbage.
Periodically do a sweep of the house and pick up any garbage.
17. Replace the furnace filters.
18. Bring speakers for your phone or iPod.
Unpacking to your favourite tunes will definitely make the day just a little bit better!
19. Open windows.
It does not matter what time of year it is, the fresh air will energize you and help the house to smell fresh.
20. Do inventory.
Before the movers leave for the day, do a quick walk through with them to make sure all the boxes and furniture were delivered. This is a good time to check that everything is in the correct room. If a piece of furniture was placed in the wrong room, the movers can relocate it for you.
Do you have a moving tip that made your life easier? Share it with me on Twitter.