Essential Things to Do Before You Move
Moving is no joke. It’s hard, stressful, and it’s usually the last thing you want to do after a tiring week. However, there are a few things you can do to make your life easier when you move. While Slothmove is taking care of your home-moving admin, here are some essential tips for making your move as painless as possible:
1. Get an Estimate
The best way to do this is by calling your current moving services provider. They can give you a thorough look at what the process will entail, including any fees or costs associated with moving long-distance.
The cost of hiring a moving company usually depends on the distance the moving company needs to travel and the volume of storage you require. If your new home is within driving distance, and you don’t need an excessive amount of storage, the total amount spent could be lower.
2. Start Packing
It’s important to start packing early. If you wait until the last minute, time will be tight, and your stress level will shoot through the roof. Packing early allows you to get rid of unnecessary items and make room for new things without being stressed out about not having enough space.
Doing this also gives you time to find boxes or containers for everything and ensure everything is labelled correctly. In the process, don’t forget to de-clutter. Those drawers full of junk are probably not worth the effort required to throw them out, so consider donating them instead.
3. Update Your Address
Remember to update your address with the post office, credit card companies, and other businesses you have accounts with. It’s smart to update your address with DVLA so that you get important documents like your driving licence and car registration soon after moving.
If your new residence has a multiple-mailbox post, ensure that it’s set to adequately handle your postal needs. Check that it has enough security features to prevent mail theft.
Finally, don’t forget to let friends and family know where your new home or office is now!
4. Change Your Utilities
Before you move, an essential thing to do is to set up the utilities in your new home. You don’t want to get halfway through unpacking and discover that there’s no gas or water.
Contact all of your utility providers, including electric companies, internet providers, and cable TV and phone providers. Get them all to update their records before the move date, so they set up everything on day one of your new address.
Check that you have the correct account number for each utility provider. See if you can find it somewhere inside their bill envelope or online. If not, contact customer support and let them know which information needs updating – this may include address and account number.
5. Service Your Vehicle
It’s no secret that some things tend to go wrong just as you’re getting ready to move. Help yourself out by avoiding a breakdown or other mechanical issues by servicing your car
If you’re driving a car or truck, take it in for service at least two weeks before the move so that any damage caused by the move is covered under warranty. Just to be on the safe side, ensure your vehicle registration and insurance are up to date.