At Santa Monica Movers, we know what it takes to pull off a successful relocation. Much of that success is recognizing and avoiding the most common pitfalls. In order to help you do just that, we’ve assembled this list of moving tips. If followed, you’ll be sure to experience the best big move possible.
- Begin the process at least thirty days in advance but as early as possible. There’s no such thing as planning your move too early. The unexpected will occur, so the more time you have, the better prepared you’ll be to manage the surprises.
- Change of address is one of the most important steps and it doesn’t end with the post office. You’ll also want to contact social security, credit card companies, insurance agents, mail-order accounts, and even friends and relatives.
- Likewise, set discontinuation dates for all utilities and other services in advance. Doing so allows you to avoid paying any unnecessary charges. Those small amounts can add up.
- Visit the website for your destination ahead of time. Know details such as driver’s license and voter registration requirements. Most Chamber of Commerce offices will mail a free mover’s guide to the area. Call the local newspaper. Many will mail you a free trial newspaper.
- If you’re going to use a professional moving and/or packing service, don’t choose blindly. Consider using a network, such as the one provided by Santa Monica Movers. Such a service guarantees you a fair rate and high level of service.
- If you handle the move yourself, prepare well in advance. Plan your route while taking into account roads at and to your destination that are off-limits to moving trucks. Make a note of toll roads along the route, and keep an appropriate amount of cash/change in the truck.
- Speak with your accountant, if applicable. They may have specific instructions for you. That’s because relocation is tax deductible. Even if you file your own taxes, you’ll want to keep a log as well as receipts from all relocation-related expenses.
- Create a mover’s survival kit, the core components being emergency cash, a cell phone and a fully-charged spare battery. It also helps to have enough water and snacks to last a few days. By bringing a cooler, you can avoid all those small expenses at rest stops and the like.
- Your survival kit should also include a first-aid kit including pain relievers. It should also include any prescriptions for family members and pets. Doctors and veterinarians will often allow for an early refill in order to give you a grace period when you reach your destination.
- If you’re driving to your destination, whether in a moving truck or in a passenger vehicle, remember to take breaks. Long drives can take an unexpected toll on your body. Brief breaks that allow you to stretch your legs and get some fresh air do wonders.
- When committing to a moving company, make sure that you have completely read and understood the contract. Don’t take the moving company at their word, and seek outside professional assistance if any aspect of the contract is unclear or seems fishy.
- The inventory is the most important stage of the move when using a professional moving service. Never allow them to skip or hurry this stage for any reason. This is what protects you in the event of property loss or damage. Sign off on the inventory and make sure that it’s legible.
- Even if you’re handling the move yourself, a self-made inventory is a helpful tool that you can use to ensure everything valuable has arrived intact. Load the truck in coordination with the inventory so that unloading is relatively simple.
- If using professional movers, you won’t have to load the truck yourself but you can assist them. Make sure you have packed everything correctly and in an organized manner. Be there during the truck loading so that you can answer any questions that they might have.
- Don’t be afraid to direct the movers. This is your move and things should be the way you want them. However, don’t interfere with the mover’s own system just for the sake of it.
- Create a box that is just for essentials. These are items that you’ll want immediate access to when you arrive. You should load the essential boxes last so that they are the first unloaded.
- After you have loaded everything, perform a walkthrough of your home and double-check. If using a professional moving service, then the team supervisor should accompany you.
- When you unload, do so to the appropriate rooms using the labels on the cartons. You should also keep a clear path from the access point of the residence to any room within. You’ll also want to keep one area open in each room. You’ll use this later when you begin to unpack.
- As you unload, use the inventory and check off boxes. Deal with any missing boxes right away. If you have a finer inventory, you can perform that later during the unpacking phase.