Aug 31, 2021

Tips & Tricks: Moving!

Moving can be one of the most overwhelming parts of the home-buying process. The longer you’ve lived in a house, the more difficult it may be to pack and sort through all of your belongings.

Thankfully, there are plenty of resources and tips to help make the process go as seamlessly as possible. We’ve gathered some great tips for both the packing and unpacking process, along with general tips for ensuring your new home is ready for move-in. Follow along here, with The Morris Team!

Out with the old…

1. Pack the items you will need first in a clear bin. This can include things you will need on your first night in the new home — phone chargers, paper items, trash bags, cleaning supplies, etc. Additionally, you can include items you’ll need first thing when unpacking: box cutters, tools, power strips, and more.

2. The more detailed your labeling is, the better! Include the box’s contents, what room they’ll be going into, and if fragile on the side of the box — so you can see it even when they are stacked! You can also color code each room’s boxes with a different color of tape to make things even easier.

3. Use what you have! Many of the things you’re bringing (baskets, laundry hampers, ottomans, etc.) are great vessels to hold even more, without buying more boxes than you need.

4. If you have a lot of fragile items, no matter their value, hiring movers can be a great financial decision. Most moving companies come with insurance, so any broken items will be covered with compensation. On the flip side, your items must be properly and safely packaged for most movers to be willing to move them. And of course, check in with companies several weeks before your move, as movers can book out far in advance. Also be sure to check for any particular rules or exceptions they might have.

The In-Between…

1. Be sure to take pictures of your old home once you’re moved out, and take pictures of the new space before moving in! This will provide you with proof and accountability if there is any pushback when it comes to your security deposit.

2. Change the address! While you might think of this for important bills and general mail, don’t forget your online ordering platforms, subscription services, and any other payment services that might be attached to your address.

In with the new…

1. Turn on utilities at your new home. It may seem obvious, but many forget to ensure all utilities are set up and ready to go for their move-in. Going off of this, having your internet and cable set up prior to move-in will make things easier as well.

2. Do a home reset! Things like a house-wide deep clean and any renovations will be much easier when the house is empty before you move in. Bonus, it’ll all be ready for you to enjoy once you’re there!

3. Safety first! Change the locks on all doors, but keep in mind it can’t be done until after closing. Whether the house already has a security system or you want one installed, now is the time to get it all set up.

4. Figure your house out. Consider asking the realtor or old homeowners any “tricks” the house might have — like a door that can be hard to open or a light-switch that doesn’t control anything.

From the old to the new, it can seem like there are a million little things to do in the moving process! Don’t let the home-buying process overwhelm you — we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today to start a conversation!