When it comes to relocating, prepping for your moving company might not be top of mind. After all, you simply pack your stuff and they transport it – right?
Actually, there’s a lot that needs to happen between the moment you decide to move and when the job is actually complete. Our 5 Star Moving & Storage team in Colorado Springs has shown up many times to assist with a residential move only to find the homeowner running around unprepared and in a panic.
If you don’t know where to start, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and get behind schedule. So today, we break down what goes into prepping for your moving company. By following these steps, you’ll avoid being stressed out and be able to enjoy making the move into your new digs.
Organize Your Move
Prepare a budget to keep everything aligned with what you wish to spend. This should include movers, professional packers, packing supplies, storage if needed, even extra cash set aside for eating out after your kitchen is in boxes. Next, put together a dedicated moving calendar and aim for certain goals on certain days. A move that’s a month away may feel like you have plenty of time, but between work and kids and other obligations, the days can slip by very quickly.
Get at Least 3 Quotes
Explore your moving company options. Ask questions to ensure you understand their policies and procedures clearly. Research the moving company you choose by checking into references, whether they are a member of the Better Business Bureau and if anyone you know has used them. This will save you a lot of headaches in the end. Do not sign any contracts unless you completely understand them.
Change Your Address
Once you know when you’ll be moving, you can get started on letting friends, family, and businesses know of your address change by sending out notifications by email or snail mail. Don’t forget to cancel any subscriptions and utilities.
Take Full Inventory
When prepping for your moving company this important step will give you peace of mind knowing that nothing went missing or sustained damage during the move. After completely unpacking, refer to your list, even photos or videos, if you suspect something is missing. This will ensure you have the proof and the protection if needed for a claim. It is also wise to jot down serial numbers of your electronics.
Purge What You Don’t Need
This is a hard one for most people. What do you keep and what do you get rid of in order to make more space in the truck and even your new home? It may be helpful to enlist a friend to help you decide what stays, what goes to charity, what you can sell, and what is just plain garbage. By having a second opinion from a friend or loved one, the task can be a fun and entertaining. If needed, you can also set aside any items that you would rather put into storage instead of donating, selling or tossing.
Move Packed Boxes to One Room
When it comes to prepping for your moving company, having all of your boxes in one place will make for a more effortless residential move. Your movers can work quickly and won’t be left standing there or asking questions about what else goes into the moving truck. This also saves you time as well as money. You should also strip your linens off beds and take down any artwork from the walls, wrapping them for protection. Don’t forget to clearly mark your boxes with legible writing.
As you pack your home, put together a travel bag with all your necessities, including a few days’ worths of clothing, toiletries, medications and other personal items you don’t want to search for upon arrival. Also, pack and special-label a box with items you’ll need right away such as a coffee maker and dishes.
Protect Walls and Floors
Reputable moving companies will have protection such as blankets or plastic, but you can also take the initiative by prepping for your moving company. If you move in winter and it happens to snow, clear all walkways. Inside, place a protective cover on items or structures you do not want to damage.
Don’t Skip Breakfast
Moving day is going to be a long day, there’s no way around it. Start things right by getting some food in early. Then stock your fridge at both locations with lots of water and drinks to ensure you stay hydrated during the move. You may also want to have healthy snacks on hand to maintain energy levels. And feel free to share with your moving professionals.
Have Fun!
This is probably the most important point of all. This should be an exciting time for new beginnings, so why not relish the moment of something new. Keeping a good sense of humor throughout the process will keep you and everyone around you in good spirits.
Should you pack your items or should you hire a professional?
A full-service mover will take care of every aspect of your move from start to finish. They will pack, load, move and unload your items. If you want to save a little bit of money, you can opt to pack it all yourself.
But it may pay off using the full-service moving option for a couple of reasons. If your Colorado Springs moving company packs for you, they’ll come prepared with boxes and tape, know how to properly wrap fragile items and work quickly. They’ll ensure the boxes are not too heavy or under packed, even disassemble any furniture that comes apart to ensure you maximize your space in the moving truck.
So, there are our tips on prepping for your moving company. And if you decide to choose us for your big day, 5 Star Moving & Storage will be there from the start until the last box has been safely delivered.
Get in touch with our Colorado Springs moving professionals to request your free quote!