From Planning to Settling In

We mentioned in a previous blog that it is important to create a moving timeline and checklist. We’re back to help you set up your timeline and ensure you’re prepared for your move. Follow along to see a moving process unfold from two months before your move to the day of.

TWO MONTHS BEFORE

• Sort and purge – go through each room of your house one by one and decide what you want to keep (which means, it’s going to the new home with you) and what you can part ways with. As you go through all of your belongings, think about what will require special packing or extra insurance coverage. It’s important to declutter before you move, you’ll thank yourself later as it will help streamline not only the process, but your life! You should also consider if there is anything you could donate.
• Set a moving budget – put a pen to paper and determine what moving expenses you will have so there are minimal surprises later. Typical moving expenses include boxes and packing supplies (like bubble wrap and tape), moving companies expenses, storage fees and travel expenses. If you’re relocating for work, don’t forget to check if your employer covers moving related expenses!
• Research movers – when researching moving companies, there are many factors to consider: reputation and reviews, license and insurance, experience, services offered, cost and estimates, availability, customer service, references and more. Make sure you spend time researching to ensure you’re choosing the right moving company for your needs.
• Create a moving file (keep track of receipts, estimates, etc.) – this becomes especially important if you are relocating for work and your employer will cover expenses. You’ll need proof of what you spent, so keep it all organized as best you can!

SIX WEEKS BEFORE

• Order supplies – remember the supplies we talked about budgeting for? It’s time to start ordering moving boxes, tape, bubble wrap, permanent markers and specialty containers like wardrobe boxes (you’ll thank us later for this recommendation… wardrobe boxes are a must have).
• Use or toss – start using up things that you will not be moving, like frozen or perishable foods and cleaning supplies.
• Take measurements – make sure to check room dimensions at your new home. It’s important to do this so you can be sure that your larger pieces of furniture will actually fit through the door. That’s an added stress you do not need on moving day!
• Choose your mover – you did your research, now it’s time to pick your mover and lock in the details. Make sure you get confirmation of your moving date, costs and other details you discuss with the company at the time of your estimate.

ONE MONTH BEFORE

• Start packin’- there are undoubtedly a lot of items you use infrequently but still don’t want to part ways with. Think about what items those are and start packing up now. 
• Labeling is your friend – clearly labeling each box with its contents and the room it should go to will save you a ton of headaches later on. Make sure you clearly label boxes that are filled with items you’ll need immediately once you move so they’re easy to find. When you’re exhausted from moving day, the last thing you want to do is search for the items you REALLY need right away.
• Plan for your valuables – consider buying a safe for your jewelry and other important items that you’ll want to personally transport with you to your new home.
• Head to the post office – go to your local post office and fill out a change of address form, or you can even do it online at usps.gov. There might still be some that slip through the cracks, so it is a good idea to ask a close neighbor to keep an eye out for your mail for a few weeks after you’ve moved. Don’t forget to alert banks, credit card companies, and other important parties of your move so they have your new address as well.
• Set up internet – check with the local internet providers in the area you’re moving to and set up a time for them to come get your internet set up on or around your moving date. That way, you will experience minimal or no lapse in internet access after you move.

A FEW DAYS BEFORE

• Defrost your freezer – if your refrigerator is going with you, make sure you empty, clean and defrost it at least 24 hours before your moving day. Double check that you are able to take it with you, as refrigerators are sometimes sold with the home and therefore are not able to go with you to your new residence.
• Confirm the moving details – contact your moving company and double check their arrival time and any other specifics you need to prepare for them, such as contact information and directions to your new home.
• Money, money, money – if you haven’t already agreed to pay your moving company with a credit card, get a money order, cashier’s check, or cash for payment and tip. If the movers did an exceptional job, you could consider tipping them. Also, don’t forget that refreshments and snacks on moving day are much appreciated!

MOVING DAY

• Wakey wakey – there’s really no way around it, you’ll need to wake up early on moving day. Even if you packed everything and did all of the organizing weeks ago, there’s always last minute things that pop up. You want to make sure that you give yourself enough time to tie up any loose ends before your movers arrive. 
• Last minute items – there will be a few items left to pack up or throw away such as kitchen perishables and bathroom items. Consider throwing anything out that will melt or go bad during the duration of the moving day.
• One final check – before your moving company shows up, go through your home one final time and do a detailed check of every room to make sure that you haven’t forgotten anything. Things that can be easily missed include checking the cabinets, closets and storage spaces. Check the basement and attic for anything left behind.
• Welcome the movers – when your movers arrive, give them a walkthrough of your home and let them know about any fragile boxes or furniture pieces that need disassembled. Although your boxes are ideally all clearly labeled, it’s still a good idea to go through with your movers and talk about how you want everything loaded.
• Be available – you should plan to be accessible as the movers do their job. They may have questions about the move and it is much easier if you are there to help answer questions!
• One more sweep – once everything is loaded up and they’re ready to head out, do one final sweep of your home. Is there garbage you need to take out or are you expected to clean anything before you leave? You could consider hiring a cleaning company if you have to clean it to save yourself some much needed time and energy. Once your final walk through is done, lock the door and head on out to your new home.
• Communicate with the movers – stay in touch during the process so you’re aware of any issues the movers might run into such as traffic or any unexpected delays. It’s important to stay in touch so you have an estimated time frame for when they’ll arrive at your new home.
• Provide direction – when the movers arrive at your new home, give them a walkthrough and let them know what rooms you want boxes to go in. Also, remember that we mentioned earlier how refreshments are a bonus during this time!
• Unpack the essentials – once the movers leave, unpack the essentials you need for that evening and the next day. These could include toothbrush/toothpaste, shower items, kitchen items and clothes for the next day.
• RELAX – it’s undoubtedly been a long (but exciting) day. Now is the time to sit down and relax. Moving can be stressful, so give yourself a much needed break at the end of the day. You made it!

The Eyring Movers team is obsessed with customer satisfaction and our meticulous attention to detail and passion for what we do is evident to each and every moving customer we serve in the Cleveland area. Contact us today for a moving quote!