How to Prepare Your Home for a Move: A Step-by-Step Guide

 

Step 1:Declutter and Donate

Decluttering your home is among the best things you can do before a move. This not only makes packing easier, but it also helps you remove things you no longer use or like. Start by going room by room and categorizing items into piles: keep, give away, or sell it. Donating items in excellent shape to a Rochester charity will not only reduce the amount of clutter in your home, but it will also be a tax-deductible expense. Moreover, your local mover will have fewer things to move, saving you money!

Step 2: Gather Supplies

You will need a variety of materials for your move, including moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers. Start gathering these supplies early so that you have plenty of time to obtain everything you need. You may also want to consider purchasing custom packing materials for breakable objects, such as utensils, stemware, and sculptures. Your local mover in Rochester likely sells these items, or can suggest the best place to purchase supplies.

Step 3: Start Packing Non-Essentials

Begin by packing items that you do not use on a daily basis, such as summer dresses, reading materials, and ornaments. This will help you get a head start on the packing process and reduce the amount of work you have to do at the end. Mark boxes distinctly and create a list of contents to monitor what you have packed. Remember to add your family name, room and contents on the side of the box. When the boxes are stacked, you can no longer read what’s written on the top of the carton!

Step 4: Notify Service Providers and Utilities

Tell your Rochester service providers and utilities of your move minimum of 4-6 weeks in advance. This will be your telecom and internet providers, utility companies, financial institutions, and other providers. Don't forget to also arrange for your mail to be forwarded to your new address.

Step 5: Pack a Moving Day Kit

Prepare a box with essential items you will need on moving day, such as hygiene products, towels, blankets, a set of fresh clothes, and household cleaners. You may also want to include a box of items you will need immediately upon arriving at your destination, such as drinks, food, and a box of hardware. This kit is something you should carry yourself, instead of letting your local moving company transport it with the rest of your belongings.

Step 6: Label Boxes and Rooms

Clearly label boxes and make a list of contents to remember what you have packed. Also, tag each space in your home with a related number and make a list of the belongings in that space. This will make it simpler for your local moving company to know where to put boxes and household items in your new place.

Step 7: Plan for your Pets and Plants

If you have pets, plan ahead for them on moving day. Consider hiring a pet sitter or taking them to a kennel for the day. Your local movers will likely have doors ajar for most of the day, so having pets safely secured is top priority. If you have potted plants, make arrangements to bring them to your new home, or consider donating them to people you know.

Step 8: Check with your Local Moving Company

A few days before the move, check in with your local moving company to double-check your moving arrangements and make sure they have all the information they need. Ask about any restrictions they may have, such as items they won't move, and make arrangements for items you need to move yourself.

Step 9: Pack up the Kitchen

The kitchen is often one of the last rooms to be packed, as it requires the most preparation. Pack cookware, cutlery, and other kitchen items in labeled boxes and wrap delicate items in packing paper for protection. Make sure to pack a box of essentials for your first night in your new home, such as caffeine and tea bags, disposable plates and utensils, body wash and personal care items.

Step 10: Call Corrigan

When in doubt, rely on Corrigan! As a leader in long distance moving and a acclaimed Rochester local moving company, we are set to assist. Whether you need a local mover to move big pieces of furniture, or you want your whole belongings packed up, moved and unpacked for you, Corrigan has the expertise to handle it all. Give us a call today to book your no-cost, no-obligation in-home or online moving estimate!