10 Tips for a Smooth Move

You have found your dream home, the offer has been accepted, the tasks have been completed and now you are cleared to close! Are you ready to start packing boxes and getting moved into your new home?

Here are 10 tips for a smooth move.

1. Don't take what you don't want or need. As you are getting ready to begin packing your stuff up for you new adventure, take the opportunity to go through your items before you pack them. The less you pack - the less you unpack. With each room, divide your items in to three categories - 1. Want/need (keeping). 2. What you don't want that can be donated. 3. What may be broken, stained, or won't be used - recycle what you can and trash the rest.

2. Pack as you go along. Take the opportunity to pack up what you aren't going to be using between now and your moving date. Make sure to tape and label each box so you know that it is secure and what room it will go in.

3. Pack a necessity box and an overnight bag. A necessity box will be the box you take with you the day you move into your new home. This will includes things like toothbrushes, toothpaste and personal items needed. Toilet paper, scissors, napkins or paper towels, paper plates, silverware, and cups. Anything that you think you may need for a few days while you are unpacking. Have a bag with a couple of changes of clothing until you are able to get your clothes put away.

4. Hire a moving company. If you don't have the manpower or the ability to move yourselves, hire a moving company ahead of time, once you have been given a date of closing. Ask for references or check out their reviews on their social media sites or online profiles. Also, ask friends for the name of a company they would recommend. We at ERA Team VP are contracted with Wayfinder Moving, based out of Jamestown. To set up a moving date or to get a quote or to ask questions, click on the link here https://wayfindermoving.com/.

5. Use the right sized boxes. You don't want boxes that are too large or too heavy to move. If you are in need of the standard size moving boxes, you can purchase them from the moving company listed above (if you are using them) or you can purchase them from home improvement stores as Home Depot, Lowe's, or maybe even your local hardware.

6. Mark Boxes Fragile. You most likely have fragile items that you will need to pack and move. Make sure you are wrapping them in bubble wrap to protect them but also once the box is sealed, mark it with FRAGILE so you or your movers need to be extra careful with these items.

7. Have the utilities switched over before you move. Call your utility companies and have the electric, gas, satellite, cable, etc. switched over to your name for the day of so you are ready to go.

8. Have your new home cleaned. If you can hire a cleaner, have your new home cleaned just before you move in so you can focus on the unpacking and settling in.

9. Make a list of people to change your address with. Change your address with the post office before you move and make it effective as of your move-in date. All mail will then be forwarded to your new address from your old one. Have a list of online sites, subscriptions, bills, etc. that you will need to update your address on. You can even send just moved post cards that can be customized from sites like Shutterfly, Vistaprint, or basic ones from the post office.

10. Get a good night sleep. The next few days are going to be filled with excitement and chaos and you are going to be exhausted! Make sure you allow yourself a good night sleep the night before the move so you are ready to go. Pack some easy to go, non-perishable items to snack on throughout the day, especially if you are moving with kids. Anything packed with protein, such as granola bars, nuts, etc, or even fruit, will help them to power through the long process.