Top 5 Essential Moving Tips

The process of moving can be exciting, but extremely demanding. Understanding the preparations needed is key. Important questions to ask.

1. Closing Up Shop At Your Old place

Sounds way easier than it looks. Yes, you can schedule a moving appointment, but is that all you really need?

• Start moving your utilities account, if the utility company is staying the same. If it’s changing, make sure to let them know and cancel any future bills.
• You’ll need to drop by your local U.S. Post Office for change of address forms and moving guides. You can also accomplish this online: https://moversguide.usps.com/.
• Transfer your pharmacy prescriptions to new area

The list goes on, but can be figured out ahead of time. Avoid doing this at the last second.

2. Get Rid of the Old Stuff

Have a bunch of stuff sitting in the garage? This is the most opportune time to sort what you need and don’t need. Throwing away unneeded stuff can be helpful to ensuring a smoother transition when moving.

Ideas:

• Have a moving sale
• Transfer to Storage
• Put items on Craiglist.org or Freecycle.org

3. Creating a Timeline

Don’t pack on the same day as you moving. This can be avoided, by getting boxes ahead of time and planning what should be packed first.

You’re about to put everything you own in cardboard boxes. There’s no denying it – it’s overwhelming. For this part of the process, it’s all about organization and simplicity.
Plan ahead to determine how to pack with stress. For some, it might be an hour or two a day. For others, it might be three straight 10-hour days. However you do it, be realistic and provide yourself plenty of time.
Consider buying your packing materials online. Many companies will bundle boxes, bubble wrap, tape and packing paper and send it right to your home for a lot less money than if you bought it all at a retail store.
Ask your local storage space for new packaging materials.
Get creative with packing supplies: You don’t always need to use paper and bubble wrap. Use suitcases to pack clothes you’ll want to wear right away; use towels to protect breakables.
Save space by packing unbreakable contents in tightly loaded drawers. Simply tape the drawers in place with strips of wide masking tape, and then remove the tape as soon as the furniture arrives at your new home.
Color-coordinate or mark each box by room, not by type of contents. This will save time for the movers (and you) when it’s time to unpack.
Moving a refrigerator? Throw a couple of charcoal briquettes or newspaper inside the unit to absorb left-over odors.
Pack ahead of time – but not too far! Inevitably, you’ll want that book in the bottom of that large (and heavy) box.

4. Choosing the Right Moving Company

There are usually a few moving companies near you. However, which one will insure that your belongings and prized possessions survive the move?

Check ratings on website and social media

Ask for information on their insurance

Get a written estimate from the mover

Packaging materials. How much do they cost? Do they provide them?

5. Scout out the new place!

Going to check out the new neighborhood isn’t a bad idea. It might seem redundant, but will help make your move easier.

• Can moving van fit into the driveway?
• Check the local ratings for schools
• See if you can switch to the local doctors
• Just get a feel for things by driving around

We hope that you find these tips useful for future moving plans.
We are a local business that specializes in moving your belongings locally and long distance.
Mat movers is a Washington DC based moving company, serving Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.

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