Moving

National & International Movers, Removals

Moving: Moving Made Easy

Anyone moving knows that the only way to keep on top of all the chaos that ensues when uprooting your entire life to move it somewhere else, is to be organized! If you are about to plan a move then your best bet is to begin your preparations early. Here is a guide to what you need to know in order to take the stress out of your life and guarantee a smooth transition to your new one.

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Planning your move should begin from the moment you sign the closing on your new home or apartment. When you know that you will be moving you should break your time line down into months, weeks and days until d-day, plotting each item you must cover as you hit that period on your calendar. We will look into this concept of a calendar more closely in the next few paragraphs.

The next thing you should begin immediately is a list of everything you have in your home – especially the big ticket items including audio-visual equipment, appliances and any other valuables. The list should include serial numbers and, if possible, a picture. Such a list is meant as a precaution against loss, theft or damage during the move. If you have a definitive list of your valuables including photographs for the insurance companies involved, you will have a much easier time claiming against any damages if the need arises. If you need quotes on moving insurance, fill-out OneEntry's forms to get free estimates from up to five insurance companies in your area.

Let’s now get back to that moving calendar. Roughly six months or so before your move you should start looking into moving companies. The more time you allow yourself the better, since movers book-up far in advance, the closer you get to your moving date, the higher your chances to not being able to find a reliable mover. Allow OneEntry help you to find reputable local movers by filling out the attached forms and receive up to five FREE moving quotes.

About six weeks before your move, you should start packing non-essential items. Make sure to have enough packing materials for this job. You will need boxes, wrapping materials, tape and markers. When you begin packing you should try to be as organized and as specific as possible. For instance, instead of simply marking your box kitchen supplies, either tape a list of the specific items found in the box (good china, utensils, etc…) to it or number the boxes and have a corresponding list that refers to each number. If your box is marked as kitchen #3, then have a list marked kitchen #3 with all of the contents of that clearly indicated on it. Such detailed lists will help you to find exactly what you need before and after your move. When packing for your move, keep all related boxes together; that way, when the movers arrive, the boxes will be loaded together and then placed into the appropriate rooms at your new place.

One month before your move you should begin informing your friends, acquaintances, credit card companies, bank, utilities, clubs and/or any organization to which you belong of your new address. Arrange for your mail to be forwarded if needed and make arrangements for your cable, electricity, water and other utilities to be terminated at your old address and connected at your new one on the moving day, so that you are not left without necessities during the transition period.

Two weeks before your move you should begin packing your essentials; leaving only those things that you cannot live without accessible. If possible begin moving already packed boxes into your new place.

One week prior to your move arrange to have the locks changed on your new home after you move in. Since the former occupants might have given copies of the key to relatives, friends or even service people, for your security and peace-of-mind, it is best to change the locks once you have moved in.

On moving day make sure that you have a reserve of cash handy in order to pay for food, drinks or other treats for those helping you move. Remember to keep all of your most important papers, jewellery and any personal items with you in your car to prevent loss or theft. You should have prepared a bag of essentials – tooth brushes, a change of clothes, etc… that will also go with you in your car. Don’t forget that your list should be with you at all times. Before leaving your old place go into every room to make sure that you have left nothing behind. Since you probably won’t want to cook on the first and possibly even the second day after your move, budget for eating out until you are more settled-in.

If you are organized, then there is no reason for your move to be anything but smooth.