Gather your strength – you are almost finished with your relocation. However, there is still work to be done, such as rethinking how to prepare for movers so that your last day in the old home can go without any major mistakes. So you don’t have to learn how to prepare for the Big Day through trial and error, we’ve made a complete guide to make everything easy not only for the movers but for you as well.
Boxing up is one of the biggest items on your cross-country moving checklist, whether you choose a professional service or decide to pack everything yourself. However, the way and the amount of the preparation often depend on which of those two options you will choose.
The first thing to do is communicate with the company representatives to see what is considered a part of the basic relocation service. Some companies offer to disassemble, load, unload, and assemble your belongings free of charge – determine if that will be your or your movers’ job. Next in line is deciding whether you can box up everything else or if you’ll have to hire a professional’s help. If you opt for the latter, be prepared to pay an additional fee.
Even if you choose the help of a relocation team, there are still a few things that should be done before their arrival in order to facilitate and speed up the work on your last day. Check out the following relocation tips:
If you’d rather test your abilities, you should take a few more steps in addition to those listed above. Thinking about creative storage ideas and exploring some common relocation hacks is just the beginning. To properly pack all your belongings, you will need:
If you want some packing tips during this process, check out the following video:
Preparing for movers calls for a detailed inventory list for each object you possess. That list should include a description of each item’s distinctive features. Take notes of the number of things, materials they are made of, the condition in which they are in, and so on. For the most valuable possessions, add necessary documentation such as valid warranties or certificates. If you want to make the process easier, take pictures and look for some inventory management sites and software, such as Sortly.
A detailed inventory will help you determine for which items you could use insurance, but it could also help movers make a more accurate estimate of your household, and if you separate the inventory list for items in each box, you’ll be able to track and find everything quickly. Finally, everything that you document and photograph will serve as proof if you have to file a claim.
Before the relocation crew gets to your home and starts packing, you should find out what they won’t pack and relocate. Perishable, corrosive, and flammable items aren’t allowed in relocation trucks, so you should dispose of them in the proper manner. Consider donating the food if you didn’t get to eat it before the move. Hazardous items, such as batteries, motor oils, paint, cleaning chemicals, and so on, are the answer to what to pack before the movers come and transport yourself.
Before the relocation crew gets to your home, every cord and cable has to be disconnected and unplugged – movers don’t want to take liability if something doesn’t work when you move into your new home. Take pictures of the proper way an appliance or device needs to be connected so you know what to do when the time comes to plug everything back in. In addition to that, know that movers won’t relocate machines or appliances with oil, gas, or water in them, so empty them before they arrive.
If you want to avoid road rage on some of the famous routes in the USA or if you are the proud owner of some of the most expensive cars in the world, choosing a USA auto transport company is the right way to go. However, that means that you need to learn how to prepare a car for shipping before the Big Day comes.
First things first – you should visit an authorized car service to check the condition of your vehicle and repair any damage. Next – your car needs to be cleaned, and you should explore what things you can keep in your car. For example, when transporting a car from state to state, you are allowed to leave only one-quarter of your gas tank full, so remember to get gas out of your car. Of course, you can always ask your chosen company for some additional car shipping advice.
You will also have to choose among various options of transportation and delivery, according to your wishes and finances, such as:
If, however, shipping a car cross-country is not your preferred option, make sure to take all the safety precautions so you don’t have to experience driving anxiety while on the road. Watch some tutorials on how to change a flat tire as well as how to tell if a car thermostat is bad so that you know what to do in the case of an emergency.
When the relocation day comes, create a clear path for the relocation crew, so you could keep them safe and your house protected. You can do that by:
Clearing the obstacles is undoubtedly one way to help your relocation crew, but don’t forget the others. With that amount of hard, physical work, you need to think ahead and prepare food and beverages for each crew member, as well as for your family. It’s one of the things people forget to do when relocating, but never underestimate the importance of keeping your crew happy.
You should also reserve a parking spot for the relocation truck as close as you can if you don’t have a driveway so that movers don’t have to carry heavy objects for an extended period of time. But the best way you could assist your movers is to – let them do their job. So many people want to help as much as they can but end up doing the opposite. So, what to do while movers are moving? Be present and answer all of the questions movers have for you, but try not to stand in their way.
The relocation day is bound to be chaotic whether you’re going three blocks away or relocating to a new state, so you should think ahead about those who depend on you. Move your children out of the way so they don’t end up getting hurt. It would be best to ask a family member or friend to keep them safe or hire a babysitter for that day.
When it comes to your pets, the advice above could apply to them, too. If not, have a room prepared, with enough water and food, and remember to keep it closed all the time – no one wants your cat or dog to go running through the house while workers are carrying heavy objects.
In order for your moving day to go as smoothly as it can, there are a few more things you should consider:
That is it; you made it! Take a look around – your empty house is proof of the amount of work that has been done. Even if more work lies ahead, don’t start stressing and overthinking. Now is the perfect time to relax a little and not think of any relocation-related tasks. Allow yourself to be excited and happy for all there is to come after you finally settle in.
