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

 

Step 1:Declutter and Donate

Clearing out your home is among the best things you can do before a move. This not only makes packing easier, but it also helps you get rid of things you no longer need or want. Start by going room by room and categorizing items into piles: keep this, give away, or sell. Donating items in great condition to a Farmington Hills charity will not only decrease the amount of clutter in your home, but it will also be a tax-deductible expense. Moreover, your local moving company will have fewer things to move, reducing your moving costs!

Step 2: Gather Supplies

You will need a selection of supplies for your move, including moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers. Start gathering these supplies early so that you have enough time to obtain everything you need. You may also want to think about purchasing tailored packing materials for fragile belongings, such as dishware, stemware, and paintings. Your local moving company in Farmington Hills likely sells these items, or can advise the best place to purchase supplies.

Step 3: Start Packing Non-Essentials

Start by packing items that you do not use on a regular basis, such as unused wardrobe, hardcovers, and souvenirs. This will help you proactively tackle the packing process and minimize the amount of work you have to do at the end. Mark boxes unmistakably and make a list of contents to keep track of what you have packed. Remember to include your last name, target location 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

Inform your Farmington Hills service providers and utilities of your move minimum of four to six weeks in advance. This includes your telephone and internet provider, utility companies, banks, and other vendors. Don't forget to also arrange for your mail to be redirected to your new address.

Step 5: Pack a Moving Day Kit

Prepare a box with must-haves you will need on the big day, such as toiletries, washcloths, pillows, a set of fresh clothes, and disinfectants. You may also want to pack a kit you will need immediately upon arriving at your destination, such as hot beverages, snacks, and a set of tools. These items is something you should carry yourself, instead of having your local moving company take it with everything else.

Step 6: Label Boxes and Rooms

Clearly label boxes and make a list of contents to keep track of what you have packed. Also, mark each space in your home with a related number and note down the possessions in that space. This will make it more convenient for your local moving company to know where to put boxes and household items in your new home.

Step 7: Plan for your Pets and Plants

For pet owners, make arrangements for them on moving day. Consider hiring a pet sitter or taking them to a kennel for the day. Your local moving company will likely have exterior doors open for most of the day, so having pets safely secured is top priority. If you have houseplants, 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, confirm details with your local movers to confirm the details of your move and make sure they have all the information they need. Ask about any prohibitions they may have, such as restricted belongings, and make arrangements for self-transported items.

Step 9: Pack up the Kitchen

The kitchen is often one of the last rooms to be packed, as it requires extra preparation. Pack kitchenware, cutlery, and other cooking tools in labeled boxes and wrap delicate items in bubble wrap for protection. Make sure to pack a box of essentials for your initial evening in your new home, such as coffee grounds and tea leaves, disposable plates and utensils, body wash and hygiene products.

Step 10: Call Corrigan

If you're unsure, rely on Corrigan! As a leader in long distance moving and a recognized Farmington Hills local moving company, we’re set to assist. Whether you need a team for local moves to move big pieces of furniture, or you want your whole home packed up, moved and organized for you, we has the knowledge to handle it all. Give us a call today to schedule your no-cost, no-commitment in-home or virtual moving estimate!