While much of the stress of relocating comes before moving day, you can still take measures to help things run smoothly during the actual move. Finding the right moving company helps. You will want to interview a number of companies and base your decision on both price and reputation. You should also be familiar with your destination so there are no delays once the movers arrive with your belongings. Finally, it is important to make sure your new digs are clean and safe. With a little preparation, you can relax and let the professionals handle the transport of your possessions.
Preparing for the Big Day
Choosing a moving company is a big responsibility. There are a few things you can do to make your choice easier.
- Choose a company with a good reputation.
- Choose a company that provides an estimate guaranteed in writing.
- Determine whether you will pack your belongings or rely on the moving company to do so.
- Speak with your moving company about insurance options and valuation of property.
- Determine how the moving rate is calculated.
- Determine if you need long- or short-term storage.
Atlantic Relocation is happy to work with people concerning their moving and storage needs anywhere in the world.
The Day of the Move
If you stay as organized as possible in the days leading up to the move, it will help the big day run smoothly. Typically, chaos comes from poor planning. You will essentially be running two households throughout moving day, so you may need to call on family and friends to help you. Someone will need to remain with the movers until they have emptied the house from which you are moving. At the same time, or shortly after for short distance moves, someone will need to be at the destination. That person will need to unlock doors, know the location of gas and electric outlets, and be able to direct the movers to the proper locations of items. In some cases, there may also be service professionals to deal with if electric, gas, phone, and cable will be turned on that day.
Thomas Fagan, vice president of Atlantic Relocation’s Indianapolis location, recommends the destination location have clear paths for movers. He also suggests painting in advance to avoid paint splashes on furniture and other items. He points out it is important to know where the gas and electric hookups are located and that they are working, especially in offices. On occasion, the person waiting at the destination during an office move has no idea where these utilities are and waste a lot of time searching for them. This employee may also not think to ensure they are working, which means a variety of items will not be able to be plugged in, turned on, and tested. This can be frustrating for everyone involved, so make sure things are working before the big day.
Clean as a Whistle
If you are moving to a new home, you may want to do a round of cleaning before the movers arrive. Hiring a professional cleaning service to do this can save you time and headaches. Expect to have some vacuuming and dusting to do following the move, but it may be easier for you to do thorough cleaning beforehand. Vacuuming and carpet cleaning is easier when you are not moving around furniture, it can be easier to reach windows for washing if you are not climbing around furniture, and mopping is easier before appliances are installed. Moving your belongings into a sparkling clean house will get you off to a great start in your new digs. Your job will be easier following the move if you put some elbow grease into the new location ahead of time.
Instead of allowing moving day to be frazzling and stressful, plan ahead, get organized, and ensure that the big day goes as smoothly as possible.
This is a great guide for emergency preparations.
Paul Drockton – January 2, 2010 , 6:11 PM