Tue, May 07, 2019
By: Patrina Sykes
Getting ready to move is exciting, but it can also be quite stressful. Whether you’re moving your home or your office, it’s important to have a plan in place to ensure you don’t forget anything important.
At Gilmore Services, we know the importance of streamlining moves and making them as stress-free as possible. With that in mind, here are 6 items to add to your moving to-do list to make your move as easy as possible.
#1: Obtain Quotes from Moving Companies in Your Area
Depending on the size of your home or office, you may want to consider hiring a moving company to help you with your move. You might consider doing the move yourself – with the help of your family and friends – but hiring movers could save you money in the long run.
Professional movers have the skill and training to protect your valuables and ensure you make it safely from your old location to your new one. Getting several quotes will ensure you get the best deal possible.
#2: Sort Your Belongings and Decide What to Take
If it’s been a while since you went through your belongings, the time before a move is ideal for evaluating what you’ve got and getting rid of what you don’t need.
It’s especially important if you’re transitioning from a large home to a smaller one or if you plan to downsize your office space. Taking an inventory before moving will make your move easier, shorter, and ultimately, less expensive.
Pro tip: If there are furniture pieces, clothes, or other household items you plan on donating or selling, make sure to focus on these first. You'll save time, space and energy by purging these items before your move.
#3: Order Moving Supplies
Every move requires supplies. You’ll need to pack your belongings and label them. You’ll also want to ensure that fragile items and important data are protected during your move. You’ll need to order:
- Boxes
- Packing tape
- Packing materials (bubble wrap, packing peanuts, etc.)
- Markers/labels
You should plan on ordering your supplies at least six weeks before your scheduled moving date. That way, you’ll be able to start packing early. If you sort through your belongings, as we’ve suggested above, you can even pack the things you’re taking as soon as you’ve finished sorting them. That’s a big time saver!
#4: Create a Floor Plan for Movers to Use
If you do decide to hire professional movers, it’s a good idea to create a floor plan of your new location and color code it. That way, your moving team will know where to put items as they’re moved. You can even include color coding on your labels.
Even if you plan to do the move yourself, it’s a good idea to come up with a system to ensure that items are put in the rooms or offices where they belong as they’re moved. You’ll spend less time rearranging things when your move is complete.
#5: Handle Logistical Arrangements in Advance of Your Move
Regardless of whether you’re moving a home or an office, you’ll need to arrange for utilities and services before you arrive at your new destination. Making those phone calls and arrangements well in advance of your move will ensure that you have essentials like electricity, hot water, and internet service before you arrive.
#6: Gather and Protect Valuable Documents
If you’re moving an office, you have valuable business data and documents that must be handled properly before, during, and after your move. If your company is subject to HIPAA, FACTA, or Sarbanes-Oxley regulations, you’ll need to make sure your move is compliant.
Even during a home move, it’s essential to protect your documents and make sure you can get to them easily. Your identification, financial documents, and personal documents should be packed together, clearly labeled, and handled with care.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a move, adding these 6 items to your to-do list can help minimize stress and maximize efficiency.
Need help with your move? Click here to learn more how Gilmore Services can assist.