When it comes to moving a house, there are many things we must know and do. Here are the top 50 most useful moving tips from an East Bay Realtor:
Preparing to Move
1. Start packing as soon as possible.
The sooner you start packing, the better. Packing can take longer than people realize. By getting an earlier start on packing, you decrease any stress and anxiety it could cause.
2. Gather your moving essentials. Essential moving items include the following:
- Packing tape
- Sharpies
- Scissors
- Colored paper (for labels)
- Knife
Keep essentials in a small box or container so they don’t get lost or misplaced.
3. Take a full home inventory.
Making a list of everything you own can help you decide what to take with you or if something goes missing during the move.
4. Sell items you won’t use.
As you take inventory, you will come across many items you don’t use. Selling these items is a great way to get a little extra cash.
5. Begin disassembling furniture now.
Doing it early can save time on moving day.
6. Create a moving checklist.
This checklist will remind you to get key things accomplished that might get lost in the shuffle. Here are a few popular checklist items:
- Change your mailing/postal address
- Have your mail forwarded
- Obtain medical records (if moving to a new state or registering with new healthcare provider)
- Get school records (if children are going to new school, obtain enrollment paperwork)
- Reserve the building elevator in advance
7. Declutter.
This is the perfect time to throw away items that are broken or simply useless. The fewer items you take with you, the easier the move.
8. Line the moving boxes with paper, bubble wrap, etc.
This protects the contents in case items fall out the bottom.
9. Cut out box handles.
Use a box cutter to create handles. This will make them easier to carry.
10. Start packing the most challenging rooms first.
Packing can take time and can be draining. Getting the hardest rooms completed first means the move will get easier as you go.
11. Book a moving company ASAP (if applicable).
Professional movers might be in high demand in your area. Schedule your moving date in advance to avoid any last-minute hiccups.
12. Organize and label each box.
List the contents and the room the box belongs to on the front and side of every box. This will help keep everything organized and in order.
13. Do not write “valuables” on the box.
To elaborate on #12, use general wording to decrease the risk of theft.
14. Color-code boxes per room.
In addition to #12, put a colored label on each box per room it’s going to. This can save you tremendous time when unpacking.
15. Categorize each box accordingly.
Boxes can be rated in several ways, including fragility or urgency of need. This will help determine which boxes need to be opened first and those that can be opened later.
16. Don’t overpack boxes.
Keep the boxes light to prevent the bottoms from breaking.
17. Use towels and tablecloths wisely.
Wrap breakable items with towels and tablecloths. This can allow bubble wrap to be used in other areas.
18. Use socks to wrap glasses.
This can help decrease the need for bubble wrap.
19. Use quilts and blankets to wrap large items and artwork, paintings, etc.
20. Make use of plastic plates.
Place plastic plates in between glass plates to keep them from breaking.
21. Put screws in zip lock bags.
Tape each corresponding bag to the item it belongs to.
22. Fill nails as you remove items from the wall.
White soap can be used to quickly patch holes in walls as you go.
23. Use plastic grocery bags for drawer contents.
Label each bag with the drawer the contents belong to.
24. Take photos of electronic cables and hookups.
This will help you remember how to reassemble them.
25. Take photos of each room and displays.
This will help to remember placements and arrangements.
26. Eat the food you have at home.
Several days before the move, start eating food in your pantry. This will lessen the amount you have to pack.
27. Leave your clothes on the hangers.
Place hangered clothes in a bin for easier transport.
28. Use suitcases for bulkier, heavier items.
Suitcases can be used for items like books and other bulky items.
29. Remove light bulbs.
Take out lightbulbs to prevent them from breaking inside vases.
30. Use toilet paper for necklaces.
Toilet paper can be used to prevent jewelry from tangling.
31. Get everything done before moving day.
By getting everything done prior to moving day, all your energy can be focused on moving.
32. Try home delivery or takeout.
The first few days at your new place consider getting takeout or home-delivered food. This is ideal if you’re eaten most of your food prior to moving.
33. Pack an overnight bag.
Have an overnight bag that contains all the toiletries you’ll need along with a change of clothes. This will save you from sifting through packed items after moving.
34. Move items downstairs or to the garage.
This can quicken the moving process (and make it easier on the movers).
Before Moving In
Here are a few tips for the new home a couple of days before moving in:
35. Make a list of key move-in items.
These are a few items you’ll need on the day of the move:
- Water
- Snacks
- Medicine (aspirin, pain reliever, etc.)
- Pet supplies
- Paper plates, utensils, napkins, etc.
- Reassembly tools (wrench, screwdriver, etc.)
- First aid kit (minor cuts, bruises, etc.)
- Trash bags
- Toiletries
- Toilet paper
- Etc.
36. Clean the new home before moving in.
Wipe down everything to your satisfaction before bringing your items in the home.
37. Take Photos of your new home while it is still empty.
This will help formulate ideas on not only how to decorate, but how to arrange boxes in the rooms.
38. Call pest control.
Consider having pest control go through the entire house while its empty.
39. Stock bathrooms first (toilet paper, hand soap, hand towel etc.)
This is one of the first areas of the home that will be used by practically everyone.
40. Prepare the shower.
Place bath towels and soap out for everyone.
41. Fill the cutlery with the new drawer.
Most homes have a removable cutlery drawer. Take the cutlery drawer from the new house and take it to the old house. Fill the contents of the old cutlery drawer with the new one and wrap them with a towel. This makes the transport of sharp objects easier.
42. Check all light bulbs.
Make sure they work and purchase extras now before moving in
The Day of the Move
Here are a few things to do the day of the move:
43. Move plants and small items yourself.
To expedite the moving process, move the small items like plants yourself.
44. Make a mental note of the room you want to unpack first.
There should be one uncluttered room where you can relax after a long day of moving.
45. Hire a babysitter (if applicable)
If you have small children, consider getting a babysitter so you can focus on moving.
46. Clean the fridge
Make sure all items in the fridge are removed and give it a quick wipe down.
47. Clean underneath the fridge.
An empty fridge is a lighter fridge. Unplug it and sweep underneath it.
48. Keep your valuables on you at all times.
Passports, jewelry, cash, and other items.
49. Assemble beds.
Reassemble the beds early into the move.. Resist the urge to do so after everything is moved in when people are tired.
50. Move items from storage (if applicable).
While you have the help, this is the perfect time to remove items from storage.
Moving can take a lot of work and energy. By using these and other great tips, you could help make your move a less stressful one.
Want to Know More About East Bay Real Estate?
While other states and territories have experienced a decline in housing prices the Bay Area real estate, in general, has remained strong. This doesn’t mean you should not diversify your portfolio across many states, but our East Bay CA Realtors agree that this is certainly a strong place to start for a novice investor. There are even some great low-cost homes that are ripe for renovation.
We have a team of friendly, helpful East Bay Realtors that specialize in East Bay real estate and property sales that can help you work out how to best get your property portfolio started. Our agents are here to put your needs first, get you the best deals and offers, help you buy or sell your dream home and build your investment portfolio. Reach out to our team today to find out your options.
If you are looking to find an East Bay Realtor, or looking for homes for sale in East Bay CA, or even to sell your home with someone who will make sure you get the best deal and understand your needs – look no further – when you work with us, consider yourself family.
