Uprooting your life and moving homes is stressful enough without considering all the little tasks you may not remember. Whether you’re hopping across town, across the country or across the globe, organizing your move before the movers arrive will save you time, money and your sanity. Make a to-do list that includes these small but important tasks to ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.

Utilities and Cleaning

If you’re moving into a home that was either just built or has been vacant for some time, you’ll need to ensure it’s completely functional and clean before settling in. Call your utilities companies two weeks before your move and schedule services such as water and electricity to be switched on at your new residence and turned off at your old one. By requesting this ahead of time, you’ll be less likely to be caught off guard by delays and setbacks that may keep you from taking a well-earned shower. Don’t forget your cable and internet services!

Leaving a clean home is common courtesy when you move out. Unfortunately, some homeowners don’t always live up to societal expectations. In addition to cleaning your old home top to bottom before you leave, schedule a professional carpet cleaning at both your new and old homes so you can feel good knowing you left a clean house and are entering a spotless new home.

Sentimentality

Many people tend to prioritize their essentials during a move. Sentimental items and photos can be placed on the back burner because they seem silly and superfluous when you’re trying to transport your entire life to a new home. However, for some, leaving a family home can feel like losing a loved one and be accompanied by very real feelings of grief that many may associate with death or loss. By placing a focus on sentimentality, you can make the move easier on yourself and your loved ones. Record a video of your children explaining their favorite parts of the old house or take a family photo in the front yard to preserve the good memories. Many may also choose to pack an “essential sentimental items” box that can be unpacked immediately upon arriving in the new home. Decorating your new house with photos and precious décor can help you begin making your new place feel like home and can ease the pain of leaving an old house.

Prepare Your Important To-Dos

Aside from services and items you need in your house, you’ll also need to consider services and things you’ll need to continue functioning normally outside your new home. For long-distance moves, you’ll need to make a list of to-dos that need to be taken care of immediately, such as transferring your bank account (if needed), filling and transferring medications, backing up your computer files, transferring any children to new schools and arranging for the installation of new locks on the residence. You’ll also want to register to vote and register your vehicle, if you find the need. These important clerical tasks can help ensure you can carry on your life without thinking about all the things you forgot to do.

Make New Friends

A house isn’t a home without people to share it. Even if you have loving and supportive family members there to help you every step of your move, relocating to a new city, state or country can still be daunting without the constant support of your friends from your old home. Making new friends as soon as possible can make the transition exponentially easier, as they can help you find the best doctors, restaurants and plumbers along with providing some often-overlooked companionship. Having new pals to come over for a dinner party, poolside relaxation session or just to help you unpack those last few boxes that have been sitting idly for months after you move can really help you feel more comfortable in your new environment.

Start Your New Life with Continental Van Lines

Moving is an exciting and exhausting milestone in your life. Don’t make it more stressful than it needs to be by putting off the most important tasks for last! While you take care of yourself, let Continental Van Lines care for your possessions on moving day. To learn more about receiving a quote for your next move, contact us online or call 206-937-2261.