If you’re hiring a professional moving company, plan this well. Schedule Westchester movers, book a hotel or Airbnb for the night of your move (if necessary), and request time off work.
Store files related to the move in a folder and ensure you’ve got your change of address submitted with utilities and related services.
Packing
Before packing:
- Assess your belongings and begin sorting things to sell, donate, or throw away.
- Organize your remaining items into groups like “must keep,” “must pack,” “can’t live without,” and “will donate.”
- Once you’ve sorted everything, schedule a garage sale or post an online yard sale to eliminate the junk you no longer need.
Once you’ve cleared some of the clutter, pack non-essentials like books, home decor, and electronics. As the move gets closer, focus on packing essentials like clothes, bedding, and kitchen items. Ensure to include a suitcase of your first-week necessities, including pajamas, toiletries, snacks, and medication.
Don’t forget to pack a box of tools, scissors, light bulbs, trash bags, tape, and paper towels for your move. Also, consider packing a box of cleaning supplies for your new space or hiring a professional cleaner to do it for you. Use bubble wrap, foam peanuts, and packing paper to protect fragile items such as dishes, glasses, and picture frames.
Cleaning
The best way to ensure your move goes smoothly is to thoroughly clean the home you are moving out of. This includes bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. This will also allow you to eliminate items you no longer need (think of the “one in, one out” rule – as new toys and clothing come in, something must go out). It’s a good idea to take inventory of your belongings before they’re packed and sign the Westchester movers’ inventory list so you can be confident that everything has made it through the move without any loss or damage. It’s also a good idea to vacuum, mop, and dust before unpacking. You’ll want to be able to enjoy your new space right away.
Moving Day
Whether working with a Westchester moving company or handling the details independently, there are a few last-minute tasks to take care of. Donate any items that can’t be packed, sold, or given away to local charities. Service your vehicle(s) and ensure you have plenty of gas for the trip. Take out trash and recycle. Stock a “Moving Day” box with garbage bags, scissors, light bulbs, tools, towels, toilet paper, and spare keys.
Wake up on a moving day without hitting the snooze button, and clear a path for the movers. Sign the Westchester movers’ inventory list, and check your new home for lost or damaged items. Change the locks if necessary, and host your first housewarming party to meet the neighbors. Please make a note to send thank-you notes to your friends and family for their help on moving day. And enjoy your new home!
Unpacking
A big part of moving is sorting through your belongings to decide what to keep and leave behind. This is the time to donate old clothes and shoes you no longer wear, furniture that can’t be carried, or items in disrepair. This decluttering process can also be advantageous, especially if you make extra cash at your garage sale or on social media like Craigslist and Facebook.
Start by ensuring you have plenty of moving supplies, such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and labels. This will help you stay organized and prevent you from having to stop halfway through the packing process for more supplies. It is best to pack room by room, starting with the more out-of-season items, holiday decorations, and lesser-used kitchen items. It will be easier to unpack and organize your belongings at your new home by filling in this way. You can even create an “Open First” box containing items you want to unpack, such as books, entertainment center components, artwork, and décor.