Are you planning a move sometime this year? Then you should know the key to a successful move is to prepare weeks or months in advance and slowly work your way toward your move date. Getting started with the planning and preparation process at least three months in advance can help you avoid excessive move stress, save money, and enjoy the smoothest relocation possible.
At Ed’s Moving & Storage in Tacoma, we know moving can be tough, but we also know that if you prepare extensively (and early!), you may just end up experiencing the best move you’ve ever had.
Read on for a step-by-step list of what you need to do to prepare for your upcoming move.
1. Establish A Budget
Relocations can get really expensive, really fast, and for many people, the costs end up getting out of control before they know it. So if you want to curb your move-related expenses, you’ll want to establish a budget as the first step in your planning process. Doing so will allow you to not only prioritize your expenses but also keep your costs as low as possible.
A few things you’ll want to jot down in your budget include:
● Truck rental fees
● Packing supplies
● Cleaning services
● Travel expenses
● Deposits, utilities, and moving-in fees
For a more in-depth guide on planning move-related finances, check out Stressed About Moving Expenses? How to Create a Move Budget That Works.
2. Reserve The Moving Truck
Regardless of when you are moving, you should book your moving truck and/or crew at least two months before your desired moving date. Moving services are in high demand — especially during late spring and throughout summer — so most reputable moving companies will be booked months in advance.
If you wait too long and start looking for a relocation partner with only a month or so left before your move, you’ll have a limited choice of movers and will likely have to settle for lesser quality at a higher price. How far in advance you book the truck depends on the move date, the size of the truck, and the distance you are traveling.
3. Hire A Moving Team
Some moving companies (like Ed’s Moving & Storage!) offer full packing and moving service, which includes packing your boxes, loading and unloading your household items, transporting your goods, and unpacking your belongings at your new home. If you want the most seamless moving experience possible, it’s in your best interest to hire one of these companies.
When you opt to pay for a comprehensive move, you’ll enjoy a variety of benefits you simply can’t get when you tackle the job on your own. They include:
● Letting the pros do the job means you’ll be responsible for far less work than if you opted for a DIY move. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll still need to arrange transportation for any non-allowable items you plan to take with you.
● The pros will handle all the heavy lifting for you, minimizing your risk of move-related injuries and damage to your belongings.
● Professional movers provide insurance for your belongings in transit.
Whether this is your first time relocating or you’ve moved dozens of times, check out 9 Things You Should Never Do When Hiring a Moving Company to ensure you don’t get scammed.
4. Put Your Move On A Schedule
We suggest that you begin strategically planning and executing your move at least eight weeks out. If you want a good starting point, check out the helpful moving checklist on our website.
There, you’ll find a week-by-week guide that will lead you through the process from the time you start packing until the day of the move. By starting early, you’ll relieve yourself of a lot of stress and last-minute decision making.
You’ll also want to take a look at what you should do on the day of your move to ensure your movers will be able to work as quickly, efficiently, and safely as possible.
5. Declutter and Downsize
If you’re hiring a moving company, the price of your move will depend on how far you’re moving and/or the weight of the goods you need to transport. Some movers charge a flat rate for local moves, so if that’s what you’re planning, you may not need to worry about weight. If, however, you’re making a long-distance move, the weight of your stuff will definitely factor into the overall price.
As such, it’s in your best interest to get rid of all of the things you rarely or never use because there’s no point in paying to move those things if you won’t use them at your new home. If you’re unsure how to determine what should stay and what should go, a good rule of thumb is to get rid of anything that you haven’t used in the last three to six months.
Of course, seasonal items like winter clothing, certain recreational gear, and holiday decor are exceptions. It’s also a good idea to get rid of duplicate items — kitchens are notorious for this — and furniture that may not fit inside your new home or match the design of the place.
For more tips, check out Your Guide to Decluttering and Downsizing Before a Move.
6. Make A Storage Checklist
If you’re moving to Tacoma, Washington, and need to store some of your items, then call us to reserve a storage unit as far ahead as possible. Our climate-controlled storage units are secure and continually monitored, so you don’t have to worry about the condition of your belongings.
If you’re moving out of Tacoma, we can arrange for everything to be safely stored through our national and international licensees and partnerships. We’ll even arrange the delivery of your cargo if you have to leave ahead of it.
If you’re new to renting at storage facilities, you’ll definitely want to check out Storage Solutions 101: What You Need to Know Before Renting a Self-Storage Unit.
Looking for a Residential Moving Service Near Seattle, WA?
If you are looking for a dependable moving company in Seattle or Tacoma, Washington, contact Ed’s Moving & Storage. We offer a wide variety of moving services for both residential and commercial properties and have proudly served the Seattle-Tacoma metro since 1965.
To reserve a move date or purchase moving supplies, call us at 253 581-2446. You can also send us a message with any questions/concerns or request a quick quote online, and we’ll be in touch.