Think You’re Ready for Move Day? 3 Steps You Should Take

Some people have good moves because they are prepared and ready to do so. On the flip side, bad moves happen when people are generally not ready to move, causing things to quickly become a chaotic moving nightmare.

It’s easy to blame bad moves on the moving company, but truth be told, bad moves are often our own doing! Here are steps you should take in order to be ready on move day.

Make Sure Everything is Cleaned Up

Movers are there to pack and move, and they should have clear access to everything that is moving. They’re not there to tidy up your house or figure out what moves and what doesn’t.

Here are some things you should do before the movers arrive:

• Take out any trash, recycling and old kitty litter, then wash out the cans
• Clean the dishes and empty the dishwasher
• Toss out any perishable food from the fridge
• Wipe down any appliances, including the fridge, freezer, oven and microwave
• Strip down bedding and other linens and wash them

Pack a First-Night Box

Designate a box or suitcase (or both) for transporting any critical items you’ll need access to right away. You don’t want to end up rummaging through boxes to find these things on your first day in your new place. And remember to keep them away from the moving frenzy so they don’t end up on the moving van!

Some items you may want to include:

• Chargers for your cell phone, laptop and any other devices
• All important documents, records and identification
• All medications you will need until your next shipment is delivered to your new residence
• Any remotes for your electronics so you know where they are when they’re reconnected
• Pajamas, a robe, a coat and at least one change of clothes
• Any toiletries and bathroom items you regularly use
• Any snacks and pet food to tide everyone over
• A few of your kids’ and pets’ favorite toys
• Any other must haves that you wouldn’t want to go a day or night without

Do One Last Spot Check

Sweep through every room, nook and cranny of your house and make sure it’s ready to go:

• Everything that fits into a box is packed, labeled, taped shut and ready to go
• All electronics and appliances are unplugged, with their cords labeled and packed
• All pet food and supplies are packed
• All last used kitchen and bath items are packed
• Cell phones, laptops and other devices are fully charged
• Your first-night bags are packed with all the essentials and stowed away in the car

Take the NextStep

Moving can be exhausting, and once you’re done, you’re likely ready to get on with life. But there’s still so much unpacking to do! If you did your packing right, your boxes should be labeled and in the right rooms to make unpacking a bit easier. A well planned move will help make your move a success.

If you’d like help getting settled in after your move, NextStep Transitions can take care of the unpacking so you can get back to your life. See how we can help you ditch the post-move blues.