When it comes to moving your house, there is a lot to remember – from all the big, physical bits right down to the small pieces of paperwork. So it is no wonder that, a lot of times, there are some things that get left behind. That’s why the experts recommend that you start planning your move as early as possible. Even if it isn’t your first time relocating to a new place, proper planning and preparation are essential. Otherwise, moving can quickly become a stressful, expensive, and time-consuming process.
What does this planning involve? The easiest way to stay on top of things is by preparing a pre-move checklist. This can include a wide array of tasks that are completely customizable to your needs. It’s a great way to ensure that your move is as seamless as possible. But, to prepare a comprehensive checklist, you have to know the most overlooked aspect of any move. Consider these three commonly forgotten factors before making your final pre-move checklist:
- Changing Your Address
Whether your move is temporary or permanent, changing your USPS address is one of the most important things you can do. However, you would be surprised at just how many people forget this crucial step. This can lead to lost mail, undelivered packages, and many other disastrous consequences.
So make sure to start the process before settling down into your new home. This is actually pretty easy to do. All you need to begin is to download and fill out the USPS change of address form to inform them of your move and new address. This will ensure that all your mail is forwarded to the right address, keeping you safe from any adverse consequences.
- Packing Materials
For most people, getting the right packing materials is the least of their worries during a move. But using inadequate packing material can lead to a lot of issues, especially the damage of your items. If you get boxes that aren’t strong enough, then they can easily collapse under the weight of their contents. Furthermore, bin bags can tear and spill your stuff all over the place. And if you seal your bags or boxes incorrectly, it can leave your items vulnerable to the elements.
As you can see, there are plenty of horror stories to look forward to if you don’t use the right packing material. So, start by estimating just how much you need to move. How many trips will it take you to get there? Figuring all this out for yourself may be quite difficult, so you may want to consider hiring a team of experienced movers to help. But, if you’re committed to making the move yourself, then ensure that you buy enough of the appropriate, high-quality packing gear that is required for the process.
- Organizing Storage
One of the most common problems in any move is the issue of space. Most times, you will find that there isn’t enough space in the new house for all the stuff you had in the old one. These “extras” can cause a lot of hassle during your move, especially if you don’t have anywhere to put them. Despite this, most people forget to organize appropriate storage for the items they are not taking into the new house. This can lead to lots of delays, as well as a significant hit to your bank account.
To avoid all this, analyze the new space in advance. Also, consider the benefits of long or short-term storage and make your moving plan early on. This will give you enough time to find the best – and cheapest – storage options for all your items.
Disclosure: This is a featured post.