Moving Blunders Disclosed by Real Estate Agents That Will Alter My House Move Preparation Permanently (Forever)
Moving to a new home can be an exciting time, but it can also be stressful if not properly planned. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when transitioning to a new home, along with tips to make your move smoother and less stressful.
Declutter Before Packing
One of the most common mistakes is forgetting to declutter before packing, which can lead to moving unnecessary items and wasting space. It's essential to take the time to go through your belongings and get rid of items you no longer need or use.
Avoid Moving Scams and Hire Reliable Movers
Falling for moving scams or hiring unreliable movers can cause stress and loss. Be cautious of companies that request full payment upfront and only accept cash. Always check reviews, confirm licensing, and ask detailed questions before booking a moving company.
Pack Smartly
Inefficient packing can lead to broken items, wasted space, and unnecessary stress. Use small boxes for heavy items and large boxes for lighter belongings. Pack critical or essential items separately to make them easy to find during or immediately after the move. Also, remember to label boxes or organise by room to speed up unpacking.
Plan Ahead
Assuming all current furniture and decor will fit or suit the new home can lead to problems. Plan ahead by measuring the rooms and doorways in your new home to ensure everything will fit.
Manage Logistics
Neglecting to transfer or set up utilities (gas, electricity, water, Wi-Fi, TV) before moving in can make settling in uncomfortable or impossible initially. Make sure to arrange for these services to be set up at your new home before you arrive.
Special Considerations
When packing the garage or home gym, special care and planning are required due to the mix of bulky, heavy, and oddly shaped items. Home gyms include large machines like treadmills or weight racks that need to be disassembled and carefully wrapped to prevent damage or injury. In the garage, dealing with tools, yard equipment, paint, and other hazardous materials can require special handling or cannot be moved at all.
Organize Your New Home
Adopting easy home organization ideas can help ensure a fresh space is put-together from day one. Nikki Boyd's 'Beautifully Organized' book offers advice and organization plans to help with this.
Plan for the Unexpected
If moving during winter, plan with extra time to spare on account of rain, snow, and other seasonal consequences that could get in the way of a swift shift.
Downsize Effectively
When downsizing, editing before moving is key. Fiona Dogan, a realtor, advises taking the time to go through your belongings and decide what to keep and what to get rid of. A book by Rebecca Lawson is a brilliant read to help with understanding what to ditch and what to keep when purging your home for a small apartment.
Celebrate Your New Home
A housewarming party can be a marker event to begin a new chapter. There is a map of housewarming rituals from around the world to take inspiration from.
By avoiding these mistakes and planning ahead, packing smartly, labeling boxes clearly, and managing logistics like utilities and moving services, you can make your transition smoother and less stressful.
- Before starting the interior design of your new living room, consider the color scheme and choose art pieces that complement it.
- To make your kitchen more functional and stylish, consider buying new furniture or appliances from a home-and-garden store, and don't forget to add some decorative touches that reflect your lifestyle.
- When unpacking, arrange your furniture in the living room and other rooms according to the home-improvement magazine's recommendations for creating a cohesive and welcoming space.
- To ensure a smooth transition in your new home, plan your kitchen decor around existing appliances and layout, and consider organic shapes and natural materials for a harmonious feel.
- As you settle into your new home, spend time decorating and organizing your home office, using tips from home-and-garden videos to create a productive and inspiring workspace.
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