Moving your household is fun and easy when you use Steve Schappert’s Smart-Move-Ideas.
Find free moving boxes
The cost of cardboard boxes can be expensive. Chances are, your local recycling points are great places for finding free (sometimes unused) moving boxes.
Your neighbors may still have plenty of cardboard boxes. You might look into Craigslist, Nextdoor.com, Freecycle, book stores, liquor stores, offices and U-Haul Box Exchange.
Reuse original boxes
From the TV to the blender, small appliances come in cardboard boxes. If you happen to still have these boxes, use them. Your items may still fit perfectly.
Schedule a donation pick-up for free
Free donation pick-up with a local charity such as Goodwill, Salvation Army or Habitat for Humanity is a great way to unload unwanted heavy furniture, clothing.
Obtain pricing from different moving companies
Feel free to interview. Have quotes from at least three companies to compare prices and services. When interviewing a moving company, make sure they are properly licensed and insured.
Have lots of water bottles on-hand when moving
You and your movers will want water on moving day (especially during the summer). Come moving day, you and your movers will appreciate that huge pack of bottled water.
Take photos of your belongings before packing them
Before packing your belongings, take “before” photos of all fragile and valuable items. If something happens, you may need these photos to file a claim and receive compensation.
Choose a mid-week, mid-month move date
One way to save money when moving is to opt for mid-week, mid-month moving dates. Moving on the weekends when demand is highest will undoubtedly be pricier. Moving company and truck rental rates tend to be lower Monday through Friday. They also tend to be lower in the middle of the month as opposed to the first and last weekends.
Place a fully-charged iOS device in a box to track your move
Hiring a moving company to handle your long distance move? Depending on how far you’re moving, it could be a week or more until your belongings are delivered to the new house. To keep track of where your stuff is at all times, try placing an iPad inside one of the boxes that’s loaded onto the truck. You should be able to use the “Find My iPhone” tool to track where your iOS device is at all times.
Color-code your moving boxes and household items with post-it notes
Don’t buy fancy moving labels.
Use foam pouches for plates, bowls and glassware
Use simple foam pouches for dinnerware to glassware. All you have to do is slip the item in your pouch then slide them inside the box.
Bring a door stopper with you
Yes, you’ll need to keep doors open all day, so, bring a few door stoppers.
Place heavy items in small boxes
Is it is best to put heavy items inside your small boxes? Yes! Not only will this will make carrying boxes funner, but it may prevent your items from falling out the bottom.
Place pillows and blankets into boxes containing fragile items
Pillows and blankets may provide that extra cushioning for items and help prevent them from breaking.
Flatten boxes after a move and store for later
Once you’ve finished unpacking, flatten all your boxes and store them for your next move or for when your neighbor needs a few.
Save donation receipts for tax season
Save those donation receipts! Come tax time, you should be able to claim a deduction on your income taxes using those receipts.
Make sure the moving truck has a parking space
And reserving parking spaces for your movers may keep you from ticking off your new neighbors and even getting parking tickets. Also, if your movers spend time searching for a spot to park their oversized truck, then your move will ultimately cost more.
Get extra cash to tip movers
Many people choose to tip their movers for a job well-done.
Check cabinets, drawers, appliances and closets before moving out
Double check all kitchen cabinets, bedroom closets, drawers, and appliances before handing over the keys.
Rekey your new house as soon as possible
From handymen and cleaning services to friends and family, there’s no telling who was given a copy of the keys from the previous owners. For safety purposes, we recommend rekeying your entire house prior to moving in. All you have to do is call a locksmith to come out to the house to change the locks. They should be able to do so in a matter of hours.
Plan Ahead
Do not move to a new home without a moving day essentials box or bag. This box should contain anything and everything you might need on moving day (and the following few days). Essentials could include toothbrushes, medications, toiletries, clothing, important documents, baby necessities, toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning spray, trash bags, a tool kit, pet food, bottled water, wallets and extras shoes.
Moving soon?
Steve Schappert The Connecticut Real Estate Broker
Call and Text Steve Schappert 203-994-3950
Email Broker@CTREB.com