Some Things to Do Before Moving In

You know how the famous lyrics go: “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone?” While these are very true sentiments, we’d like to recommend a slight alteration: “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you got ‘till you start to pack it all up?”

The more closets you go through and the more cabinets you attempt to organize, you might ask yourself, “Where did all this stuff come from? What am I supposed to do with all of this? Is this stuff I even really need?” These questions require even more urgent answers when you are packing and organizing for an exact purpose; specifically, when you are planning on moving.

And packing up your home is just one of many things that need to be crossed off your checklist when you are preparing for moving day. The process of switching residences can be overwhelming to say the least. But by planning ahead, you can be as prepared as possible for your upcoming move:

Here are a few things to keep in mind before moving into a new home:

Gather the Appropriate Supplies

Make sure you have plenty of boxes, bins, tape, labels, bubble wrap, and newspaper on hand in plenty of time before the big move so you can stay on top of packing. And don’t be afraid to give things away—if you are going through old drawers and closets and find things you don’t need, there is no need to bring them to the new house.

Transfer Your Utilities

Don’t assume that the gas, water, and electric will be set up for you on moving day. It’s important to take care of this with your utility company before moving day rather than afterward.

Change the Locks

Changing the locks is the simplest and quickest way to guarantee your safety in your new space.

Clean Up

Scrubbing every possible surface of your new house is much easier when they’re not covered with furniture! Thoroughly clean your home before moving day; it will save you significant time and trouble in the future.

Other things you may consider before moving in if possible include getting to know where the circuit breaker box is and the main water shut-off valve, make minor and major repairs, childproof your home if applicable, forward your mail and update your billing address.  It's also not a bad idea to consider getting a home warranty which would cover the cost of the repair or replacement of things like your furnace, air conditioner, water heater, appliances, plumbing and electric for at least a year. Experts say that basic coverage starts at about $300.  Proper planning can help minimize the challenges and stresses of transitioning to a new home making the move much more enjoyable.

For more information on what you can do to make your upcoming move easier, work with a member of Three Rivers Association of REALTORS®.  You can find them at www.trarealtors.net or call 815-744-4520.

10 Moving Tips from Three Rivers Association of REALTORS

As REALTORS®, we are often asked for homebuying and selling advice of all kinds, including on moving. Many clients worry about the amount of clutter they have to sift through before they move, or struggle with what they should do about the possessions they have accumulated over many years, or even decades. Moving can seem like a daunting task for many, so any tips we can share to ease our clients minds about the process, no matter how small, will help take the weight off their shoulders (and backs!).

1.    Breaking up a big move into stages helps the task become more manageable. The pros at Two Men and a Truck recommend decluttering the places where clutter tends to gather as soon as you decide to move: the attic, basement, and closets. After you have decluttered the home and gotten rid of as much possible, you can begin packing what you will take with you.

2.    Hold a rummage sale or sell items online that you don’t intend to take with you to help with moving costs. If you have friends or family helping with the move, offer them these items as a token of appreciation. Recycle and donate what’s left over.

3.    Pack a little bit each day. Start with the items you least often use (such as artwork and books) and gradually move packing to essentials like cleaning and personal care supplies just a day or two before the move.

4.    Label boxes not only with contents, but with what room they belong in. Avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box.

5.    Number boxes so that you can easily check if all of them have made it to your new home.

6.    Make a separate box for vital documents and records (such as birth certificates and passports) and bring it to the new house with you instead of in the moving truck.

7.    Pack a small overnight bag for each family member so that you aren’t obligated to unpack entire boxes just to find a pair of pajamas, toothbrush, change of clothes, or child’s favorite stuffed animal at the end of a long moving day.

8.    Clothes, towels, blankets, and dish towels can be used as padding when packing dishes and other fragile items.

9.    Transport as little food as possible to save time and your arm muscles. Stop buying groceries a couple weeks before you move, and try to get through your existing supply. Donate items you can’t move to neighbors, family, or a local food pantry.

10.  But don’t forget snacks and drinks on moving day! Moving is hard work. Be sure to plan to keep the kids fed and hydrated, along with pets, on the big day.

Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® is a nonprofit professional organization located in Joliet, Illinois. We keep our members informed of housing market trends, the latest real estate industry news, and helpful tips that can improve your success in real estate. Please visit our website for more information, or call us Monday through Friday from 8-4:30 at (815) 744-4520.