Moving into a new home is an exciting experience, but it can also be stressful without the right preparation. With some patience and planning, you can make sure that your move goes smoothly and that your new S&A home remains in great condition. Whether you choose to hire professionals or go it alone with family or friends, here are some tips to make your upcoming move smoother.
Downsizing and decluttering
Most people have accumulated more things than they need over the years, so it’s important to go through your belongings before the move-in process begins. Downsizing and decluttering can help reduce your moving costs significantly by eliminating unnecessary items from your packing list.
It can also help make unpacking in your new home much easier since you won’t have to deal with items that don’t fit or that you don’t need anymore. Make sure to purge items that are broken, worn out, outdated, or no longer serve a purpose in your life. You can donate clothing and household items or sell them online if they are still in good condition.
Packing with quality materials
Before beginning the packing process, make sure you have enough high-quality boxes and sturdy packing materials on hand for all of your belongings. You should also label each box clearly so that everything is organized when it comes time to unpack. Avoid overpacking boxes because they will be heavier than necessary and more difficult to lift safely.
When packing heavy items like books or appliances, make sure they are placed at the bottom of boxes so lighter objects won’t be crushed while being transported from one location to another. If you are moving furniture, use furniture pads and dollies to reduce strain on both people and walls during the move-in process.
Protecting floors and walls
Don’t overlook protecting your home during the move-in process. With several people walking around your home, covering the floors and walls with flattened cardboard, plastic covering, or specialized floor covers will prevent scuffs, nicks, and dirt. Be sure to tape any floor coverings to prevent tripping. Pay extra attention to the corners and stairwell. If you need to move heavy furniture, always lift it instead of pushing it across the floor. Use dollies, moving pads, carts, or furniture blankets to move items around. Furniture moving straps are an efficient way to help you lift heavy and bulky items safely (you’ll often see appliance delivery people using these).
Keep walkways clear so that everyone can navigate safely throughout the house without tripping over boxes or other obstacles along the way. If you’re DIYing your move, have someone act as a spotter when moving large items.
Consider professional movers to ensure a safe move-in experience
Most moves can be completed on your own with family members helping out where needed. However, depending on how far away you are going or how many items you have, hiring professional movers may be worth considering, especially if you have specialty items like a piano. It can be hard work to move large items, but professionals have the right equipment and know-how to get the job done quickly and safely. Furthermore, they are insured so if any damage occurs during the move, you won’t have to worry about covering the cost out of pocket.
Moving is hard work but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you plan. With some patience and strategic planning, you can make sure that your move goes smoothly whether you do it yourself or hire professionals. Knowing which items need extra care during transport will ensure that everything arrives at your new home safe and sound!
Now that you’re all moved into your new S&A home, it’s time to start enjoying life. If you’re looking for a new home in Central or South-Central Pennsylvania, visit us at SAHomeBuilder.com or call 1-855-SAHome1 to learn more about our new home communities and available quick move-in homes.