There are numerous reasons why people move. San Francisco, for instance, experienced a 6.3% population exodus during the pandemic due to remote jobs, high living expenses, and the need for larger homes. However, according to the San Francisco Standard, younger professionals are returning, with 88 out of 10,000 moving within the last 12 months.
Moving can be overwhelming due to the pressure of completing numerous simultaneously ongoing tasks. So, careful planning can make things much simpler. Here is a comprehensive checklist of tips to make your move easier, whether you are moving locally or long-distance.
1. Make a budget list as well as a moving list.
Moving can be costly. In addition to the cost of the move itself, you’ll also need to purchase essential items such as boxes, packing tape, box cutters, scissors, markers for labeling, shoulder straps, or sliders to move heavy furniture. It is cost-effective to create a budget that reflects your financial situation. You should also devise a list of the items you need to pack and plan accordingly to ensure that you don’t forget anything and keep your move organized.
2. Hire a moving company.
Moving can be expensive, and the cost of hiring movers depends on whether you are moving within the city or out of state. In San Francisco, the average cost of moving services ranges from $517 to $4,915, depending on the service and company you choose. To ensure that you get a good deal, choose San Francisco moving companies offering affordable packages.
Look for companies that are Google and Yelp verified and provide full-service packing with specialized moving options to suit your needs. It is also a good idea to get quotes from moving companies a month earlier and communicate with them in detail what you expect. This will help you make an informed decision and secure them for your desired dates.
3. Notify the utility service providers of your move.
Canceling your utility services at the last minute can be a frustrating experience. Inform your service providers at least a month before your move date. This will give them enough time to process your request so that you don’t face any interruptions or delays in your services. Remember to cancel any memberships or subscriptions that you might have in the area. For example, if you have a gym membership, cancel it before moving. This will save you from unnecessary charges and help you avoid any issues with your credit score.
Changing your billing and postal addresses is also an important step that you must take before moving. You must inform all the services you use in the area, such as your credit card company, post office, hospitals, schools, etc. This will ensure that you continue to receive your bills and other important documents at your new address.
4. Declutter.
Moving is the perfect opportunity to clear out your belongings of useless items. Take some time to go through your belongings before packing to make the process less stressful. Consider donating any clothes you no longer wear. Get rid of any items that are just taking up space. This will help reduce the number of things you need to move to your new home and make settling in trouble-free.
5. Pack smartly.
Packing your things is one of the most stressful parts of the moving process. It can get overwhelming when you don’t have a plan or don’t know where to start. Start packing at least a month before your expected move-in date. Spend an hour of everyday packing. Usually moving companies that you’ve hired provide moving boxes. But if you don’t, you’ll need at least ten moving boxes for every room and five extra for emergencies.
Start packing systematically and with the items you will need the least until your move. In case you do end up needing something, you can avoid reopening all the boxes for that one item if you have each box labeled with its designated room and the items contained in the box. Instead of investing in expensive bubble wrap, you can pack the fragile items with towels or clothes to provide extra padding and prevent them from breaking. Don’t forget to label the boxes containing items that need to be handled with care.
Another cost-effective hack is to cover your wine glasses in your socks and stack paper plates between the glassware. Make use of the extra spaces in the boxes by adding towels or packing paper.
6. Do a walkthrough
A walkthrough of the house, while it is empty, can help plan out your space and look for potential defects. Conduct a comprehensive tour before moving into your new home to confirm the previous owner performed all agreed-upon repairs, included everything in the sale, is in functioning order, and has left behind all warranties and maintenance guidelines.
Check the property for filth, debris, mold, and rodents, and make sure the yard is well maintained. If you discover any faults that violate the selling contract, call your realtor to discuss your options.
7. Schedule appointments beforehand for maintenance, cleaning, and repairs.
After you have done a walkthrough of your new space, you will be able to determine if any repairs are required. This will allow you to make the necessary appointments in advance and prevent any inconvenience. Cleaning your new space thoroughly when it is empty requires less effort.
Don’t procrastinate until after your move, as it may not get done. This way, you can make sure every nook and cranny is spotless without having to work around furniture and other items. For security, you should also consider changing your locks as soon as you move. Schedule utility services, such as electricity, running water, and heating, for your new house so that everything is up and running when you arrive.
Conclusion
In the end, enjoy the process and cherish the milestone you have achieved. Take a moment to celebrate your new beginning. There is no doubt that moving is stressful, but following these tips can make it easier and more pleasurable. Take your time to settle in. Go around the neighborhood when you are tired of unpacking to familiarize yourself with the area, greet your neighbors, or even throw a housewarming party. Embrace the challenges that come with moving houses and treasure the memories you’ll make along this journey.
