Moving Tips: A Checklist For a Smooth Move

Are you just in the planning stages of choosing a new home? If your move might bring you to the Columbia, South Carolina, area, McGuinn Homes would like to show you our new home communities, move-in ready homes, and floor plans. We will also build on your lot. With so many ways to help you find your new home, talk to us first!

You’re getting ready to move to a new home. Whether you’re moving close by or far away, to a larger or smaller home, the process of getting your precious belongings from here to there requires planning and organization. Follow these moving tips and use them as a checklist for a smooth move.

Ruthlessly purge

As soon as you know a move is in your future, start reducing your load. Empty your closets and cabinets to see what is lurking in there—unused, unnecessary, expired, and otherwise ignored. Sort out your belongings and get rid of anything you don’t wear or use. Donate or discard it. Remember, you pay your movers by the weight of the load so having them transport more than you need or want will cost you.

Gather packing supplies

Collect boxes, plastic containers, packing tape, and wrapping material. You can often find used moving boxes on sites like Craigslist and Facebook—a great way to reuse and recycle! Ask friends who work in companies that might have empty cartons. Order rolls of bubble wrap and stock up on packing tape (buy more than you estimate because you’ll use it). As you’re purging your household, pack up anything that isn’t currently an essential part of your daily life, so you’ll have less to do when the moving date gets closer.

Choose a mover and reserve the date

Moving companies are busier at certain times of the year, so if you’re planning to move in spring or summer, book a mover as soon as you know your schedule. Be sure to ask these questions before you choose a moving company:

• Will you come to my home and do an on-site inspection before giving me an estimate?
  • If the answer is “no”, choose someone else. No one can offer an accurate estimate without looking at your belongings.
• Do you have a license number from the U.S. Department of Transportation?
  • Another deal-breaker! Check here to confirm it.
• Will you include in writing a “not-to-exceed” price?
  • Without this threshold, you’re liable for more costs than you anticipate.
• Can you guarantee pick-up and delivery on the dates I’ve specified?
  • A reputable moving company follows a process that ensures you won’t be left waiting on either end. Be sure to get any guarantees in writing.
• How much of a deposit do you require?
  • More than 20% is unreasonable.
• Do you require cash payment or could I pay by credit card or check?
  • Never pay in cash!
• Are you currently a member in good standing of the state’s moving association?
  • This group holds members to high standards.
• Will your moving trucks be clearly marked with your company’s identification?
  • You’d be surprised what some companies consider acceptable. Don’t let anyone transport your valuable belongings when in an unidentifiable vehicle.

Reduce your shopping for household items

As your moving day gets closer, your goal is to have less food and supplies to be packed. Use up the perishables and avoid the temptation of sales. Make a list of supplies you’ll need when you arrive at your new home so you don’t need to transport them.

Organize your personal records

Gather your important documents for home, school, medical, insurance, pets, prescriptions, and other valuable records. Carry them with you or have them sent to the appropriate resource (e.g., your new doctor or veterinarian, your child’s school).

Contact the utility companies

Alert your current providers (electric, water, cable, phone companies) that you will terminate service and give them the date. Advise the utility companies for your new home when you will require service to begin.

Plan your travel

If you’re driving, have your car serviced to avoid any problems during the trip. For air travel, make arrangements as soon as you know your travel dates. If you’re also transporting pets, check the airline’s restrictions. Certain breeds (e.g., bulldogs, pugs) cannot be flown on commercial airlines because of the risk to the animal.

Change your address

It’s easy to change your address online. Visit www.usps.com. Allow at least a few days for the request to be initiated.

Pack by priority and value

Organize containers with items you’ll need immediately on your arrival, like a change of clothes, prescriptions, medical equipment, and personal care in a suitcase. Bring a box of bedding and towels, and pet supplies (dishes and food). You should also label moving boxes according to priority so that the movers know which ones you want unloaded first. Anything of high value should be carefully packed. Bring smaller items, like jewelry, with you on your trip. Do not identify the contents of a box by its specific contents if you have valuables inside. Instead, mark the box with the room location and add an asterisk or number so you know what’s packed inside.

Confirm with the mover

Call the mover a week in advance of the scheduled moving date to confirm the schedule.