Moving an entire home full of stuff requires an enormous amount of work. Aside from packing, loading, and transporting, there’s also plenty of planning, phone calls, and coordination to worry about, which can leave you seriously frazzled and overwhelmed. Given the amount of labor involved in the average move, it should come as no surprise that many relocators inadvertently overlook some very important move-related details. But you don’t have to let that be your story.
Take a look below for the commonly overlooked move planning details you definitely don’t want to forget.
Comparing Several Moving Companies
If you’re planning to hire a professional moving company for some extra help with your relocation, you’re making a smart choice. But don’t just hire the first company you come across! It’s in your best interest to get moving estimates from at least three professional movers to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
It’s also a good idea to get several estimates to make sure you’re considering reputable companies that offer a wide variety of moving services you may need. Keep in mind that if you encounter any remarkably low-priced outliers when you get estimates, you should cross those companies off your consideration list. When it comes to hiring a moving company, you really do get what you pay for.
Creating a Moving Timeline and Checklist
Time management and organization are crucial for the overall success of any move, but plenty of relocators think they can approach the moving process with no real plan in place. That’s especially true for those who opt to take the DIY moving route, and lack of organization and structure is what ends up making DIY moving so remarkably stressful.
If you want to conduct a low-stress move, the best thing you can do is create a moving checklist with a week-by-week timeline to keep you on track. If you’re not sure what you need to include, check out our eight-week moving timeline for some helpful ideas.
Gathering Important Records and Documents
If you’re moving to a new city, collecting important records and documents that you cannot currently access electronically is super important. If you overlook this task, you’ll have to get records faxed or mailed when you need them, which can be hugely inconvenient and time consuming, depending on what you need your records for.
Before you move, make sure you gather the following records along with any other important documents you can think of:
● Health records from your family physician and any specialists you see
● Veterinarian records (if you have a pet)
● School records for your children (if applicable)
● Vehicle registration and insurance documents
● Copy of your homeowner’s insurance policy or lease
When move day approaches, make sure you find a safe place to keep these documents since you’ll need to travel with them on your person or in your vehicle. Most moving companies prefer not to handle your sensitive paperwork since there’s always a potential for damage or loss during a move.
Canceling or Transferring Utilities
In the chaos leading up to move day, it can be all too easy to overlook canceling your existing utility agreement and setting up a new one. And if you forget, you’ll arrive at a sweltering hot home or a freezing cold abode, depending on the time of year your move. About a week or two before you set off for your new destination, make sure you cancel or transfer the following services:
● Electricity
● Gas
● Water
● Internet
● Cable
● Security system contracts
● Lawn care
● Cleaning services
● Pest control
● Paper delivery
It’s a good idea to add the above items to your move checklist and timeline so you can check this off your list and not have to worry about forgetting amid the move craziness.
Updating Insurance Information
Before you move, make sure you transfer your homeowner’s insurance policy (if applicable), along with your vehicle insurance policy. You can choose the date on which you’d like the transfer to go into effect, so you’ll still be able to drive your vehicle to your destination safely.
Forwarding Snail Mail
Don’t forget to fill out a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service before you move! You can do this at any time since you’ll be able to specify a forwarding date of your choice. Even if you won’t be moving for a few more months, it’s a good idea to check this task off your list as early as possible just so you don’t accidentally forget.
Contact Ace Moving & Warehousing for a Minneapolis Moving Quote
Ready to start looking for a professional moving company for your upcoming relocation? Then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Ace Moving & Warehousing in Minneapolis. Since 1958, we’ve provided Twin Cities residents with local, interstate, and international moving services, and we’d love to help you plan and execute your relocation too!
To learn more or get a preliminary estimate, feel free to give us a call today at 763-755-2045 or request a quick quote online, and we’ll get back to your right away.