Moving houses can be one of the most stressful things you do in life – but with the right preparation and planning, you can guarantee yourself a smooth move.

4 Weeks before the move

• The less stuff you have, the quicker, cheaper and easier the move will be.
• Ask yourself, have I used this within the last year? If not, donate items to charity shops, sell them through various online apps or have a garage sale.
• Confirm your moving date
• If possible, opt for a midweek move and avoid Holidays (you wont be charged more for a van hire)
• If renting, notify your landlord
• Decide on a plan of action
  • If using moving firms, start obtaining quotes
  • If going DIY, look at hiring van prices and start asking your friends
  • Make sure your content insurance covers transit
  • Notify relevant companies of your move – Banks, Utilities, Internet, Phone, Bills
• Start collecting Boxes and Newspaper
• Start clearing out sheds and the exterior of the home
• Start packing nonessential items – books, non seasonal clothing etc

Two Weeks before The Move

• Return any borrowed items back to friends & neighbors
• Arrange for post to be forwarded. USPS allows you to do this online for a small fee
• If needed, arrange for a babysitter or pet sitter for moving day
• Research nearby takeaways to plan ‘first nights in’ meal
• Start eating the food in your freezer (and refrain from buying more)
• Start to pack items in the least used room first
• Use the biggest box for the lightest items (this will help boxes from becoming too heavy)
• Label boxes by room and number them (have a list of the contents on a separate sheet to prevent theft)

Four Days before The Move

• Work out the best route for your move
  • Are there any low bridges or weight-restricted areas?
  • Are there any planned road works?
• Empty & defrost Fridge and Freezer
• Pack a ‘first nights in box’
  • Include a change of clothes, toilet rolls, cash, important phone numbers, toothbrush, blanket, sleeping clothes and a flashlight
• Pack away your Kitchen
  • Pack your dishes in towels, not newspaper
  • Make sure any liquids have secure lids
• Remind your neighbors that you are moving
  • They can keep clear any areas the van might need
• Finalize packing
  • Keep valuable documents separate and safe

One Day before The Move

• Make sure you have keys to your new house
• Pack and label a refreshments box
• Make sure your cell phones are fully charged – you will need this

MOVING DAY – Loading

• Make sure everything is 100% ready before your first helper arrives
• Have music playing during the move – make it fun
• Leave your contact details for the new occupants if needed
• Take photos of the water, electrical, and gas meter of your old home
• Assign your friend who is best at Tetris to pack the van
• Pack your refreshments box and first nights in box last on the van or drive it there with your personal car

MOVING DAY – UN-Loading

• Take photos of the water, electrical, and gas meter of your new home
• Unpack the refreshments box – moving house is thirsty and hungry work!
• Introduce yourself to your new neighbors
• Prioritize setting up your bed so you can jump in later
• Arrange for take out delivery for you and your probably exhausted friends

Start packing early. Have a strong moving day plan and have plenty of help on the day of. You might just end up enjoying the experience!

JUDY HA
Blackrock Investments and Finance, Inc.
direct (951) 963-4023 | cell (626) 731-4485 |fax (626) 529-0850
email  judyha19@gmail.com | web  www.realtorjudyha.com
CA DRE: 01884583