Did you know that 92% of homes got sold in the U.S. in 2021? When you’re buying a house and preparing to move, there is an abundance of things that need completion before moving in.
It can be a stressful time completing all of the tasks prior to moving and there may be some aspects of the moving process that you haven’t even thought of yet.
You must complete a number of tasks to ensure that everything is set up and ready for you to move in.
Read on to find our top tips for getting organized before moving houses.
Table of Contents
1. Hire a Reliable Moving Company
If you are planning on moving houses, one of the most important things you can do is to hire a reliable moving company. There are a few things you should keep in mind when finding movers, such as:
Getting Multiple Quotes
Doing this allows you to compare rates and services between different companies. It also gives you a chance to ask questions and get to know the company a little bit better.
Asking for Referrals
Referrals can give you a sense of the company’s customer service and how they handle any problems that may arise. It can narrow down your choices when it comes to selecting a reliable moving company to make the best decision for your needs.
Reading Online Reviews
This can help you to avoid any potential problems that others may have. Reading online reviews can also help you to compare different companies and find one that is affordable and offers the services that you need.
Choosing a Licensed and Insured
You can rest assured that you’re working with a professional and reputable company by doing this. The company will have the proper insurance in place to protect you in the event of damages or injuries, so you won’t have to worry about liability.
2. Make a List of Things to Pack
Doing this helps you to stay organized and prevents you from forgetting anything important. When you make a list, you can prioritize what needs packing first and what can be packed last.
This is especially important if you have a limited amount of time. You can also avoid packing things that you don’t need which will help you to stay organized during the entire moving process.
The most important items on your list should be your clothes, bedding, and towels. You should also pack your kitchen items, such as dishes, silverware, pots, and pans.
Don’t forget to pack your essential toiletries, such as toothpaste, shampoo, and soap. Finally, make sure you pack your important documents, such as your driver’s license and passport.
3. Notify Your Current Utility Companies
Before you move houses, you should notify your current utility companies of your impending move. It is generally recommended that you notify your utility companies at least two weeks in advance of your move date.
Additionally, be sure to cancel any services you won’t be needing at your new address, such as lawn care or pool cleaning.
Here are the things that you need to notify your utility companies about:
Notify Electricity Providers
It can ensure that your account is closed and you are not charged for any electricity used after you have moved out. They may also be able to provide you with a final bill so that you can budget for your new home.
Notify Gas Providers
This is because they need to finalize your partnership with them and they need to know your new address. They will also be able to tell you if there is any gas left in the property so that you can either use it or have it disconnected.
Notify Water Providers
Ensure that your water service is properly disconnected at your old home and transferred to your new home. If you fail to notify them, it may result in you being responsible for any water charges incurred at your old house after you have moved out.
Notify Sewer Services
They will need to update their records and may need to arrange for someone to come and disconnect your services at your old house. Failure to do this could result in you having to pay for someone else to do it.
4. Change of Address With the Post Office
This helps to avoid conflicts with the post office in the future. Going to the post office and filling out a change of address form is the first step. The form can be found online or at your local post office.
Be sure to include your new address and the date you would like your mail to be forwarded. After this, notify your friends and family of your new address.
You can do this by sending out a change of address card or by updating your address book. Also, be sure to update your bank and other important organizations of your new address for they can affect your postal flow.
This way you will continue to receive important mail and statements in your new home without any interruption.
5. Update Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration
This ensures that you are legally allowed to drive in your new state or province. It helps you update your new address with the authorities, which is important for things like insurance purposes.
It just makes good organizational sense to update all of your important documents and records when you move to a new home. Remember, taking care of these things ahead of time will save you a lot of hassle and stress down the road.
Helpful Guide Before Moving Houses
In conclusion, this is a time-consuming but necessary process that will save you a lot of headaches in the long run. Enlisted some of the most important things to do before moving houses.
These may seem like common sense, but you would be surprised how many people overlook them in the excitement of a move. Give yourself and your family plenty of time to get everything done, and you’ll be able to enjoy your new home that much more.
Did you find this article helpful? Please check out our website for more awesome content like this.