By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
As useful as cell phones were, the evolution of smartphones really has made the whole moving process a million times easier. Let's take a quick look at all the ways a "simple" smartphone can be used to make your move easier, less dangerous, and more enjoyable all in one tiny plastic case.
Thousands of people browse homes on their phones long before they ever start the moving process. And when you have a new place selected, you will likely use your phone to research professional moving companies, packing techniques, and buy supplies online. Your phone can also be used to locate charities and pick-up services to take care of your donations and trash you'll be leaving behind.
Next, you'll naturally want to look up your route. A smartphone with built-in GPS is the perfect dash nav if your car doesn't have one built in. All you need is a magnetic or clamping dashboard mount and a continuous supply of power to your phone. Running Google Maps or an equivalent app, you can easily direct yourself safely along known roads all the way from your old house to the new one with zero risk of getting lost.
Finding Stops Along the Way
Of course, the phone is useful for more than just a map and route. You can use modern apps to search for restaurants, hotels, and fun places to stop along the way. And the route updates if you go off-course or want to add a detour, which is unbelievably useful compared to paper maps or old-fashioned printed MapQuest directions.
While you are driving to the new location, so are your professional movers. And there are many situations where you may need to communicate updates one direction or another. If you are delayed along the way, you may need to alert your movers of that delay. Likewise, they may need to call you if there was a bump, rain, or delay on their route.
A smartphone allows you and the moving company to keep in touch and coordinate your arrivals even though both parties are independently out on the road.
Then, occasionally, there are roadside emergencies. If you get a flat tire, witness an accident, or get caught in a storm during your road trip; that smartphone is your lifeline. With a smartphone, you can call AAA, 911, or your mother depending on what kind of emergency occurs.
You can also quickly rent yourself a hotel room, arrange for a mechanic to pick up and repair your car, and get back on the road simply by walking to the nearest McDonalds and using the free WIFI. And that is perhaps the best thing of all about moving with the power of a smartphone.
But your experience isn't over when you arrive at your new home. Usually, the person moving arrives at the house before the moving truck arrives. So, you may find yourself with more than a few hours in an empty house with nothing to unpack and no one to visit. But that's okay, because you have a smartphone.
Modern streaming apps make it possible to entertain yourself for endless hours with nothing but a small to medium-sized phone. And if you brought a tablet or laptop with you on the move, all the better. With any mobile device, you can turn boring old Empty House Day into a day of relaxation and entertainment. Watching movies, playing games, or having a big-empty-floor dance party while you have the perfect opportunity.
And finally, there's the question of what you will eat on that first night. Whether you are in an echoing empty house or surrounded by packed boxes, chances are that you're not in the mood to cook. Before smartphones, you might have to drive around to see what's open. But today, you can quickly search for nearby restaurants that deliver and have a delicious dinner arrive hot at your new front door in less than an hour.
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Moving may be stressful traditionally, but your next move doesn't have to be all that challenging. With preparation, a cool head, and a smartphone in hand you can take on the world.
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