The Top 5 Things People Forget to do When Moving

1) Secure care for children and pets

Sometimes homeowners can become so consumed with the planning process that they forget to think about their small children or pets. Large moving company trucks, cutting tools, heavy equipment, and strangers in the house can be stressful for small children and pets and can put them at increased risk for injury. Make sure you reach out to a trusted friend or family member in advance of your move to provide safe care for your children and pets.

2) Secure parking for moving vehicles

Securing plenty of parking for professional mover's trucks is essential for maximizing efficiency and minimizing labor during your move. If you live in a highly congested area or share a driveway with others, it is especially important to stake out parking spots for moving trucks. Make sure you secure convenient parking at your old home and your new one.

3) Label boxes

Few things are more frustrating than staring at dozens of boxes and crates and having no idea where your computer, alarm clock, and essentials are packed. Even worse, some homeowners may carelessly grab a box that they think is filled with towels, only to make the painful discovery that the box contains their fragile antique clock. You can avoid these pitfalls by stocking up on sharpies and screening every box to make sure it is clearly labeled before loading it on a truck.

4) Notify key people about their relocation

It is your responsibility as a property owner to contact your bank, credit card companies, insurance company, and other key contacts to notify them of your upcoming move. In order to be thorough, it is a good idea to use all three modes of communication below to notify your contacts:

• Email: Send a message with your new address and moving date 30 days before you relocate. Resend the message after you have moved in.
• Telephone: Make a list of your key contacts and call them. Make sure you talk to an actual person as opposed to leaving a message.
• Online Updates: Set aside a couple of hours to update all your online account profiles with your new address.

You can also send your key contacts a postcard announcing your relocation. This is a good idea if you have contacts who are not regularly online.

5) Invest in sturdy packing materials

Old blankets, towels, bubble wrap, and sturdy boxes play a critical role in the moving process. Old blankets and towels can be used to place over furniture and appliances to protect them from damage when they shift inside a moving vehicle during transit. And bubble wrap can work wonders to protect your smaller valuables before placing them in boxes prior to the move. If you are short on boxes, check local liquor stores, groceries, and book stores. Some local moving companies will provide used boxes, as well.

What is the key to a smooth, successful move?

The single best way to avoid the pitfalls outlined above is to seek the services of a trusted moving company. A trained team of professional movers will eliminate many of the hassles outlined above so that you can focus on adjusting to your new home. Discover the many benefits of hiring professional movers by contacting A-1 Freeman today!