Moving: How to Remain Efficient During Your Move
Moving into a new house or apartment is an exhilarating time for most people. It presents an opportunity for a fresh start, all the while getting to live in a location of your choice. Having said that, moving homes can also be incredibly stressful for those who aren't organized.
For instance, if you're not organized during a move then some items may go missing, or costs can easily become higher than you initially anticipated. So how can you have a smooth move to avoid this potential stress?
Here at Energy Texas, we pride ourselves on sharing knowledge with our customers across various areas of life. One topic we know all too well is how to stay on top of things during a move. With this article, we're going to cover everything you need to know about how to remain efficient while moving.
Make A List, Check It Twice
As you're packing our belongings into various boxes, you'll want to also make a moving checklist. This checklist should include everything you need to move into your new home, such as the number of boxes you have, large pieces of furniture and even smaller items like a phone charger.
The best part is that there are many ways you can make this checklist. You can opt for a digital list online, use the Notes app on your phone, or even a spreadsheet. Or you can go old school and print out a list to tick off or write one up by hand. But it's important that you check your list more than once, as it can ensure that you've cataloged all of the boxes and items that you will need for your move.
While on the topic of making your list, you should also make a moving folder where you can keep a record of all the relevant paperwork pertaining to your new home. Ideally, you should keep a hard and soft copy of this folder, just in case your computer or phone runs out of battery during the move. Having this folder will help you keep all important documents in one place, allowing you to know and easily access information that can be of great value during the move.
Pack Smarter, Not Harder
When it comes to moving efficiently, packing smart is of the utmost importance. For starters, you should be packing certain belongings as far in advance as possible. A good place to start is packing seasonal items that you know you won't be needing anytime soon like your winter clothes if you're moving in the summer.
While preparing your belongings early on, you should also be researching and booking any moving services in advance as well. This ensures that you're not rushing at the last minute trying to find a mover to move your large furniture and other belongings at a high rate.
When it comes to packing itself, have a coherent system in mind that makes sense to you. Pack your belongings according to certain rooms and record this with labels or a color coordination system, or even both.
Where possible, wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or clothes, and pack these items carefully on top of heavier ones. Opt for clear plastic tubs for ease of knowing what's in the box. If you use cardboard boxes instead, clearly label the box according to your desired system.
Sort Out Your Utilities
Once your moving dates have been finalized, your next step is to get in touch with your utilities. Get on top of scheduling the cancellation date of your current utilities while also planning ahead with your new utilities for your next home.
This can help prevent you from paying for water, energy and internet that you aren't using at your old home, while also getting your new home ready to go for the big moving day. There's nothing worse than a hectic day of moving, only to show up to your new home without internet, power or water. By planning your utilities in advance, you'll have total peace of mind as you move into your new home.
Don't Forget Maintenance
In the final weeks leading up to the big move, it's a good idea to check around your home for anything that might require minor maintenance work. If you need to change any locks on the doors, then the pre-move period is the best time to do so.
You should also take the opportunity to check the ventilation system to see if it's working properly. If not, try to get a specialist to investigate the matter before you move in. It's a great opportunity to give the ventilation technician enough space to do their work, without risk of furniture damage.
Another thing to check for is the windows and walls for any gaps or cracks. Some of these issues can easily be fixed yourself, but if it's a serious gap or crack then it's best to contact the professionals to do that work for you.
While the home is furniture-free, it's a great time for you to give it a big clean before moving in. This allows you to thoroughly remove any lingering dust and grime that the previous owners might've left. It's also a good opportunity to identify anything that might need replacing or a repaint, such as a new shower curtain or a room that needs a new color.
Unpack Without Delay
It may be tempting to procrastinate and not unpack your belongings, but it's always a good idea to rip the band-aid off and just unpack your boxes. Work out what items you need first, as well as where they belong, and then go from there.
Start by unpacking the items that belong in your bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. You will be using these rooms regularly, so it's important to prioritize those everyday spaces first. If you're bringing any food from your old home into your new one, get your fridge up and running as soon as you can. That way you can put frozen food, such as meals, in immediately without risk of them defrosting.
Make the Most of Your New Space
While you're unpacking, take the time to stay organized. Give your items a clearly labeled home so you know where it belongs from the moment you put it away. Like with packing, you can implement a number of systems for organizing your belongings as you pop them away. Another great tip is to invest in good storage. Whether that's an array of glass mason jars for small items or large plastic tubs for bigger things, having plenty of good storage available can help keep your new home tidy and clutter-free.
You should also start getting creative with how you can make the space truly your own. Measure the space to ensure any new furniture that you want to buy will fit comfortably. You can also add some indoor plants and cozy accents to bring warmth into your new home.
Upgrade Your Home with Energy Texas
Whether you're moving into a new apartment or a Texan ranch house, you now have the tips and tricks to move into your new home efficiently and effectively. If you need support with your energy needs, whether it's switching providers or making sure your rates are affordable, then get in touch with us at Energy Texas.