15 Pre-Moving Day Tips

Jun 23, 2022 | Good to Know, Moving

The process of moving from one home to another is lengthy and complex. Packing, unpacking, getting everything shut off, having it all turned back on — it’s a major production, and you’re the director. Planning, preparation, and proactivity are essential, so we’ve put together 15 tips to help you plan and prepare accordingly to ensure your moving day goes off without a hitch.

1. Keep a Checklist

When you’re moving, there are a lot of details to keep straight. And when you have a million things to remember, you’re bound to forget a couple. Don’t even risk it. Set yourself up for maximum success and minimal frustration by keeping a moving notebook within arm’s reach at all times. Whenever you think of something that needs to be done, write it down immediately. Review and rewrite the list at the end of every day to keep it current. The confidence and peace of mind that comes from knowing you haven’t forgotten anything is priceless.

2. Declutter Your Stuff

Moving is a perfect time to start fresh and sell, donate, or throw away the stuff you don’t need. Start early, as in before you start packing. That way, you’ll pack less, move less, and unpack less.

3. Update Your Mailing Address

Log in to each of your accounts and update your mailing and billing address. Your bank, finance companies, cell phone, subscriptions, auto-ship orders — all of it. And if you have any unused subscriptions, now is the perfect time to cancel them. Update your address with government offices like the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the voter’s registration office, and the Social Security Administration. Finally, fill out a change-of-address form with the post office to ensure any other mail is correctly redirected to your new address.

4. Schedule Service Disconnection and Reconnection

Contact your water, electricity, TV, internet, and other utility providers and ask if they offer service at your new address. If they do, arrange to have your service moved. If they don’t, you’ll need to schedule a disconnection and then find a new service provider for your new address. Do this at least a month in advance to expedite your final billing cycle and the return of any deposits.

5. Round-Up Your Moving Supplies

Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, paper — packing is like any other job in that it requires the right tools to be done right. The moving supply company in your area can provide everything you need. You can also save money by posting on social media and asking if anyone has moving boxes they no longer need. Retail stores may also have gently used shipping boxes that are otherwise destined to be recycled.

6. Use Old Textiles to Wrap Breakables

Moving supplies can be expensive, so take advantage of any opportunity to save a few dollars. One way to safely pack glass, dishes, and other breakables is by wrapping them in towels, clothing, and sheets. Large blankets are perfect for wrapping flat TVs. We’re not suggesting you use a tuxedo to secure a vase, but everyday t-shirts, beach towels, and gym clothes will secure fragile items just as well as bubble wrap, except they’re free and won’t end up in a landfill later on.

7. Start Packing Early

Ask any experienced mover, and they’ll tell you to start packing sooner rather than later. Getting every item in your home into boxes can be deceptively time-consuming – even in small, clutter-free homes. Give yourself at least a few weeks. Begin in the closets, cupboards, and crawl spaces and work your way out.

8. Use Vacuum Storage Bags

Pillows, blankets, and clothes have a fluff factor that takes up more space than necessary. One way to pack them tightly — and protect them from dirt, dust, and moisture — is to use vacuum storage bags. They’re readily available on everyone’s prime choice for online shopping and can significantly reduce your box count. You can also use them for spare bedding storage at your new home to save on closet space.

9. Pack Each Room Separately

After you’ve decluttered and gathered your moving materials, it’s time to start packing. One must-follow piece of advice is to pack each room in its own boxes. Don’t mix items from the kitchen with stuff from the bathroom. You’ll save yourself time and frustration later by doing this. Clearly label each box with its corresponding room and note its contents. If you don’t want to display a contents list on the box itself, keep an inventory in your notes to ensure smooth unpacking.

10. Enlist Help

If you’re able to move all your stuff by yourself, more power to you. But if you need the help of family, friends, or even a professional moving company, then line it all up ahead of time. Get commitments from anyone who is participating. If you’re hiring movers, check their reviews and verify licensing, bonding, and insurance at least six to eight weeks ahead of time to get on the schedule and put a plan in place. And if you have items that require special transport, like a grand piano, pinball machine, or art collection, verify the moving company’s ability to transport it ahead of time.

11. Finish the Food You Have

As you get closer to moving day, aim to eat all the perishable food from your refrigerator to avoid wasting food or risking spoilage during transport.

12. Prepare Your New Home

It’s stressful when your belongings are packed up in boxes and unavailable to you, so keep that time to a minimum by preparing your new home. Do you want to perform a deep clean? Do you intend to paint walls or replace flooring? Schedule that work ahead of time so you’re not trying to move in and unpack in an unfinished space.

13. Be Ready to Say Goodbye to the Old

Moving out typically requires cleaning and even a few repairs. If you’re responsible for either task, plan accordingly. Don’t pack the vacuum and cleaning supplies if you need to use them before locking up. And if anything needs fixing — whether you plan to hire someone or do it yourself — schedule it to happen so that your final inspection is routine, uneventful, and inexpensive.

14. Keep a Bag of Essentials At the Ready

As you get closer to moving day, aim to eat all the perishable food from your refrigerator to avoid wasting food or risking spoilage during transport.

15. Account for Pets and Kids

Kids, pets, and moving day don’t always make for a winning combination. If you have little ones who would rather spend day with a friend, family, or doggie day camp (the pets, that is, not your kids!), make those arrangements in advance to lessen moving day stress.

Energy Texas Moves With You

If you’re an Energy Texas customer, moving doesn’t have to mean goodbye! Give us a call about a month before your move date and we’ll help you transfer service to your new address. And if you’re leaving an old provider and want to start fresh with the best in Texas, we can help with that, too! Call us today and let’s talk about serving your new home with clean, renewable energy from Energy Texas.

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