Real Estate Prep - Part 6/6: What To Do Before the Big Move…
Moving Doesn’t Have to Suck
You’re starting fresh with a new space—it’s an opportunity to reset how you want to exist in your home. Of course, before you get to that part, you have to deal with the transition and everything that comes along with it. Here are some lesser-thought-of tips to consider as you begin to close one chapter and open another.
Start Packing Early
As soon as you know you’re moving, start the process. If time allows, block out a reasonable amount of time (2-3 hours) each day to work on packing. Few people work well (and stress-free) under a time crunch, especially if you’re juggling a family and career in between.
2. Declutter Before Packing
It’s not a blog post on here if we don’t mention DECLUTTERING (click to read why it’s so damn important). But seriously, take the time to declutter and donate, sell, or throw away items you no longer need. Yes, it’s more work upfront, but you’ll end up moving fewer items, which means lower moving costs (fewer boxes, packing materials, mover time) and easier unpacking for future you.
3. Moving Supplies
Did you know HomeDepot.com has a Moving Calculator? It gives you a good estimate of how many boxes and packing materials you may need, but then be sure to check Facebook Marketplace for any secondhand moving boxes. If possible, aim for mostly small and medium-sized boxes—they’re rarely too heavy even when overloaded, and having a mostly uniform size will make loading the moving truck much easier. Consider reducing your need for bubble wrap and packing paper by using towels and other linens to pad boxes.
Other packing supplies you’re gonna want:
A dolly for loading/unloading 4-5 boxes at a time
Stretch wrap for furniture and frames
Color sticky dots for corresponding rooms
Lots of markers
Specialty boxes for TVs and large artwork
Mattress protector bags
4. Pack an Essentials, Important, & Valuables Box
Three boxes that you’ll want to label with a different color sticky or type of box. These are boxes that you should transport yourself to ensure their whereabouts and safety, so label them “DO NOT MOVE.”
a) Prepare an essentials box for the first night in your new home. Include items like toiletries (toilet paper!), medications, chargers, a change of clothes, basic tools, snacks, bed linens, and towels.
b) Pack important documents such as birth certificates, passports, house deeds, insurance policies, and other crucial files in a separate, clearly labeled box or file organizer.
c) Pack valuables like jewelry, small family heirlooms, or other irreplaceable items separately.
5. Take Pictures
Take photos of how your electronics are connected so you can remember how to reconnect them at your new place. Definitely take photos of any complex furniture assembly before disassembling. If you have stylized shelves or bookcases, snap a pic of the decor layout so you can easily recreate it.
Before you walk out the door for the last time…
Dont forget to:
Forward your mail.
Delete your old address from Uber Eats, Door Dash, Amazon, and any vendor that you order from frequently (A friend learned this lesson when she ordered $100 worth of Indian food to their old address 🤭).
Schedule the cancellation of cable, internet, utilities, and any other service provider for your previous home.
Arrange for childcare on the day of your move.
Lastly, leave a set of notes for the new owners of your home.
These can include practical information about the house and its maintenance, as well as any nuances that might not be immediately apparent.
Things to include are:
Appliance manuals & warranties
House maintenance schedule (when to clean the gutters, check the roof, replace the filters)
Trusted service providers such as plumbers, electricians, landscapers, etc.
Neighborhood insights (best cafes, parks, community groups, and local events nearby)
Specifics about the home (any quirks about the house that the owner should know)
Info on renovation/repairs (who completed the work, paint color names & codes)
Instructions for systems (security, sprinklers, thermostats, smart home devices, pool & hot tub)
Seasonal advice (winterization, which plants need special care/pruning, etc.)
Leaving a detailed list of notes with the above topics is just a really nice gesture and makes the transition for the new owners much smoother. It also passes on your care and respect for the property that was once your home.
And that’s it! Remember, the stress and chaos of managing a move is short-term. Keep your perspective wide and focus on all the ways your next home can contribute to living your ideal life.
Centered Space helps realtors & sellers with positioning a home to show its very best and appeal to the greatest pool of buyers.
Check out our staging and decluttering services for more details.🌵🏠
