Before You Move
One of the worst mistakes you can make is waiting until the last minute to prep for your move. Planning ahead of time will prevent a lot of headaches come moving day. Here are a few tips to get you started on the right foot.
Organize and declutter
Take inventory of every room in your house and make a list of the clutter and items that you're willing to get rid of. The more you part with now, the less you'll have to load onto the moving truck!
Lighten the load
Instead of throwing out the belongings you no longer need, consider donating your unwanted items to a local charity (you'll get a nice tax write-off!) or hosting a garage sale for some extra cash.
Change your address
Now is the time to alert the post office of your address change. You should also notify any other important contacts—such as your loved ones, doctors, and banks—of your new address.
Handy Packing Tips
- Reinforce: Use heavy-duty boxes to store your items. Don't forget to add some bubble wrap to protect anything fragile!
- Innovate: Pack dishes, bowls, plates, and other glassware vertically to save space. You can also use plastic wrap to prevent scratches on furniture or use clean socks as padding.
- Pack small: Heavier items should go in smaller boxes, which makes them easier to carry.
- Prevent leaks: If you're transporting any liquids, ensure that all tops are sealed and no packaging is susceptible to leaks. You can do this by covering the openings of bottles and containers with plastic wrap before screwing the tops back on.
- Prepare: Create an "Open Me First" box that's packed with all the essentials you'll need from the moment you move in. You'll want to include tools, toilet paper, snacks, plastic plates and cutlery, box cutters, and cleaning supplies.
- Label: Label each box with its contents for easy unpacking. If you want to take your organization to the next level, you can even color-code everything!
On Moving Day
The big day is finally here! Take a look at these last minute tips to keep yourself sane as you move in.
Keep important information
Certain things—like passports, sensitive documents, and medications—should never go on the moving truck. Keep your most important belongings with you at all times to avoid losing them during the move!
Take an overnight bag
If you make it to your new home before your moving truck (or if you plan on staying overnight at a hotel), be sure to pack an overnight bag with all of your essentials. You may want to include toiletries, a change of clothes, and your phone charger.
Save phone numbers
Save the number of your moving company into your contacts in case of an emergency. You should also keep any documents related to your move with you in case you need them.
After You Move
Now that you've reached the finish line, it's finally time to start unpacking. All that hard work you did ahead of time is about to pay off!
Clean first
It's much easier to clean your home when there's no furniture or clutter in the way. Before you start unpacking your boxes, spend some time cleaning every nook and cranny. If you're feeling too worn out, you can also splurge on professional cleaners.
Unpack by room
Sort all labeled boxes into the correct room to make unpacking a breeze. Instead of tackling everything at once, start with essential spaces—such as your kitchen and bathrooms—and work one room at a time.
Finally...relax!
Now that you've finally moved into your new home, don't forget to take some time for yourself and explore your new surroundings. You've definitely earned it!
Simplify Your Move with Amore
Ready to make a stress-free move to San Francisco? When you work with Amore Real Estate, we'll handle every detail for you—so don't hesitate to reach out to us for advice.
Selling your Bay Area home? We can certainly help with that, too!
