Planning a home move at any time of the year is stressful, and it’s no different in the summertime! You may love the idea of settling into your new home while the kids are on holiday and the weather is pleasant. But you need to factor in that summer is also the peak season for moving homes.
Preparing well in advance prevents potential disasters that could derail your home-moving experience when you least need it to happen! Knowing to plan a smooth move to your new home this summer will take the angst out of an otherwise challenging life event.
Your relocation plan should be solid so you can avoid the mad rush that comes with moving homes during the summer months. Read on for some great planning tips so you can enjoy a relatively stress-free move on the day!
Tips to Help You Plan a Smooth Move to Your New Home
Tip 1: Start Planning Sooner Than Later
Leaving your home move to the last minute is a recipe for disaster, especially if you’re moving during the peak season! As soon as you know when you can shift to your new residence, you need to put a plan in place, even if it’s several months in advance.
Making a to-do list is the best way to formulate a solid relocation plan and should include tasks such as:
- Decluttering: Get rid of anything that hasn’t been used in the past five years or won’t fit your new home.
- Documentation filing: Setting up a digital folder will help you keep all necessary documentation related to your move in one place. This includes contracts, payments, and services. Hard copies can be kept in a file.
- Pet transportation: Decide how you’re going to handle your pets during the move and book pet transportation if necessary.
- Packing: Pack items that you won’t need in the months before the move and store them out of the way in a spare room or the garage.
If you’re moving as a family, don’t forget the kids. Allocate simple tasks to them, such as packing their toys, and decide if you need someone to take care of them on the day of the move.
Tip 2: Book Your Movers Early
If you’re hiring a moving company, book them as soon as you know when you’re shifting to your new property. This way, you can get a trustworthy moving service that you can rely on to do the job properly. Ask friends and family to recommend movers or check out Colonial Van Lines reviews for a professional and reputable long-distance moving company.
It helps to work with a company that uses up-to-date technology, and Colonial Van Lines does exactly that when it comes to pricing your home move costs. The company will take into consideration all factors, including the fact that you’re moving in the summer month!
Tip 3: List Heat-Sensitive Items for Careful Packing
The day of the move can be extremely hot, and heat-sensitive items can get easily damaged, especially during long-distance moves on the road. Making a list of heat-sensitive belongings before packing day ensures they’re packed separately and properly in the moving truck or your vehicle.
Heat-sensitive items could include:
- Electronic items
- Candles
- DVDs and CDs
- Food
- Plants
- Medication
- Beauty-care products
The same principle should apply to fragile items, and if you’re packing yourself, make sure you safeguard against breakage using the right supplies. Otherwise, let the moving company’s packers handle all the packing, as they’re equipped to do the job properly! A quick tip! Keep essentials with you so you can access them as soon as you arrive at your new home.
Tip 4: Be Prepared for a Hot Moving Day
Moving is heavy and tiring work, even if you’ve got professional movers handling most of the relocation tasks. However, you’ll still be involved, one way or another, on the day, and staying safe in the summer heat is essential.
Be prepared by doing the following:
- Having plenty of ice-cold drinking water on hand
- Wearing light, cool, and comfortable clothing
- Applying sunscreen and wearing a hat when loading and unloading household goods
It’s vitally important to stay hydrated as it helps to prevent heat-related conditions such as headaches, fainting, or muscle cramps from happening during the big move.
Final Thoughts
Colonial Van Lines can handle most of the moving stress for you and include services such as packing and unpacking, storage, and a checklist for planning your home move. They recommend you book them three months before your relocation for a smooth and professional move. Sounds good, so make sure to consider them in your relocation plan!
