Is a move in your future next year? Whether you’re just starting to think about moving or have a 2023 move date already set, now is the time to get started.
There are many things to do when you move into a new home. If you can stagger them over several months, it’s less stressful than squishing them into a short time frame.
If you have time before your next move, here are a few things you can start doing right now to prepare:
Make a to-do List
Firstly, make a list of everything you need to do. We’ve got a standard moving checklist that we find is a good starting point, but likely you’ll need to add a few other items that are unique to your move.
Here are some items to add to your list:
- Moving services (cancelling services like internet and hydro in your current home and port them to your new home)
- Pack out-of-season items (if you’re moving in summer, begin packing winter decor and clothes now)
- Plan garage sale(s)
- Research movers, packers, cleaners, and moving concierge services (so you know whom you want to hire when you’re ready)
- Begin collecting and buying boxes (avoid using grocery store boxes as they’re usually dirty and not as sturdy as moving boxes)
- Measure the furniture you want to keep to see if it fits your new home.
Once you’ve decided on your new home, you can add new items to your list:
- Research the local area
- Book your movers, packers, cleaners, and other moving help
- Get (or take) measurements of your new space
- Call services and give them your new connection date for reconnection of the internet, phone, TV, hydro, gas, or other services.
- Change your address with Canada Post and other subscriptions
Declutter
Whether you know your move date or not, there is no harm in starting decluttering now. To declutter, start with visible stuff. What will you keep but can pack now, sell, repurpose, or recycle? You could also gift items to relatives or friends.
If you have more time before your move, consider decluttering one room at a time. Start with the visible clutter, then move and begin sorting through items in cupboards, cabinets, drawers, and closets.
Garage Sale
Garage sales can be a great way to get rid of a lot of stuff quickly and make a little extra cash. You can also sell more valuable items in online auctions. These are better for higher quality items, rather than trinkets which are better left for garage sales or Thrift Store donations.
As soon as you fill several boxes of things to sell, consider holding a garage sale shortly after. Anything not sold during the sale can then be donated or recycled.
Research
You can start researching even if you’re not ready to begin packing and organizing. Look into service providers (like movers and cleaners) you may need so you can shortlist your favourites when you’re ready.
Now is the perfect time to talk with a moving concierge company. They can recommend movers and other services and help you get quotes to compare in advance. They can also give you a checklist to help you get started.
Your Moving Concierge can help you prepare for your move, whether it’s next week, next month, or next year. There is always something you can do now to get started, and we can help.
Give us a call, and we can help you coordinate and organize your move to make it as stress-free as possible.