Reduce Stress in Moving: Here’s How:
Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet stressful process. There are many logistical aspects to consider, from packing belongings to transporting them to unpacking once you arrive at your new place. Fortunately, there are numerous home services available that can help simplify the moving process and alleviate some of the stress. This article will explore several popular moving services and how they can assist with various aspects of the relocation.
Packing Services
One of the most daunting parts of moving is packing up all of your belongings so they can be safely transported. Packing improperly can result in damaged items. Hiring professional packers can ensure your possessions are well-protected for the move. Moving companies offer both full-service and self-service packing options.
With a full-service pack, the packers will come to your home on pack day with all the necessary supplies. They will carefully wrap, cushion, and box up your belongings according to what type of items they are (fragile, clothing, books, etc). This is ideal for those who want to avoid packing themselves or have a large number of items to wrap. Expect additional per-box/item fees on top of the moving estimate for full-service packing.
Self-service packing gives you the boxes and packing supplies to do it yourself, with the movers providing labour on loading/unloading day. This option costs less but requires more effort on your part. Movers can provide tips on proper packing techniques if needed. Be sure to leave enough time for self-packing.
Cleaning Services
Thoroughly cleaning your current home before the move saves you the hassle of cleaning afterwards and makes showings or the new owner’s move-in much easier. Specialised move-out cleaning services can scrub floors, dust surfaces, sanitise bathrooms and kitchens, and clean appliances, windows, and other areas.
These professionals have strong cleaning products and equipment to cut through dirt, grease, odours and mess quickly. They’ll tidy nooks and crannies too. Opt for carpet cleaning added to deep clean carpets and upholstery of odours and ground-in grime. Move-out cleaning helps you prep the home efficiently for its next phase while avoiding rushed, subpar cleaning right before moving day.
Furniture Assembly
Assembling furniture, especially large or complex items, can monopolise your time on moving weekends. But furniture assembly services assure new pieces are constructed expertly so you can settle in faster.
Professional assemblers arrive with tools, fasteners, and directions to swiftly build furniture without hassles. They handle mattress unwrapping and placement too. Assembly services work efficiently whether you need help with a few intricate items or fully outfitting multiple rooms.
Storage Solutions
If your new home won’t be ready right away or you need temporary space for possessions, storage units provide a convenient solution. Self-storage facilities offer secure, climate-controlled rooms, lockers or outdoor spaces to shelter your things until you need them.
Mini-storage units in various sizes suit different storage volume needs. Look for facilities near your current and future residences for simplicity. Adjustable rental periods allow flexibility to store items for just a month or long-term if desired. Storage gives you time to settle without rushing into decisions about your belongings.
Utility Management
Transferring or starting new utility accounts for services like gas, electric, water, garbage, and internet/cable can be an administrative headache. Utility management services handle all the details for you.
Professional utility transfer specialists contact all relevant service providers to initiate or close accounts properly per your move dates. This includes obtaining final bill readings, cancelling autopays and submitting required notices. For incoming utilities at the new home, the company may set up temporary or permanent accounts, choose rate plans, and install necessary equipment like cable boxes.
Insurance Agent Consultation
Working with a licensed insurance agent can provide valuable guidance related to homeowner’s insurance when relocating. An important consultation discusses coverage needs, policy terms and rates for your new location.
Some topics to address include obtaining quotes, discontinuing, or transferring existing policies, getting estimates on replacement home value and contents coverage amounts, reviewing new address and resident details, updating insured property descriptions, and clarifying dates of new coverage.
An agent helps you understand insurance requirements in the destination area, evaluate risks unique to the new property, and choose suitable protection for your home and belongings. Their expertise helps ensure continued coverage with no lapses during the move. An initial meeting avoids costly lapses, mistakes, or uninsured losses.
Technology Setup
Moving involves transferring technology set-ups from the old home network, Wi-Fi, security systems and smart devices to the new location. While a do-it-yourself setup is possible, technology integration services handle all installations professionally.
Qualified technicians do the legwork of porting over the internet, configuring routers and extending wireless signals throughout the new floor plan. They can transfer smart speaker setups, security cameras, thermostats, lighting controls and more. Professionals also help install additional equipment based on your lifestyle needs like video doorbells or extra network accessories.
Technology professionals easily navigate device registration, troubleshoot connection issues, and provide tips on home automation best practices tailored to your new space. Their tech-savvy work saves time spent learning new equipment and provides efficient continuity of your household systems.
Staging Assistance
Staging a home optimises its curb appeal and sells your current residence more quickly at the best possible price. Experienced stagers create comfortable, welcoming spaces conducive to a buyer falling in love with the property and visualising their life there.
Professional organisers reimagine rooms by thoughtfully editing furnishings and decor, freshening paint colours, updating lighting, and removing excess clutter. Stagers may also bring in accent pieces, artwork, or plants to enhance ambiance. They photograph rooms and advise on any repairs or maintenance items to maximise value.
Staging costs are recouped when the home sells faster as a result. Stagers prepare the home to pop favourably on the market. This sets you up for a smoother transition timeline and a quicker closing date aligned with your move schedule needs.
Organizational Products
Purchasing high-quality organisational products prevents items from getting lost, damaged or forgotten in transit. Professional movers and organisers offer items like custom-made moving boxes and wardrobe cartons specifically for relocations.
Moving boxes feature reinforced corners, handles and pre-printed content labels to help loaders identify contents without unpacking each box. Wardrobe cartons securely package hanging items for easy transport. Custom-cut foam protects sensitive items during transport.
Other useful organisational solutions include furniture protectors, linen bags to group bed sheets and towels together, dish packs to cushion plates and glasses, laptop bags, shoeboxes and more. Proper containers allow efficient packing and prevent items from shifting during the move. Products streamline the packing process.
Mover Recommendations
When it comes time to select a moving company, get referrals from trusted sources rather than relying strictly on online reviews which can be unreliable or biased. Ask for mover recommendations from anyone who has recently relocated such as friends, family members, real estate agents or local small businesses you frequent. Current homeowners moving out are also a great resource.
A referral provides first-hand insight about the quality, responsiveness and reliability of different movers. Discuss details like pricing accuracy, how previous jobs were handled, specialty services offered, timeliness of crews and customer service. Positive reviews increase confidence you’ll receive professional, careful handling of your possessions during the relocation process.
Additionally, check rankings, accreditations and certifications from BBB, state regulatory boards and industry associations like the American Moving and Storage Association. These validate a mover’s qualifications, performance ratings and complaint resolution history. Trusted sources help ensure selecting the right moving crew for your specific needs.
FAQs
FAQ 1: How much do packing services typically cost?
The cost of packing services can vary depending on the moving company and scope of services needed. In general, expect to pay between $1-3 per pound for full-service packing where movers pack all your belongings. For do-it-yourself packing with movers providing materials, labour for loading/unloading is usually billed at an hourly rate of $100-150. Packing supplies like boxes, tape and bubble wrap are an additional cost. Be sure to get quotes from 2-3 reputable local moving companies to compare full-service and self-pack rates. Packing services cost more upfront but can save money in the long run by preventing breakage that results in claims against your moving insurance.
FAQ 2: What types of items do cleaning services typically handle?
Professional move-out cleaning crews are equipped to tackle most routine cleaning tasks throughout the home. Common items and areas that are deep cleaned include windows, floors, walls, light fixtures, ceiling fans, cabinets, countertops, appliances, sinks, toilets, tubs/showers, garage floors and laundry areas. Specialised services also sanitise items like mattress and upholstery as needed. Deep carpet cleaning and staging touch-ups are additional offerings. Be sure to discuss any particularly dirty tasks or hazardous materials with cleaning companies beforehand to make sure they are within their scope of work. Proper preparation makes properties more appealing to potential buyers or the next occupants.
FAQ 3: What furniture typically requires assembly?
Some of the most common furniture items needing assembly upon delivery include beds, tables, desks, bookshelves, storage units, entertainment centres, and shelving units. Furniture ordered from stores like IKEA virtually always requires construction. Furniture sold fully assembled may still have minor installation such as attaching table or desk legs. For large sectionals, recliners and other upholstered products, assembly usually just consists of attaching legs and connecting seating cushions. Hardware-intensive or bulky items like bunk beds, storage platforms and murphy beds are best left to professionals due to complexity. Consult assembly service contractors for guidance on your specific furniture needs.
FAQ 4: How far in advance should I book cleaning and assembly services?
It’s generally recommended to book professional cleaning and furniture assembly services 4-6 weeks before your scheduled move-in date. This helps ensure companies have availability on your preferred dates and allows enough buffer time. Keep in mind that popular move seasons between May-August tend to get booked up furthest in advance. Companies providing multiple services may require even more lead time for scheduling coordination. As soon as you have an estimated move date finalised or new purchase deliveries locked in, contact a few providers to secure preferred time slots. Timely coordination makes projects go smoothly without last-minute rushing or replacements needed if original vendors are fully booked.
FAQ 5: What important documents should go into storage?
Valuable papers to consider placing in secure storage include birth certificates, marriage licences, passports, Social Security cards, tax returns, property deeds, stock and bond certificates, insurance policies, investment accounts records, warranties, diplomas and military records. Additionally, back up external hard drives and store laptops or desktop computers away from extreme temperature fluctuations that could degrade components. Protecting important documents reduces risk of identity theft, property disputes or replacement costs should originals become lost or damaged in transit. Off-site storage provides privacy and fireproof safes at access-controlled facilities.
FAQ 6: How do I transfer utility accounts?
To transfer utilities into your name, first find the transfer date on your realtor paperwork or lease agreement. Then contact all relevant utility companies 2-4 weeks in advance to give notice that you will be taking over service. Have the address, pilot number and account holder contact info ready. Some providers require a final metre reading or inspection from the previous customer as part of the transfer process. Provide your move-in/out dates, names and contact details so bills can be managed properly. Request a temporary or permanent account set up as needed. Confirm account and rate plan options available to select before transfer is completed to get services activated seamlessly on your move-in day. Keep any confirmation numbers for your records.
Conclusion
As this FAQ section addressed, hiring professional home services can help simplify and streamline many important aspects of moving to a new home. From packing and cleaning to furniture setup, storage coordination, utility transfers and more – outsourcing specialty tasks to experienced companies prevents stress and saves valuable time. While there is an additional upfront cost, the convenience and quality results are worth it. Preparing properly with services like these helps moves run smoothly so you can settle into your new place with less hassle. Taking advantage of home relocation solutions makes a big life change more enjoyable.