According to the US Census Bureau, 35.9 million people living in the United States moved to a different residence between the years 2012 and 2013. While moving can definitely be stressful, there are tips and resources to make your move a little easier. We’ve put a few tips together for you, and our VP of Corporate and Relocation Services weighed in as well.
- Get the necessities taken care of. Contact USPS and submit your change of address. Make sure all your utilities are set up–the last thing you need is to move into a place without electricity.
- Google, but don’t Google too much. It’s easy to get sucked into Pinterest moving hacks and while looking for advice is helpful, too much information can be overwhelming. Try instead to look for tips specific to your area–for example, if you’re moving to Rhode Island, look for Rhode Island moving tips! Looking up information specific to your new town–like this Rhode Island relocation guide–can help you get acquainted with the area. A quick Google Map search can also be useful for finding points of interest like the nearest grocery store or mall.
- Prioritize your items. Pack into boxes only what you need, and find a storage facility for the rest. Remember to keep a list of the items you’re packing, and label the boxes so you know what’s inside. Be especially careful to label and separate the boxes with fragile items!
- Lighten the load to lighten the bill. Elizabeth Messier, RPL’s VP of Corporate and Relocation Services, says to save money give away or have a yard sale for all of the items you don’t really want or need.
- Determine whether you’re going to use a moving company or DIY. Are you packing light or looking to save money? If you or your friends have an SUV that may be an alternative to renting a truck. However, if you have a lot to move, or just want the extra help, look for a mover in your area–just make sure to do your research and confirm with the movers before your scheduled date and time.
- Have your money ready. If you’re using movers, have the money (including tips) ready when they arrive. Also make sure to have money for emergency expenditures.
- Prepare for the possible overlap. Messier warns that the overlap period where you have to find temporary housing can be pricey. “Plan to stay with friends or family for that two week overlap while you are waiting for delivery of household goods or the certificate of occupancy on your new house,” she recommends.
- Defrost your freezer if you’re taking it. Allow your freezer at least 24 hours to defrost before you move, or else you’re going to be in for an unpleasant surprise.
- Get Fido a babysitter. If you have a pet, make sure they’re not underfoot when you’re moving. Make arrangements to drop your furry friend off at a friend or relative’s house.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Relocation specialists–like the ones at Residential Properties Ltd–can assist you from the beginning to the end. Messier explains: “[Relocation specialists] will assist with the selection of an agent to list the home, and will monitor the entire home sale process. We will obtain free moving estimates from our major household goods carriers, coordinate transportation of automobiles and even coordinate moving your pets.”
For more information, contact the RPL Relocation Department (401.553.6369) or check out our Four Week Countdown Moving Checklist!
