There’s no doubt, moving everything you own and everyone you love from one home to another is a BIG deal. There are a lot of things to remember, a lot of efforts to coordinate, and a lot of emotion when you move. But if your moving adventure is well-planned and well-organized from the start, you’ll be able to fully enjoy one of the most special experiences of your lifetime. Experience the joy of moving day with these tips for a stress-free move.
1. Sort, purge, sell
Before packing begins, sort all items, including toys, clothes, and furniture. Determine what needs to be tossed, donated, or packed up to make the move to your new home. Hold a garage sale before the big move, especially if a long-distance move makes transporting large items difficult. It’s also great way to get rid of unneeded items and make some extra money!
2. Get organized
Bundle all moving and packing essentials together, including a folder with important papers, phone numbers, and confirmations. This is also a great place to keep a copy of Lennar’s Moving checklist. Save time and headaches by grouping tape, labels, scissors, markers and other packing necessities in one location.
Well in advance of your expected moving date, visit websites of moving companies you are considering and sign up for email updates. Get notified of special incentives, pricing and packing tips, plus learn more about companies to know which is right for you. {Learn more: Choosing an interstate moving company}
Organize all documents for your mortgage and closing day in a safe and easy-to-access location. Keep your New Home Consultant’s contact information on hand for any last minute questions, concerns or scheduling conflicts.
3. Keep children and pets comfortable and safe
Assign a special box for the kids with their most important items. Fill with their favorite toys, games, snacks, medicine, a blanket, and change of clothes. Moving can be an overwhelming and uncertain time for children, especially the first move. Having easy access to familiar and favorite items will make them feel more comfortable.
When moving to a new area, a pet can get disoriented and lost if they become separated from the family. Make sure they can easily return home by updating tags and microchips with your new address. This is also a great time to organize vet records and store medicine, food, and treats together in a clearly labeled box.
4. Arrange for services
Take advantage of myLennar to contact service providers in your community to arrange set up of utilities, phone, Internet, and TV. Before your move, submit a change of address to have mail forwarded to your new home. Having all services connected before or soon after moving day will make you feel right at home. {Learn more: Set up services}
5. Pack a survival box
Unfortunately, accidents do happen, and at the most unexpected times. Make your first aid kit the last thing to pack and the first thing to unpack so you don’t find yourself rummaging through boxes to locate a much needed bandage or antibiotic ointment.
It’s also helpful to pack a “survival” box with all the necessities you’ll need right away at your new home, including:
- Medicine
- Phone and tablet chargers
- Pet food
- Toiletries
- Cleaning supplies
- Toilet paper
- Rags
- Basic tool kit
Now you’re home! Once the big move is over, settle in and start planning that house warming party, meeting the neighbors and finding your new favorite take-out place.
For more tips, visit Lennar’s Resource Center!
