We've all heard "move-in ready," but how about "move-out ready?"
The time to move is when you and the house are ready, so easy to say but not so easy to do. Moving out of a house can be overwhelming. Below are ten suggestions to help you prepare.
1. Create a Moving Timeline
- Start Early: Ideally, begin your preparations months in advance.
- Set Deadlines: Assign specific packing, cleaning, and final walk-through dates.
2. Declutter and Organize
- Sort Through Your Belongings: Go room by room to decide what to keep, donate, or throw away.
3. Use a Checklist: Tracking items you plan to sell or give away will help streamline the process.
4. Gather Moving Supplies
- Packing Boxes: Collect sturdy boxes in various sizes. - Packing Tape: enough to secure all your boxes.
- Bubble Wrap and Packing Paper: Protect fragile items during the move.
- Labels: Use these to categorize boxes by room or contents.
5. Pack Strategically
- Start with Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you don’t use daily, such as seasonal clothes or decor.
6- Label Boxes Clearly: This will make unpacking much easier in your new home.
Keep Important Items Accessible: Set aside essentials you’ll need until move day. In addition to labeling, number each with the total, e.g., #1 of 30. This will be an easy way to keep track. But you need a separate written list describing what is in Box #3 or #5.
7. Notify Important Parties
- Change of Address: Notify the post office, banks, and any subscription services of your new address.
- Utilities: Contact utility companies (electricity, gas, water, internet) to inform them of your move date and arrange for final readings and shutoffs.
8. Clean the House
- Deep Clean: Plan a thorough cleaning of each room after it has been emptied of boxes. Don’t forget to:
- Dust and wipe down surfaces.
- Clean carpets or floors.
- Check for needed repairs (like filling nail holes in walls).
- Consider Hiring Professionals: If time is tight, you might want to hire a cleaning service.
9-Final Walk-Through
- Inspect for Damage: Conduct a walk-through before the final move-out day to confirm everything is in order. - Take Photos: Document the house's condition for your records or potential disputes with landlords or buyers.
10- Moving Day Plan
- Confirm Movers: If you’re hiring movers, confirm the date and time, and make sure they know which items to handle.
My favorite tip: Have each member pack a suitcase as though going on a vacation for a few days.
Because you will be exhausted, go ahead and live out of your suitcase instead of panicking because you can't find your PJs or RX medications. It's also a good idea to pack bed linens and towels. That way, you can have your essential items for the first few days.
Getting your house ready to move out takes time and work. Follow these steps to help make moving to your new home easier. Remember to breathe deeply and focus on one job at a time. Good luck with your move!
Buying or Selling a Home
Call Margaret Rome
Comments(15)