Tips for Moving Out of Your Rental

Whether you’re moving to a new rental or purchasing a new home, you have many details to attend to at the end of your current rental agreement. To make the moving process to your new place easier, be sure to tick the following on your to-do list.

Give Adequate Notice

Carefully re-read your lease once you know you’re moving, so you know what the terms are for notifying your landlord or property manager. On average, this ranges anywhere from 30-90 days. If you don’t abide by lease terms, you could lose your security deposit or be held accountable for additional months of rent, which can be costly. If you need to break your lease, check to see your options to avoid the steepest penalties or legal repercussions.

Call Utility Providers

At least two weeks before your move, contact your utility providers to schedule your shut off/turn on dates. Keep in mind, depending on where you’re relocating to, you may be dealing with different companies. If so, connect with your new providers so you can work out any details associated with deposits or other requirements for new customers.

Plan to have service terminated at your old place the day after your move-out date. And have the service turned on at your new home the day before your move-in date. This ensures that you have power, water, and other necessary utilities during the moving process.

Move Your Renter’s Insurance

Let your insurance company know you’re moving ASAP so you can make sure your insurance policy seamlessly follows you. Many policies also cover possessions during a move, so be sure to ask about that. Additionally, when contacting your carrier, make any necessary changes needed for your new place. Keep in mind; your premiums may change.

Put in Change of Address Notices

Before your move, start putting in a change of address notices with anyone you associate with, including your employer, family, friends, banks, magazine or newspaper subscriptions, monthly deliveries (e.g., Amazon recurring orders), and anyone else you do business with. For everything else, have your mail forwarded by the USPS. USPS will forward your mail to your new place for one year.

Give the Home a Good Cleaning

You’ll want your security deposit back, so be sure to restore the rental as best you can to have it look as it did the day you moved in. Paint the walls, fix blemishes, scrub kitchens and bathrooms, shampoo carpets, and fill in any nail holes on the walls. Check on your rental agreement to see what is required. Many rental companies charge high fees for deep cleaning if they determine the property is not left up to par. You might want to consider hiring a professional cleaner to save you time and ensure the job is done correctly.

Check Nooks and Crannies

A home typically has more space than an apartment. Be sure to check the attic, basement, crawl spaces, and any other nooks and crannies you might have stashed belongings in. You don’t want to inadvertently leave anything behind that’s been out of sight.

Schedule Walk Through

Schedule a walk-through with your landlord or property manager to take place right before you vacate. Ideally, you should be present for this appointment.

Bonus Tip: Be sure to take photos on the date you leave, in case you need to prove the home’s condition when you departed.

Moving with Ease

After you return your keys, you’re on your way to your new place. If you need help with any part of the moving process, having professional help can make your move more manageable and less stressful. To receive a free price quote, contact us today.

A Guide for Preparing Your Kitchen for Moving Day

The kitchen is by all rights the heart of your home—meals and memories happen here. To make those meals and memories, you need plenty of items, food-related and otherwise. The kitchen is filled with a variety of gadgets, appliances, and glassware. There are many things to pack. From items inside the drawers and cupboards to stuff nestled on the countertops, they are all uniquely sized and shaped.

When it comes to relocating to a new home, tackling kitchen disassembly can be one of the project’s most challenging components. 

Here’s a guide for preparing the heart of your home for your big move.

1. Collect your packing supplies.

You will need good sturdy moving boxes in several sizes, packing tape, packing paper, markers for labeling, and maybe even a few box dividers or specialty boxes for dishes and glassware to keep things organized. The general rule is to get more than you think you will need.

2. Cull the collection carefully.

Culling through your kitchen stuff can come as a challenge. You can have a nagging voice inside saying you need to keep everything because it could be useful. The cocktail maker, cheese tray, double broiler, fondue set—if you’ve not used items like this for several years, they probably won’t be worth packing. Likewise, take the time to pull out duplicates and multiples, such as utensils, dishes, or pans you never use, and donate them. Your new kitchen will be less cluttered without these items you aren’t using. 

3. Create a few boxes labeled as “essential.”

Ideally, you will be packing your kitchen closer to your scheduled moving day, so you still have a functional place for meal prep. Once you do start packing, label a few medium-sized boxes as “essential.” These boxes will contain what you need to make it through in your kitchen until the day you leave and what you may need most once you get to the new place.

These might be the final boxes you tape shut. Set them aside and let the movers know to load those last or, if you have room, bring them with you in your car, so they are readily available at your new house.

Bonus tip: Plan your first meal at the new place ahead and drop everything in a “first meal essentials” box. For example, you could include a jar of pasta sauce, a package of noodles, a pan for cooking, and enough dishes and flatware for your family.

4. Sort items according to their use.

Depending on how you like to organize, you might sort your items into groups according to how something is used. If you are going to reconfigure your new kitchen, you might find this an effective packing strategy. Try something like the following usage groupings:

  • Entertaining dishes
  • Everyday dishes
  • Everyday cooking utensils
  • Canning or food processing equipment
  • Electric kitchen gadgets
  • Kitchen linens and cloth items
  • Flatware
  • Barware

Or, you might prefer to sort and pack items according to their placement. For example, you could label a box “cabinet #1” and place items you know will go in that particular cabinet.

5. Pack your food last.

Naturally, packing food from your pantry, cabinets, and elsewhere last is logical. As you pack, sort through, and check expiration dates, getting rid of what you shouldn’t bring. Some people opt to donate most of their dry groceries to make packing easier; groceries are easy enough to restock once you get settled in. Check with your mover to see what items they might not take.

Dispose of open containers, liquids, and half-used foods before moving day.

6. Prepare your appliances.

Your professional movers can handle the heavy lifting, but you as the homeowner need to ensure that your major appliances are prepared for safe transport before the movers arrive.

Some of your appliances, like your stove or dryer, might be connected to a gas line. These need to be disconnected and the gas line capped off by you or an appliance specialist. 

Each of your large appliances has different requirements. Discuss these considerations with your professional mover so that you can make the necessary arrangements and be prepared on moving day.

Simplify Your Big Move With Big Help

From appliances to gadgets to utensils — your kitchen holds a lot. It makes for a great deal of packing. To simplify the work, reach out to professional movers for help.

Contact us for a quote today. We can help with a successful move.

Moving? Make the Most of Your House-Hunting Trip

Are you prepping for a household move with your family? House-hunting, whether in-person or virtual, is arguably one of the most critical steps in planning your relocation. This step serves several purposes in addition to selecting the house itself. 

If you plan an in-person visit to find your home, here are some things to consider when coordinating your trip.

Research Online 

Before you travel to your potential new city to look for houses, get online to gather information about the possible areas you want to look at once you arrive. Narrow down your selected neighborhoods. Then search and compare properties before you head out. Find a real estate agent that specializes in relocation situations.

Explore the Area

Before you can determine which neighborhood best meets your needs, it’s essential to get to know the community when you arrive. Drive around on day one, paying close attention to amenities, culture, and the proximity of each community to services you use most often. Consider which neighborhoods offer the things on your priority list, like the shortest commute or a sense of community.

Visit Properties

Share your housing needs, wants, and dislikes with a realtor and obtain preapproval before the trip. Keep an eye on local listings in advance so you can let your realtor know which properties are most aligned with your preferences. Ask your realtor to schedule viewings (to the homes you’ve shared and properties they identify as good) during the site visit. Be prepared to make an offer while you’re there so you can work through the details in person.

Scout Schools

If you have children in the school system, request a tour of local schools while you’re on site. Get as much information during those appointments as possible so you’re able to make an informed decision and plan ahead. If you have children with special needs, be sure to consider the availability of services in the area and each educational institution.

Visit Daycare Options

If you have children in daycare (or a child on the way), be sure to visit childcare centers while you’re in the area. You may find that you need to be added to a waiting list in advance,  available spots are only in certain neighborhoods, or learn that daycare costs are dramatically more or less than you expected – all factors that may impact your house hunt as well.

Consider Medical Needs 

While most people are comfortable living anywhere with a clinic and an ER, some people have particular medical conditions requiring quick access to specialist services like kidney dialysis, dermatologists, or chemotherapy. If anyone in your household has special medical needs, be sure to explore these services’ availability in your target area. The house-hunting trip is a perfect time to do it.

Follow Up

Stay in contact with your real estate agent. They can let you know if your offer was accepted and what the next steps are. Your specialized relocation agent can also help coordinate inspections, refer you to companies to help with cleaning or repairs, and can coordinate a long-distance house closing.

Make the Right Move

Let us help with your relocation. From packing to transporting — we offer full-service moving. Contact us today for a quote.

Getting Your Kids to Help You Pack for the Move Without Fights

Trying to get your kids to help you with anything takes planning and patience. Getting them to help with your household move might feel impossible.

Kids don’t love change, and moving is a big one. But getting them on board with your decision may be easier than you think.

If you treat your kids like you would want for yourself, you may discover that they’re up to the challenge. Here are a few things you can do to get started.

Be Transparent

The idea of someone doing all your packing for you may feel like a dream. Of course, if that person was also thinning out your belongings, you might worry about it.

Kids, like adults, prefer to make their own decisions about their possessions. So if you’re going to talk to them about sorting out clutter to donate or give away, it’s best to speak plainly about it.

Tell them the limits for the moving truck and your new home. Give them boxes or bins to pack, not garbage bags. They’ll be more confident that you won’t throw it out that way.

Set Age-Appropriate Goals

If you don’t have much time before you move, you may end up investing a lot of your spare time in packing. But that doesn’t mean your kids have to spend all day on the task.

Brainstorm with your kids to come up with some packing goals they can achieve. Turn goal-setting into an activity that your kids will enjoy, with benchmarks you would like them to perform.

Just make sure that they can achieve them. No one feels motivated by a star that they can’t catch.

Allow Kids to Monitor Progress

Most kids thrive on an understanding of where they are going. If you allow your kids to track their progress, they may be better at it than you are.

Let your children choose from various chart templates and encourage them to work on it each day. Make one up for the adults in the house and remind them to keep track of how you’re doing.

Give Prizes

Giving prizes to your kids for their work on packing may feel like a bribe. And good parents don’t bribe, right? It depends on the situation.

It’s better if you think of prizes for goals as a means of motivation. After all, you don’t work all day for the fun of it. Money is your motivator.

Don’t feel like you have to go overboard on the prizes. Choose something small for each benchmark and a slightly bigger item or activity for the final.

Don’t Overestimate Your Commitment

Keep in mind that your children will look to you for the right energy level they need to use for the task. If you hate it, they’ll hate it too.

If you put it off until the last minute, they probably will, too.

Be realistic about your needs and how your own behaviors can get in the way. Manage that, and your kids will have an easier time sticking to the plan.

Call in Help

Packing with kids doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By inspiring them early, you may find everything you need. 

To find out how professional moving services can take away your moving stress, call us for a price quote.

Moving Fast? How to Move on Short Notice

Ideally, you would have months to prepare and plan for a move. This allows you to make sure that every detail is covered. But, not everyone has months to arrange for a household move. Sometimes you have to move on short notice. 

If you find yourself in such a situation — where you need to move quickly, read on. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you – and all of your stuff – get where you need to go.

Tips for Moving on Short Notice

1. Take a moment to process your emotions.

If you feel frustrated that you have to move on short notice, understand that it’s perfectly normal. And if you are upset because you waited too long to start planning your move, that’s ok, also. You aren’t the first person to do that, either.

You are allowed to feel whatever you are feeling. Take some deep breaths, then move on with the next steps.

2. Make a plan.

Devote your energy to strategize a moving plan constructively. Since you are short on time, a plan and a checklist are critical.

Assess what you need to accomplish, divide it into tasks, and create a timeline. Make sure you check items off as you complete them.

3. Contact a moving company.

Professional movers can be a great asset when you need to move on short notice. They can complete the job much faster and more efficiently than you can. Professional movers can handle a lot of work for you, including packing, hauling all of your belongings from one location to another – whether you are moving across town or the country, storing your belongings and unpacking for you in your new home.

4. Get your supplies ready.

Depending on how you’re handling your move — with or without pro movers — you might need to stock up on moving supplies. Gather plenty of tape, moving boxes, labels, packing paper, and bubble wrap. If you are completing this as a DIY move, you will also need dollies, hand carts, moving blankets, and a moving truck. 

5. Line up some help.

If you have friends or family around, now is the time to call on them for some help. Moving takes time and effort. It takes a lot of time if you are on your own. If you have two or three people helping you, it takes much less.

6. Don’t worry too much about organizing.

Typically, moving tips include organization tips – but you may not have time for that. If your time is tight, you might need to throw everything into boxes and get going. You can certainly try to organize as you go along. It all depends on just how much time you have and how easy organizing is for you. But remember, you must get moved within the time you have available.

7. Label all of your boxes.

Though you are in a rush, remember to label each box. Include the location it should go to in the new home and an outline of the contents. Make sure to label at least two sides of the box. 

8. Stay focused.

Commit to being focused on your move. Otherwise, you’ll get overwhelmed. Maintain your timeline and checklist. When challenges pop up, refocus, and remind yourself about your future adventure. 

Your effort will be worth it.

Need to Move Fast? Contact Us!

If you need to move quickly, we’re here to help. Please contact our team today to get help with your move.

Making the New House Home: Tips for Settling into a New Place Quicker

Census data tells us that the average person will transition to a new home about 11 times in their lifetime. While moving from one place to the next is common, the emotional attachment we have to our homes can make every change a bit tough. It’s entirely possible to feel a little homesick for your old place after your move. Once you have all your belongings in your new home, it can still feel a bit like you’re living in someone else’s house for a few weeks, if not longer.

Feeling at home where you live gives us a sense of comfort, so you’ll no doubt want to move through the period where you feel out of place as quickly as possible. 

Here are some tips to help your new house feel like home quicker.

1. Unpack your personal mementos first.

Personal items help to make you feel at home. Unique things like a collection of family photos or a special set of china or knick-knacks given to you by loved ones, or a particular painting you’ve had for years should be opened and put away first. Surround yourself with your precious mementos first. Surround yourself with your personal belongings because they have such a great sentimental value and help make your new home more comfortable.

2. Make your new place smell like home.

Our sense of smell is very stimulating and therapeutic. Unpacking can be a daunting task. Help yourself relax and relieve stress by:

  •  Lighting your favorite candle
  • Spraying your new home with your favorite room spray while you are unpacking
  • Baking a batch of your favorite cookies
  • Playing some of your favorite music and sing along!
  • Buying a bouquet of your favorite sweet-smelling flowers and put them in every room 

3. Give your windows a familiar makeover.

Windows are a focal point in most rooms, especially in an unfamiliar dwelling. Make sure your windows have a familiar appearance if you want to feel at home quicker. Try recreating a particular window dressing with your favorite curtain panels, valances, or sheers.

4. Get some greenery to add warmth.

Fresh plants can perk up a new home and make you feel better. Perhaps you weren’t able to bring your plants along from your previous home. It’s time to replenish your plants and fill your new home with greenery. 

Not only do plants freshen up a room and add some style and a sense of home, but they also help purify the air. Potted plants or fresh cut flowers brighten everything from the dining table to the kitchen and bathroom counters.

5. Keep a routine as much as possible.

Keeping a routine amid a move can sound impossible, but you can usually complete certain aspects of your routine despite all the commotion. For example, if you typically get up at a particular time, have a cup of coffee, and take a shower, force yourself through these common objectives daily. 

Unpack your coffee maker, your alarm clock, and shower necessities to make it possible. The more you work those small familiarities into your schedule in a new house, the more your surroundings can feel like a familiar place.

Professional Movers Help Make the Transition into Your New Home Fast and Easy

Professional movers don’t just move furniture—they move people and are family-focused. Pro movers enjoy meeting new people and interacting with them. Often they can be compared with designers because they have so much experience being in homes. They can walk into a room and know instantly where each piece of furniture should be placed. Feel welcomed to ask them if you are unsure. You will be pleasantly surprised by the suggestions they will offer.

If you want to make the transition as fast and easy as possible, be sure to hire our professionally trained and experienced Mayflower movers and packers. Visit our website www.mcmoving.com. Call and speak with one of our move coordinators to learn about the move process and all the options we offer to customers to help make your move go smoothly and schedule an appointment for a no-cost estimate.

Moving Your Office? Things to Keep in Mind

Moving is always a challenge, but moving an office can be particularly complex. As hard as it can be to move your possessions from one space to another, you don’t have to worry about things like avoiding business downtime and communicating your move to customers. 

Office moves require careful planning and smart execution to avoid unwanted consequences. Here are some tips for your upcoming office relocation.

Moving Your Office – Things to Keep in Mind

Your company may have a small office with only a few employees or a whole building with hundreds of employees. Whatever the size of your operation, there are some key considerations you need to keep in mind when moving from one location to another.

1. Plan far ahead and plan thoroughly.

You can hire a moving company to help pack up your office and move it from place to place. But the moving company is only capable of handling the actual move. They can’t ensure that there is minimal disruption to your business. That’s up to you – which is why proper planning is so important.

Your company probably already has systems in place to plan and execute projects. Usually, the easiest way to plan your move is to use the same systems you use for other projects. For example, if you use project management tools to keep your teams in sync and operating efficiently, you can use the same tools for your move.

2. Get the timing right.

If you have flexibility on your moving date, try to find a time when it will be easiest to move your business. For example, if you have a slow season, it would make sense to move then.

3. Know what your lease requires.

Your lease is a legally binding agreement, so you want to be sure that you adhere to that agreement. Review your lease carefully for details that concern you, such as early termination clauses, end dates, deposits, fees, and so on.

4. Pay attention to service end dates and start-up dates, such as utilities.

The last thing you want is to get everyone to the new office and discover that your internet isn’t connected yet. You also don’t want to pay for services you aren’t using at your old location. Identify all of the services you need to stop at your old location and start at your new location. Try to schedule stop dates and start dates to minimize disruptions to your operation.

5. Notify all necessary parties of your move.

Depending on your business, it may be important that your customers know that you are moving offices. If so, get the word out early and remember to tell them again after the move is completed.

6. Hire a moving company that is experienced with office moves.

It is important to hire movers that know what they are doing, especially when your business is concerned. Some movers only do residential moves. Others do commercial moves, but only certain types of commercial moves. Look for a moving company that has moved offices and can give you references proving their competency.

Let Us Help With Your Office Move

Our moving team appreciates how important it is that your office move is done right. If you are planning to move your office, please contact us. We can help you with the planning process and we will make certain that you get the quality service you deserve.

7 Important Items to Pack for Your First Night in Your New Home

Organizing and coordinating a household move can be stressful with the many details to attend to. To reduce stress and make a first night easier, we recommend packing a “first-night” box. The purpose of this box is to ensure you’ll have everything you need upon arrival in your new home and eliminate the need of having to poke through boxes to find essential items.

To help you plan, here’s a list of common items people usually need on their first night in their new home:

1. Personal Items

Pack a couple of sets of clothing for each family member, along with PJs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair products, medications, and any other personal hygiene items you’ll need. Basically, think of your first night as a weekend getaway and pack any personal items you’d take on a short trip.

2. Electronics

Chances are your phone will be on your person during your physical move, but don’t forget additional items you might need shortly after you arrive, such as chargers, tablets/laptops, and headphones.

3. Bedroom Items

To start your first night off comfortably, plan for fresh bedding. Ahead of your move, wash and separate any sheets, pillowcases, and blankets you’ll need. (Don’t forget pillows!) If you’ve got little ones, pack any special blankets or stuffed animals they hold onto as they doze off to sleep.

4. Bathroom Necessities

It’s easy to forget items that aren’t as obvious, but ones you’ll find you really need upon arrival, like bathroom necessities. Remember to pack toilet paper, soap, hand soap, towels, washcloths, shower liner and hooks, and a bath mat.

5. Kitchen Must-Have’s

Even if you plan to order takeout your first night, you’ll still need to have a few kitchen necessities, such as glasses, coffee mugs, dishes, utensils, and napkins. You might also want to tuck in some snacks, beverages, or breakfast items so you can start your first full day in your new home without hunger pangs or needing to deal with running to the store for food. Don’t forget to pack one or two trash bags.

6. Cleaning Supplies

Even if your new home looks spotless, you’ll want to clean a few key areas for good measure. Useful items to keep on hand include disinfectant wipes, paper towels, gloves, cleaning rags, cleaners, scrub brushes, broom, and dustpan.

7. Kids’ Essentials

If you have children, especially little ones who are too small to help lift and unpack, put aside a few toys, books, art supplies (e.g., coloring books and crayons), or other play items to keep them occupied while you attend to moving details once you arrive in your new home.

Additional Tips

After inventorying your household needs, you might find you actually need more than one box for your first night. Here are some additional tips to help make a smooth move.

  • Clearly label all “first-night” boxes.
  • Put boxes aside, so they aren’t inadvertently packed with other belongings.
  • Bring these items in your car, if possible (if not, talk to your mover about making them the last box on and the first box off the truck.

The first 24 hours of being in a new home are exciting but can be challenging when everything is still packed. Setting aside the essential items for your first night makes it easier and more comfortable.

Are you looking for a professional mover? Contact us today to learn how we can make your move a seamless one.

Simple Ways to Relieve Stress Before Your Move

Without question, moving is one of the most stressful life events. Moving involves complex emotions — the excitement of beginning a new adventure, and, perhaps, some sadness at saying goodbye to your old life. 

Moving also brings with it change, and change is stressful. Fortunately, you can find ways to relieve your pre-move stress.

Allow Plenty of Time

Start preparing for your move right away— as soon as you know you need to move. A major cause of moving stress is that people underestimate the amount of time required to pack and don’t start early enough. The sooner you start, the more time you’ll have to accomplish your tasks, and the less you’ll feel hurried and stressed.

Start Small

If you feel overwhelmed, then begin with the small tasks. For example, set a goal of packing just one box or decluttering one closet. Once you’ve finished, celebrate that accomplishment and then move on to the next small task. Pretty soon, you’ll notice that all those little tasks have added up to a big job.

Stay Organized

Keep all your essential paperwork in a safe place, and remember where that place is. If necessary, share this location with a friend you trust who can remind you if you forget.

Also, make a list of all the tasks to be done for your move and check them off as you complete them.

Create Sanctuary

As you are packing, leave out a few things until the last minute that will give you joy and comfort, such as meditation pillows or art supplies. Also, keep one area of your home as a sanctuary where you can practice relaxing activities such as meditation, yoga, painting, knitting, or some other hobby.

Exercise

Because you are so busy packing and making arrangements for the move, you may be tempted to put off exercise. Exercise, however, is a key to helping you manage stress. Find some time for physical activity every day. Even if it’s a walk around the block, getting out and recharging is essential.

Ask for Help

You don’t have to do everything yourself. Ask for the help you need to pack, declutter, or grab food on moving day. Just remember to pay back the favor by treating your helpers. 

Or, opt to have your moving company do the packing if you have difficulty managing that part of the process.

Take a Night Off

Even though you seem overwhelmed with your task list, take a night off during the process. Spend time with your family, watch an old movie, play a card game, take a hot bath, have a massage, or engage in any activity that relaxes and refreshes you.

Sleep Well

Make sleep a priority during this time. You can’t function well if you’re running on short rest. Avoid too much caffeine or sugar during the day so that you can sleep at night. No matter how busy you are, go to bed at your regular time.

Leave Time for Goodbyes

Take time to say goodbye to friends, family, and favorite places, using whatever ritual works for you. A feeling of the closure of one phase of your life is essential to a successful transition to a new one.

 Let Us Help

Are you planning your move? Let us help relieve your stress. Contact us for a free moving quote.

Tips to Make It Easier On Professional Movers, So You Experience a Smooth Move

Hiring professional movers before your household move can definitely take the sting out of the moving process. However, you can do a few things to make it easier for the movers in the process. 

The easier things are for the professionals as they work to get you packed up and on your way, the quicker and smoother the move goes overall. Check out just a few useful tips to keep in mind to make things much easier on the moving team when they get to your home on moving day.

1. Color Code Your Packed Boxes

Have your boxes completely packed, labeled,  and ready when the movers arrive.

Color-coding your packed boxes is simple. Just pick up some colored labels, markers, or packing tape and assign a specific color to each room. Give the movers a color chart to show them which color is posted to each room at your new home. This way, they will be able to unload them in the proper location.

2. Make Arrangements for Children and Pets

Professional movers will be mindful of your pets and, of course, your children. Nevertheless, making arrangements for both kids and pets can keep things simple while the movers do their work. You may want to consider:

  • Designating a particular room with a door where your pets can stay during the move
  • Having a designated adult on-site to keep smaller children occupied or finding a sitter for the day
  • Using a leash to contain an outdoor dog or a crate for outdoor cats, so they’re not running in the house

3. Driveway Access

Clear your driveway before the movers arrive. Park your vehicle in the street or somewhere other than your driveway. This will prevent it from being blocked in by the moving van when it comes. With your car out of the way, it will provide the movers more space to work.

As a courtesy, notify your neighbors about your moving schedule. Ask for their cooperation before moving day and request that they not park their vehicles in front of your home during the scheduled move. Advise them about when the movers are expected to arrive and how long the truck will likely be there.  

Do the same at your new house if possible. If your move is local, visit your new home before moving day and let your new neighbors know about the moving truck schedule. They are sure to appreciate the courtesy.

4. Create and Retain Clear Pathways Throughout the House

The moving process can mean you have a mess for sure—that’s expected. If possible, try to keep a clear, open pathway throughout the house so the movers can easily get in, get your items, and carry those items through the house to the truck.

The same goes for the outdoor space. Make sure the sidewalks are clear, and there are no obstructions like low-hanging branches. 

5. Remember to Disconnect, Unplug, Prepare, Empty (D.U.P.E.)

When the pros show up to get things started, it is best if they can come in and simply start taking things out. If they have to stop and wait for you to do something like empty the fridge or if they have to disconnect certain things on their own, the process takes much more time. Prepare your appliances, electronics, and large furniture pieces by remembering the acronym D.U.P.E:

  • Disconnect – Take the time to disconnect appliances. For example, disconnect the water hoses and drain hoses on your washing machine and secure them.
  • Unplug – Unplug appliances and electronics. Contain electrical cords by rolling them up and securing them with a wire tie or rubber band.
  • Prepare – Prepare large furniture pieces and appliances for the move by disassembling where needed, securing doors closed, and removing parts that could be in the way.
  • Empty – Take the time to empty things out of appliances and large furniture pieces where necessary. For example, remove the contents in your wardrobe, entertainment center, and refrigerator.

Time for Your Smooth Move

With a little forethought and crafty planning, your time spent being served by professional movers will go as seamlessly as possible. Reach out for a quote today. We can help with your residential move.