Moving is an inescapable part of life. Some people consider it a fun activity. However, unfortunately, it isn’t that much of a thrilling and fun life experience for many people. It is because the entire moving process can eat up all your time, probably weeks or even more than this. And this period excludes the time to unpack and get fully settled into the new place. While evacuating the old house is a crucial challenge, setting up a new home is even more complicated.
After deciding to shift to a new residence, there comes the next step – planning. Where to store all your possessions? Which room of the new place will complement your comfortable recliner? Or which nook will look most suitable for your artwork and grab the attention of the guests? Your mind probably is full of these thoughts right now.
However, before you unpack and start decorating your new home, ensure to complete some of the few basic moving tasks. You can make the move-out and move-in process less time-consuming and more manageable with important preps beforehand.
Here’s the list of essential tips that one must follow well in advance to make the moving process go without a hitch:
1. Rent a Storage Unit
First things first – reserve a storage unit so that you don’t end up losing your valuable possessions and belongings in the process. However, ensure to look out for self-storage that has foolproof security and offers the best features.
Contingent upon the area you will reside in, the weather may vary from extremely hot to cold. For instance, are you moving to Amarillo, a bit humid and hot region in Texas? Then, search online by typing storage units Amarillo to pick up the best and reliable ones in your vicinity. These storage units can put your mind at ease as you don’t need to worry about donating or selling any of your belongings. Also, this way, your new place will stay steer clear of the clutter and look spacious.
2. Update Utilities and Internet Connection
Imagine you step your foot in your much-awaited new abode only to find it downright murky. And while you shuffle through the house to switch on the lights, you get hit by the realization that electrical connections are still not set up. Or perhaps, you enter the kitchen to prepare a quick meal and enjoy the dinner; there’s no water flowing from the taps.
If you don’t wish to end up in such situations, get moving and update the utilities such as gas supply, water, and electricity. Then, make a call to the service centers and schedule an appointment to set up these connections. If your new residence is close to the one you lived in before, all you need is to inform the concerned companies about your moving date. That way, they can transfer the utilities before you move in and make them operational.
However, if your new place is miles away, cancel the previous connections and set up the new ones. Lastly, don’t forget to get your internet and telephone service functional.
3. Embed a New Security System
Make security the top-most priority of your to-do list. It is because you are new to this unknown area, and it’s pretty hard to feel secure in an unfamiliar neighborhood. And since the previous homeowner might have given the copies of the keys to other people, you must change the locks. Also, install a fully-fledged and operational security system with cameras, motion detectors, and smart alarms.
Besides, today in this fast-moving digital world, there are numerous tools available through which you can determine the level of neighborhood safety. Furthermore, these systems enable the homeowners to take appropriate actions in case of emergencies.
And while you are at it, also look out for the smoke and CO detectors in the new place. Inspect their condition and check if they are working or not. You can either repair these detectors or get a new one to save your family from unforeseen circumstances. Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are the perfect options to embed.
4. Take Care of Kids
The moving process is never cent percent hassle-free. So while you get engrossed in the move-in activities, don’t forget to take care and cater to kids’ needs. If you have a toddler or a young kid with you, ensure to make arrangements for them and make your new house a secure place. Keep tabs on open windows and doors, jagged edges, and any other hazards that may be present. Or better yet, go for the safety step known as baby-proofing, which implies taking necessary measures and recognizing the potential dangers in the new place.
Moreover, remove all the items from the bathroom that may be an obstacle to fun so that your little angel can enjoy the bathing time. Some other areas where you should watch out include the living room, kitchen premises, and the staircase.
5. Adjust Your Pets
While moving is already a nerve-wracking process for humans, it’s even more frightening and startling for pets. Therefore, be sure to pack the pet’s essentials such as litter boxes, food items, toys, treats, and other articles in one package. Dedicate a separate room for the pets, one with no noise and distractions. However, keep checking on them frequently.
That way, they will feel safe and loved and won’t run into the new neighborhood. Also, get rid of potential risks in the house that might crush them underfoot.
Apart from this, some pets, such as cats and dogs, have a powerful smelling sense. So they might sniffle around and catch the whiff of pets that lived earlier in the house. And this may leave them with territory issues. Therefore, ensure that you clean every corner and cranny of your new home.
Final Words
No matter how much the idea of moving sounds thrilling, the process can get harrowing at the end of the day. A long ‘to-do’ list squeezes the real fun out of the moving process and impedes the path to enjoying a new life. However, you can save yourself from stress and avoid any possible moving disasters with a proper checklist in place.
Whether you are a pro at moving or a first-time mover, the tricks described above can streamline the moving and move-in process. And while this endless list of tasks may leave you exhausted. However, don’t squander any opportunity to turn the strangeness of a new place into a cozy residence.
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