Handle moving day like a boss
So you’ve ditched renting for homeownership, or you’ve sold your condo and are moving on up to bigger digs. Once the ink on the papers has dried and the dates have been set, now you have to tackle the beast that is Moving Day.
No one likes moving, but some people handle it better than others. And while everyone seems to concentrate on the actual transfer of church and state from one residence to the next, very little attention is paid to what happens immediately upon getting to your new place. So we dug a little, and here are some of the best tips we’ve found for hacking the moments leading up to (and immediately after) Moving Day to help you handle it like a boss.
All of the things
Now that you’re moving and sorting through your stuff, it’s the perfect time to see what can be donated, chucked or repurposed. Make an effort to pare down your possessions so your move will be a little easier and your new home will be a bit less cluttered. Along with food and alcohol, give the friends who help you move first dibs on anything you originally planned to sell or donate.
Pics or it didn’t happen
If you’re renting, take photos of your cleaned-out old home and your new home before moving in. This is essential, as it will save you major headaches with difficult landlords who may charge you cleaning and repair fees after you’ve moved out.
THE box for moving day
Pack the items you will immediately need in a clear plastic bin. This includes things like a box cutter, paper towels, trash bags, eating utensils, select cookware, power strips, phone chargers, toilet paper, tools, etc. The clear bin allows you to see inside and stands out from the myriad cardboard boxes you’ll have about.
Know the code
Pick a colour or labelling code for each room and designate that room’s boxes accordingly. Label the door of each room with the corresponding sticker/tape so that movers know where to place the boxes.
Or make a detailed corresponding list of what’s in each box by number. This makes it easier to make sure you didn’t forget any boxes; and if your boxes contain valuables, you’re not broadcasting to the world by writing the boxes actual contents on the outside.
THE box for moving night (and the day after)
Put essential appliances (like your coffee maker) in a laundry basket so you can put them on your counter right away in your new place. Most people don’t think to do this, and end up rummaging through several boxes on moving day to get their pyjamas or the coffee maker.
Pack yourself a “first night” box with all your toiletries, some clothes, and anything you’ll need the following morning such as dishes and silverware or your hair-dryer. It’s also a great way to keep track of your laptop, which could run the risk of getting stolen during a move.
Keep those receipts
Did you know? You might be able to get a tax deduction for your moving expenses. Keep the receipts for things like truck and equipment rentals, purchase of supplies, gas and mileage and other incidentals.
Whether you hire a team of pros, or enlist your fam and your bros, taking the time to get organized before the big day is certainly going to make the process less painless, and everyone – we do mean everyone – will thank you for it.
Interested in selling or buying a home? Get in touch with the Merenda Group today and find out why we’re known as the Deal Makers. Call us today at 416-240-SOLD (7653).