Let's be honest: moving is a pain! Planning, packing, hauling boxes... it's (probably) nobody's favorite task, but sometimes, it just has to be done. Fortunately, there are some ways to alleviate the stress a bit and make the whole process go just a bit more smoothly. Here are some tips for moving to (or from) Manhattan.
Still have some questions about moving to Manhattan or not finding the information you need? Feel free to contact us at any time!
Start Preparing Now
One of the best things you can do if you're planning to move in the near future is to start planning and preparing right now. The more you take care of ahead of time, the less you'll have to worry about on moving day.
Declutter & donate
The more stuff you have, the more stuff you have to pack up and move! Take some time to go through your belongings to sort out the things you really don't use or need, then donate, toss, or even host a yard sale.
Clean & organize
While you're decluttering, organize the belongings you will be keeping so they're logically placed in the rooms where they are typically used or stored. This will make staying organized while packing and unpacking much easier.
Set up utilities
Don't make the mistake of failing to set up or transfer any utilities to your new home—the last thing you want is to move in all your belongings... only to realize you don't have electricity, water, or heat!
Change your address
Don't miss out on any important mail or bills; set up your change of address through the post office (you can future date the change) so your receive all your mail at your new home.
Handy Packing Tips
- Reinforce: Tossing things haphazardly into boxes can lead to breaks and damages; instead, use sturdy boxes and pad them with bubble wrap, packing material, or (for an eco-friendly solution) blankets or towels.
- Innovate: Pack dishes, bowls, and plates vertically, rather than flat an stacked, to prevent breaks. For extra padding, pack glasses or stemware inside socks.
- Pack small: Pack heavier items separately or in smaller boxes so they're easier to carry.
- Prepare: Create an "Open Me First" box containing things you'll need immediately (like toilet paper, soap, instant coffee, tools, box cutters, and paper dishes). Make sure it's the last thing on the truck and the first thing off!
- Pack by room: It can be easy to throw things into whichever box is handy or with other like items, but this will make it much more difficult to unpack. Instead, pack boxes by room, keeping items that belong in a certain room together.
- Label. Everything. We can't stress enough the importance of staying organized! Once you pack up a box for a room, label it with the room it belongs in and the items that are inside. Some super-organized movers even create a master list of every item inside every box!
Get Ready to Move...
You're prepared, you're packed, you're ready for moving day! If the preparing process seemed like a pain, moving day itself can seem downright overwhelming, but don't worry! You've got this!
Keep important documents handy
Don't pack important information or documents—such as medical or financial records, IDs, or medicine—along with the rest of your boxes. Instead, keep important or high-value information that would be difficult or inconvenient to replace with you.
Take an overnight bag
Be prepared for anything—you get home before the moving truck, the drive is longer than you realized and you have to stay in a hotel, or you're just plain too tired after all that moving to do any unpacking!
Recruit some movers
If you're using a professional moving company, this step will be taken care of for you. But if you've opted to haul your own belongs, you don't have to haul alone! Recruit some friends or even put an ad on Craigslist to "hire" some able bodies for the day.
Reach the New Place!
Finally, you and all your belongings have arrived! But before you start tearing open boxes, here's what to do to stay organized until the very end!
Clean first
What's easier to clean: an empty house or a house full of stuff? Right—an empty one. Do yourself a favor and clean before you start unpacking.
Unpack by room
Start with the most important boxes in the most important rooms (this is where your labeling comes in handy). Prioritizing unpacking will ensure your home is liveable, even if it takes you a few days (or weeks) to unpack.
Enjoy your new home!
Welcome home! Don't forget to smile... your life in your new place just began.
Still Have Questions or Ready to Buy a Home in Manhattan?
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