By Dana Fiori
Summer is the time for barbeques, beach trips, vacations, and relaxing, but did you know summer is also the busiest time of the year to buy and sell a home? In fact, 80 percent of moves occur between April and September according to movinglabor.com. If you are in that percentage and planning on moving into your new home this summer, here are some tips to make the process as stress-free as possible!
Book Movers as Soon as Possible
Because summer is prime moving time, chances are moving companies will become booked very quickly. Make sure you book your movers once you know your moving dates to have peace of mind. Waiting last minute also increases the chances of prices being higher, so to ensure you receive the best deal get at least three quotes and plan ahead. Extra tip: if a moving company asks for payment up front that is a red flag and you should not pursue. According to movers.com, reputable movers will NOT demand cash or any large deposit before moving you. You generally pay upon delivery. If you pay up front, you have zero control over when you’ll see your belongings again. When you do pay, use a credit card that will help you fight any fraudulent activity.
Consider Your Dates
June 30 is the busiest moving day of the year. If you are planning on that being the day you move, know that prices may be higher because moving companies will be renting out more trucks than ever. If you can be flexible with your move-in date, you could end up saving money in the long run.
Declutter Everything
Think of the size of your new space, which furniture you want to bring with you, and what you are going to sell/donate. Removing big items from your home can make packing easier to manage, and once you see the house emptying out you will feel more accomplished. After decluttering the large items, make your way to decluttering the junk drawers, clothes, bathroom, etc. Decluttering will make your packing experience much more manageable.
Make a List
Since packing is perhaps one of the most time consuming and stressful factors of moving, take some time away from the boxes to make a list of all the services you will need once you move into your new place. Jot down what you want to be done first such as cable, internet, and painters and another list of services that can wait. Plan ahead for these appointments as well, so once you’re moved in, you can enjoy your new home!