Making Moving SIMPLER! Part 2

So you’re just about ready for your move, are you? Let’s take a breather for a minute and then take a quick look at a few more things on the moving “to-do” list. Have you taken the breather yet? Okay, good, me too. Now onto that list …

Let’s backtrack a bit. If you’re not the most organized soul in the world consider writing up a “moving timetable” or “moving calendar” for yourself. Plan out everything week by week (or day by day if you prefer) so as to make sure that everything that must get done, DOES indeed get done, and on time.

Now here’s a brilliant suggestion (well, maybe not brilliant, but smart at least!)- scrapes of carpeting that you have lying around are terrific when it comes to moving furniture such as couches, chairs and big appliances.

It’s a good idea to inform the utility companies (i.e. water, electric, gas, telephone, cable) of the date you will be leaving your old place AND moving into your new one. You have two places to consider don’t forget! And you don’t want to arrive at your new apartment and have no water or electricity! Egad, that’s a renter’s nightmare!

Call around and get a number of different estimates from moving companies, unless of course a friend is helping you move. It is better to negotiate a flat rate for your moving expenses than to pay by the hour. My experience has taught me that most things take more time then at first anticipated!

Approximately 2-3 weeks (or more) before moving tell everyone who needs to be told of your change of address. That means your workplace, friends, bills, subscriptions, etc. It can be costly to fill out a form at the post office but it is advisable in case you’ve forgotten anyone, or couldn’t reach someone in time for your move.

On moving day pack a carry-on bag with your essentials such as medications, glasses, toiletries, towels, a book, etc. The TV remote should be thrown in too. Anything you can’t live without the first night should be in that bag.

Make sure all of your valuables and any legal documents you possess go WITH YOU and not the movers. You don’t want anything important to vanish without a trace!

Bring paper plates, cups and plastic silverware with you for your first couple of days. Order take out food when you first move in to make life easier. Let’s face it you are more than likely overwhelmed enough as it is, why make the situation worse for yourself?

Make sure you have money on hand for the movers. If a friend is helping you move make sure you give him/her something as a token of thanks. For most men, a case of beer is preferable to a few bucks! (smiles) Of course that only applies to drinkers, for non-drinkers you’re on your own!

If you have pets, try to wait until almost the very end to move them. This is especially important if you have a cat. Some animals get terribly stressed where moving is concerned. Keep your animal’s welfare in mind as you go about the business of moving. If it’s possible for someone to stay with your pets until they are moved into your new apartment, do so.

Aren’t you glad your moving “to-do” list just got a whole lot more organized? 

~Anika Logan

Anika Logan has lived in her share of apartments over the years and has plenty of decorating ideas, not to mention pearls of wisdom to pass on to you. If you have an apartment question/dilemma, look no further-Anika will provide the answers!