Did you know that May is National Moving Month? It seems that there’s a national month, week, and day for everything! But something I didn’t know is that the month of May is the busiest time of the year for the moving industry. With the warmer weather and the end of the school year approaching, many people choose to move during this time – especially in Florida! Whether you are moving across the country or just down the street, there are several things that you can do to make your move more manageable.
Here are some tips to help you have a stress-free move during any month:
Plan, Plan, Plan Ahead
Moving can be overwhelming, so it is important to plan ahead. Make a to-do list and prioritize your tasks. Decide on your moving date, book your moving company, and start packing early. Create a budget for your move and factor in any unexpected expenses.
Tip: Keep all your moving information and receipts in one safe place. You may even want to scan these items and securely save on a hard drive or online account.
Get Organized
Organizing your belongings can help make your move more efficient. And what better time to get rid of the old to make room for the new! Sort through your items and decide what to keep, donate, or sell. Label your boxes clearly, so you know which room they belong in. Make a list of all the items you are moving and keep it with you during the move. (See above tip!)
Tip: Don’t forget to keep the receipts from your donations for taxes.
Hire a Reputable Moving Company
Choosing the right moving company can make all the difference in the success of your move. Look for a company with a good reputation and plenty of experience. Read reviews and ask for references. Make sure the company is licensed and insured.
I personally recommend my friend Petr Jelinek from Bald Eagle Moving. Check out his website or contact him at info@baldeaglemoving.com or (561) 531.4627. Let him know that Daisy sent you!
Tip: Don’t forget to “tip” your movers. It is not required, but highly encouraged.
Pack Carefully
Packing your belongings carefully is crucial to avoiding damage during the move. Use sturdy boxes, packing tape, and packing paper. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or newspaper. Pack heavy items in smaller boxes, and lighter items in larger boxes. Don't overpack boxes, or they may break during the move.
Tip: Ask your neighbors or post in your neighborhood Facebook Group to see if anyone has boxes they’d like to get rid of. If not, most U-Haul locations sell boxes in all shapes and sizes.
Notify Important Parties
Notify important parties about your move, including your bank, employer, and utility companies. Forward your mail to your new address and cancel any subscriptions or services that you will no longer need. Update your address on your driver's license and voter registration once you’ve settled in.
Note: As a new Florida resident, you must obtain a valid Florida driver license within 30 days of establishing residency to drive on Florida roads. In addition, you must obtain insurance from a Florida insurance agent in order to title and register your vehicle(s) and vessel(s) within 10 days of establishing residency.
Tip: You can go to USPS.com to easily change your address online and have your mail forwarded and you can start the registration process by visiting Florida Highway and Motor Vehicles website.
Take Care of Yourself
Moving can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Take care of yourself during the move by staying hydrated, eating well, and getting enough sleep. Take breaks when you need to and ask for help if you need it.
Tip: Pack and unpack one room at a time. When you pack each room individually, you can organize your things inside the moving truck according to the room your boxes belong in.
Moving is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. By planning ahead, getting organized, hiring a reputable moving company, packing carefully, notifying important parties, and taking care of yourself, you can have a successful and stress-free move. Remember to stay positive and enjoy the new adventures that await you in your new home!
If you’re looking to move to a new home this year or ready to sell your current home, I would love to help you! Reach out to me today and let’s get moving!