8 Tips for a Smooth Move-In Day

tips for a smooth move out

Moving to a new place is an exciting time in life, but it comes with its fair share of stresses and responsibilities, especially on the day of the big move. Before you begin to rearrange your furniture, look for balance in your décor, fill the fridge with food, and start with these tips for a smooth move-in day.

1. Don’t Get Duped

Unfortunately in today’s world it’s not uncommon to come across rental scams, and it can be scary to disclose your social security number or fork over a large deposit. Ask your landlord to use a service like SmartMove to keep your information safe while they screen you. This way, both you and your landlord will be vetted and you can start your lease on the right foot.

2. Start Early

Chances are you’ve got at least a month between signing your contract and your move-in day. Use this time to your advantage. Don’t put off packing until the last moment. While it’s understandable that you don’t want to pack up your essentials in case you need them in the next month, you can at least organize and plan to make sure your life is much less stressful come the day of. Make a list of all the things you need completed before the big day, and pack away the things that aren’t necessary to your everyday life for the next few weeks. Become a master at labeling, as it will save you a ton of searching time once all of your possessions are in the new place.

tips for a smooth move out
source: unsplash.com/breather

3. Embrace the Purge

Moving has this uncanny ability to show us just how much unnecessary stuff we’ve been hoarding. As you pack, throw things away. It will make your smooth move-in  much easier, organize your life, and help you realize the things you may need to purchase once you make the move. A new move means a new you, so make sure you give your mind and soul the cleaning it needs too, as you reorganize your life.

4. Be as Green as Possible

Do your part to stay green during your move. Instead of using cardboard boxes that you’ll end up throwing away and harmful bubble wrap that you’ll never use again, head to Home Depot and pick up some reusable plastic bins. You can use these bins as storage containers in closets. If you’d prefer to simply rent bins and return them (especially if your new place has limited space), then consider using BungoBox.com. They’ll provide you with stackable, reusable boxes that you can return once they’ve served their purpose.

5. Take Inventory

If you’re using a moving company, make sure to take inventory of your items before allowing any strangers to load up your boxes. In most cases, all of your things will make it to the desired destination on time and intact, but it never hurts to be cautious. Pack up your valuables and keep them on your person in a specific container so you will have peace of mind that your most prized possessions will make the move safely.

6. Rental Truck Practice

If you’re going to rent a truck to move your own things, hats off to you. Make sure you know what you’re doing and be aware of how different a heavily loaded moving truck can be from the experience of driving your car. Selecting the right size is also key, as it will determine how many trips you’ll need to make. As a general rule, a truck with measurements of 16 cubic feet will fit the belongings of a one-bedroom apartment. If you live in something larger, expect to pay more for a larger truck.

source: Daniel Santalla
source: Daniel Santalla

7. Plan for Pets

If you have pets that might be traumatized by the hustle and bustle of the big day, or who simply might be underfoot at times they shouldn’t, consider finding a pet sitter for the day. If your friends and family are busy helping you move, put your pup in doggy day care for the hours it takes to move you in to your new place.

8. First Hosting Duties

Whether you have great family and friends helping you the day of, or you have hired a moving company, make sure you complete your first hosting duties in your new place by having snacks and drinks ready to thank those who are putting in the effort to make your move possible. Whether it’s pizza that you can call in for delivery or baked goodies that you’ve prepared the day beforehand, your helpers will truly appreciate their well-deserved snack.

(Main photo source: Jaymantri.com)

03 comments on “8 Tips for a Smooth Move-In Day

  • Lillian Schaeffer , Direct link to comment
    These are some great tips, and I appreciate your advice to start packing much earlier than the move in day. My husband and I are going to be relocating for his job, but it's still a few months out. I'll definitely start packing the things we won't need for a while so I can get a head start on that project. Thanks for the great post!
    • Sarah Baker , Direct link to comment
      So glad that you love this post Lillian!! Happy to hear that you find it useful :-)
  • Solomon Johnson , Direct link to comment
    Somehow it's getting even harder to move out than to move in :D Sometimes renting a truck is a hard deal(

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