Things To Do In Your New Neighborhood

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Now that you've reached your destination, there are important things you need to do. These tips will help you adjust in your new home:

• Be sure to have your final payment ready for your moving company in the form of cashier's check, certified check, cash, or even credit card.

• When your moving crew arrives, take note of the condition of the boxes and contents. Keep the inventory, bill of lading, and read them carefully.

• Assign a couple of helpers to keep a certain task at hand. As your moving crew unload all your boxes, one person can check off items in the inventory and someone can lead the crew to the designated room. Remind them to be on the lookout for damages on the exterior of cartons or any missing goods. 

• Have the driver sign the inventory before he leaves. This is crucial in validating an insurance claim. 

• If you notice any damage in the box, don't unpack or unwrap it. Wait until the moving company representative come and inspect it. 

• Get your tools ready for assembling furniture.

How to Pack a First-Night Box

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When you're packing, be sure to create your "first-night" box containing your survival kit and essentials. These are the things you will use on the last morning in your old home and the first night in your new one. This box should be loaded on the truck last.

Don't forget to pack these essentials:

• Clothes for every family member

• Disposable plates, glasses, and utensils

• Basic tools

• Cleaning supplies

• Bed linens

• Flashlight

• Lightbulbs

• Medications

• Non-perishable snacks

• Napkins

• Towels

• Toiletries

• Children's toys

• Trash bags

Easy Ways to Pack a Moving Box

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When packing boxes for moving, you can't go wrong! No one wants to have their belongings chipped or damaged in transit just because you missed a few safety measures. There are a number of ways you can protect your items on moving day. The easiest way to start is keeping the boxes secured by using commercial-grade materials and supplies.

Here's how you can pack a box the smartest way --

• Assemble the box and secure the bottom seam with packing tape. Professional movers recommend using straps for added protection. 

• Place enough padding using paper. To find out if you've done this properly, press down on the paper. You should not be able to feel the bottom of the box. This serves as cushioning.

• Fill the corners with paper, packaging peanuts, or loose fills. 

• Wrap each item in bubble wraps or paper and place them inside the box. Be sure to leave enough room on the sides and top so you can add more padding if necessary.

• Small gaps can be filled with paper, towel, or fabric. Don't underfill boxes, otherwise they will collapse when stacked.

• Secure the box with a tape and label it accordingly. Be specific about its contents and what room it belongs to. Label the sides of the box, not the top part. This allows you to rad the labels even when boxes are stacked. 

For more packing tips, click here.

Essential Moving Supplies

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Organizing for a move can be overwhelming. Not to mention all the packing and sorting you have to do. To help you make your work easy, here's a quick rundown of all the packing supplies you need:

• Tools for disassembling furniture.

• Boxes they can be purchased from your moving company. Get a wardrobe box for your clothing. To calculate the number of boxes you need measure the number of linear feet. Get special crating if necessary.

• Box cutters so you can quickly open the box

• Bubble wraps, packing peanuts, and loose fills for padding. Buy in bulk or large rolls.

• Large trash bags for disposing items you don't need or can no longer be donated or placed in a garage sale. 

• Packing paper to stuff boxes and wrap delicate items

• Scissors

• Small sealable plastic bags to keep screws, brackets, and any other loose parts or small items

• Stretch wrap to secure furniture drawers and cabinets

• Packing tape and tape dispenser

• Permanent markers for labeling boxes

Read more packing tips

Affordable Moving Options for Apartment Dwellers

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For apartment dwellers, self-moving is an affordable option. If you are moving on a budget, you will be doing the packing and other work. You'll cut a few dollars off your expenses even when you are moving long-distance. 

Here's how to do a self-move from your apartment:

• Inform your landlord about your moving date and other plans. Talk about your rental agreement to get your deposit back, any papers you need to sign, parking requirements, and other questions you may have. 

• Start getting moving estimates. Self-moving companies charge less than those who offer full-service options. 

• You can also rent a truck and drive it yourself, or pack your stuff and hire someone to drive the rental truck. This is more convenient and it facilitates safe transit of your belongings. 

• Be sure to select the appropriate equipment and supplies for your move.

• Before you start packing, go through your things and see what items you can donate, discard, or sell. The less space in the trailer, the more you save!

• If you have a flexible moving day, move on an off-peak (during weekdays or at the beginning of the month). 

• Start planning your move. Read our packing tips and moving advice. 

Quick Facts About Long-Distance Moving

On average, a person in the U.S. can be expected to move 11.7 times in their lifetime. 

With that being revealed, we assume that a lot of people would like to know more about moving, in particular, long-distance moving. The process can be overwhelming, with all that packing, loading, and finding the right moving service. So here are some of the facts you should know:

• When it comes to cross-country moving, the options you have are: rental truck, DIY packing and hiring a driver, and using a full-service moving company. 

• The rates vary from one mover to another. Generally, full-service movers charge based on weight. A company representative will give a moving quote or will come to your home for an in-house estimate; some companies charge based on space; truck rental services charge based on the equipment you use. 

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• Long-distance moves usually take 2-4 weeks to complete a delivery for full-service movers. For a rental truck, you can expect to drive 500-600 miles in a day. 

• To know if the moving company you are eyeing on is reliable, it has never been more important to do your own research. Ask your friends and family for referral on reliable long-distance moving companies. 

• Be sure you are hiring long-distance movers who are dependable, professional, trustworthy, helpful, and caring. 

• Traditional moving companies require at least 4-6 week notice for cross-country moving. Depending on the company you choose, moving last-minute to another state is possible. 

• When moving long-distance using a truck rental service, consider the fuel costs.

To ensure a stress-free move, read our packing tips and moving advice.

Prepare for These Relocation Expenses

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If you are wondering what relocation expenses to include in your budget, read on. One of the biggest stressors of moving is figuring out how much you can afford for the services you need. Be sure you have enough money for these common relocation expenses. 

Quality moving supplies and boxes. Don't just get any box that you come across the neighborhood. Get moving boxes, crates, packing tapes, bubble wraps, packing paper, and other supplies so you won't risk your household goods of getting damaged during transport.

Moving service. Depending on your needs and budget, you can rent a truck, get help with loading and unloading, or get a full-service moving package. Getting a moving estimate is a great way to find the best deal out there.

Storage options. There are several moving companies that offer short and long-term storage for your goods. Again, be sure to find the facility that will give you the best rates.

Food, lodging, and other travel expenses. Find out where the cheapest accommodation and restaurants are. If you have friends or family along the way, ask them if you can stay in for a night.

Finding a new house. There are some fees involved when you get help from a realtor or a housing service. Be sure to ask for the charges later on.

Utilities. Call your utility providers to find out the charges for disconnecting and reconnecting services.

License and registration. If you are moving cross-country, you need to get a new driver's license and registration. Fees vary by state so be sure to check with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Decorating/renovating your new home. You want your new home to be nice and clean when you move in. Consider setting a budget for cleaning supplies, new furniture, decorations, and other last-minute purchases. 

Read more tips on how to create a moving budget