Month: January 2021

Moving on short notice is seldom a choice, but sometimes it is a necessity. Perhaps you’ve received a job offer in another city and need to start work in a month. Or, maybe your house sold faster than you expected, or you’ve abruptly ended a relationship. Moving on short notice is challenging but doable.

Here are some ideas on how to make that quick move work for you.

Make a Plan

List all the tasks that you need to accomplish before you move. Then, working backward from the date you need to be in your new home, fill in dates by which each task needs to be complete. Tasks will include finding a new home, packing (or hiring packers), notifying landlords and utilities, reserving a moving company, then moving. 

If you can’t find a new home right away, you may consider storing your items and living in a small furnished apartment or with friends or relatives until you find the right place.

Notify The Necessary People

If you are renting, notify your landlord as soon as possible to avoid having to pay an extra month’s rent. Examine your lease and state laws to determine whether you are potentially liable for the months remaining on your lease and, if so, how you can avoid this.

If you own your home, contact a real estate agent as soon as possible to put your home on the market or to rent it out.

Develop a Realistic Budget

The more items you have to move, the more you’ll need to spend. If you are relocating for a job, ask about what type of relocation assistance the company might provide. Consider whether you will have the mover pack or do all of it yourself or with friends. 

If you need to store items, plan to build that into your budget as well.

Packing

Begin packing seldom-used items right away. As you are packing, sort through, and eliminate the things you don’t use or no longer need. You’ll save time and money by taking fewer items with you, especially if you’re going to need to store things.

Ask for help. Just one or two friends can make packing go a lot faster. You also may want to consider having your moving company do some or all of the packing. When you interview movers, ask how much packing services will add to the cost. In many cases, the additional cost is worth the time it will save you.

Browse New Homes

Begin browsing immediately to get a feel for neighborhoods and homes that will work best. If you have children in school, you might research local schools or school districts. Or, perhaps, being close to work or public transportation is critical for you. Determine what you want most in your new home, then use the Internet, real estate agents, and friends to help you find a suitable home within your budget.

Interview and Book Movers

Begin by asking friends for recommendations. Interview at least three movers, and be sure you understand each estimate or quote and what it includes so you can compare accurately. If possible, plan to move midweek. Companies are more likely to have time available then rather than on weekends.

Once you’ve decided on a company, make your reservation as soon as possible to ensure your first-choice mover is still available.

Without a doubt, packing up a kitchen can be quite a chore, and that’s why you need a moving checklist. Numerous gadgets, fragile dishware, flatware, pots and pans, and heavy appliances can make this the most challenging and time-consuming room to pack up.

Let’s explore a few kitchen packing tips to ease the transition and ensure items transport safely.

Be Selective With What You Keep

Sort through everything, taking time to pick through items you need and use. Consider having a garage sale or donating the rest to simplify packing, loading, and unpacking. You’ll thank yourself, especially if you’re downsizing to a smaller home.

Prepare With the Right Packing Materials

You’ll probably discover that you’ll need more supplies to pack the kitchen than anticipated. You will need a variety of sturdy boxes in various sizes along with:

• Packing Paper
• Bubble Wrap and Packing Peanuts
• Packing Tape
• Labels & Markers
• Box Dividers

Put Aside Essentials

If you plan on cooking meals at home before the move, keep out items you’ll need like a coffee pot, ingredients for meals, utensils, and plates for mealtime. Keep aside some dish soap, a towel, and sponge for cleaning up afterward and for last-minute cleanup before departure. These items will also be easily accessible when moving.

Pack Larger Items to Create Space

By getting the larger items like pots, pans, bakeware, mixing bowls, and storage containers out of the way, more room is created to sort the smaller kitchen goods. Nestle pots and pans, putting packing paper or dish towels between them.

Oven mitts and towels serve as excellent box stuffers to fill any gaps. Be sure to wrap glass lids or ceramic cookware and pack them in a separate box. Attempt to keep the weight minimized, and pack like items together for easier unpacking.

Tips for Packing Stemware, Glassware, Plates, and Bowls

Pack glasses and fragile stemware with care; using those specialty box dividers helps prevent breakage. Wrap individual items in packing paper or bubble wrap—stack plates and bowls on top of each other with protective paper or wrap between them. Avoid placing heavy boxes on top of glassware, and don’t attempt to overpack the boxes—even if there’s still room.

Flatware and Utensils: Pack Cautious

If you don’t have an original box to place flatware in, the drawer tray can be wrapped in plastic and put into the box. Larger serving utensils fit nicely on top, and many use large baggies or packing paper to keep things organized. Rollup knives in heavy paper and tape them securely. Pack them on their side, blades down to prevent injury when unpacking.

Transporting and Packing Foods

Attack the spices first, wrapping them in paper or baggies. Be sure to remove anything that is expired or nearly empty to lighten the load. Pack pantry items next, making sure that they are sealed up tightly before boxing them up. Consider giving your non-perishable food to neighbors, a food pantry, or Move for Hunger. Check with your mover to see if they participate in this program where their crew will pack up your unperishable food and deliver it to a food pantry.  

Moving Kitchen Appliances

If refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers are on the moving list, a professional mover will come in handy. Strong arms and good dolly are required, along with a moving truck with a ramp for loading. Check with your movers about appliance preparation before moving to ensure the appliances are fully ready to go when the movers arrive.

Need Moving Help?

Our pro team of movers can help you pack and move your kitchen and the whole house! Contact us today to learn more about or moving services and to receive a free quote.