How to Plan a Smooth Move: Part 1

Planning a move is a long and difficult process, especially if you don’t choose a reputable moving company. There are many advantages to hiring experienced movers, and you should carefully consider all the aspects of employing professionals to help you move.

However, there are some things you need to do on your own. You have to do the initial planning in order to familiarize the movers you’ve hired in San Diego on how you want things done. Here’s some help on how to plan a smooth relocation.

How do you plan a move?

If you have no idea what you’re doing, and you’re not familiar with all the minutiae of moving, planning to relocate can get pretty stressful really quickly. Professional movers are there to help you, sure, but you still have to plan, weeks in advance.

Yes, weeks. Starting off early can mean the difference between an organized move and a disorganized mess of tension-inducing chaos. So, take a look at the first 4 weeks of our extensive biweekly 8-week moving checklist.

T-minus 8 weeks

As early as starting to plan eight weeks in advance seems, trust us, it’s not. Here’s what to do this early in the moving process:

• Create a folder with all the records, receipts, and quotes regarding your move. 
• Schedule movers to come to your home and provide estimates. 
• Create a budget for all your moving expenses. 
• Carefully read through all the documents provided by the movers you’re thinking about hiring before signing anything.
• Confirm that the moving company you want to hire is licensed and insured.
• Request time off from work well in advance in order to be able to actually move.
• If you have kids, search for good schools in your new neighborhood and sign your kids up.
• You can also start planning a garage sale to get rid of all the items you do not plan to take with you.

T-minus 6 weeks

OK, now you’ve laid the groundwork for the move. However, the work is far from over. This is the time for getting your ducks in a row. Let’s see what you can do six weeks into planning.

• Set some time aside to see your friends and your family. A dinner party should do the trick.
• Go around your neighborhood and try to collect as many free boxes as you can, just to be on the safe side when actually starting to pack.
• Go online and look for packing hacks to help you pack up when the time comes.
• Label the boxes you’ll be packing in with labels of different color depending on the room. This is the easiest way to unpack later on.
• Create a list of all your valuable possessions before placing them into boxes. Also, create a private list of all your valuables.
• Mark the boxes you’ll be placing fragile items in.
• Take photographs of all the cables that go into your electronics. This will help you make an easier time of connecting all the cables again.
• Set aside some linen, T-shirts, socks, and towels that you’ll use to wrap fragile items in.
• Perform all minor repairs around your home before moving out. 
• Have all your vehicles serviced if you’re preparing for a distant move.
• Do some research on your new community. See where all the interesting sights are, and get familiar with your own points of interest.
• Start packing bit by bit on a daily basis. There’s a lot of packing involved when moving, so doing a little every day will make it easier on you.

T-minus 4 weeks

You’re into the one-month mark. This is the perfect time for making sure all of the important documentation is in order. Also, this is the perfect time to start donating or selling any items you do not plan on taking with you.

• Purchase some moving insurance in order to cover all of the belongings when moving.
• Inquire about the parking options for the moving truck. Sometimes, you need a permit.
• Gather all of your legal and financial documents.
• Gather passports and birth certificates for all family members.
• Visit the library and return all the books.
• Pick up any clothes you might have left at the dry cleaner’s.
• Compile all of your dental, optical, and medical records for all household members.
• Research new doctors, vets, and dentists if you’re moving out of town.
• Transfer your internet and cable plans.
• Ensure all your pets have ID tags.
• Gather copies of the records from your vet.
• If your move involves leaving the country, check if there’s any vaccination needed.
• Make a music playlist for the move day. Why not enjoy it?

And that’s the first four weeks of pre-move planning done. However, four more weeks await you, but more on that soon enough. For now, be happy that you’re making excellent progress with organizing your relocation.

How long does it take to move?

As you can see, planning to move is a process that takes approximately two months. That being said, there are plenty of people who plan and execute a move in a lot less. However, we do not advise a hasty move, as getting everything organized is extremely important when moving.

On the other hand, how long it takes to actually pack all your belongings, place them in a moving truck, relocate to a new location and unpack everything again all depends on how much stuff you’ve got on with you.

Also, the time it takes to pack and load all of your belongings depends on whether or not you’re doing it on your own, or you’ve decided to hire professional movers. Experienced movers can pack and load all your stuff a lot more quickly than you can, greatly speeding up the entire moving process.

Who are the most reputable movers in San Diego?

When you’re moving, there’s a lot to take in and take care of. It’s emotional, it’s complicated, and it’s demanding in many other ways. However, hiring reliable movers can make your transition a lot easier. Enter Move Central

We are a team of experienced and efficient movers who give it their all to make your change of life gentle on you and your family. Allow us to pack everything up while you take a stroll down memory lane at Heritage Park. We’re here for you. Reach out to us today.