Moving across town is quite a bit easier than moving across the country although it can take a lot longer. Typically, if you're moving from one area of Portland to another or surrounding cities such as Tualatin, Lake Oswego or Beaverton, you probably will take several trips back and forth from your previous home to your new home. Moving across country or even across the state usually is one big packing day and moving. The move could take one day or it could take several days but usually when you're moving not very far away you take shorter trips and extend the moving out longer.
Regardless of how you're going to go about moving, there are some tips to keep in mind when relocating across town.
1. Plan ahead.
Even if you are just moving across the city it's good to have a plan ahead of time. If you're selling one property and purchasing another you will want to be in close communication with your agent on time frames, when you should be packing, and if you can move out or move-in sooner. A lot of times, sellers will require three days to move out of their existing property and then give you the time to move in. Make sure you understand those time frames so that there are no surprises when the day comes for you to move out in eight hours or less.
You also want to plan for any changes in address, utilities, school districts, hospitals or doctor offices. Make sure the most important documents are kept close with you and not packed in any box that other movers will be taking to and from a truck. You want to keep passports, birth certificates and any major documents in a file with you at all times.
2. Think Ahead.
Think about what you'll need when you first get into your new home. You will probably need items like your toiletries, bedding, pillows, clothes and kitchen items such as a coffee maker, utensils, plates and mugs. Make sure you write on all of the boxes exactly what's in them and if you're just moving across the city you probably won't need to get rid of any perishable items such as condiments, meat or dairy products. These will be the last things you'll want to pack in order to get them into your new home as quickly as possible.
Read more: 5 Ways to Make Packing Easier
3. Stay Organized.
Keep all similar items together and pack items that belong in the same room in boxes that stick together. Reinforce any heavier boxes with packing tape and utilize the packing you already have in the form of linens, towels and bedding to wrap up fragile items and dishes. Make sure you have all the appliances you'll need at the new house or plan for other arrangements.
4. Make Arrangements for kids and/or pets.
Moving day can be very stressful on animals and even children. It's a great idea to have a friend take your dog or cat or kennel them during your move so that they're not stress out with people coming in and out. You might also have a friend or family member watch your children for a day or two during the packing process so that they don't get injured by heavy items moving in and out of the house.
Regardless of whether you're moving across the state, the country, or just across town, staying organized, planning ahead, and being ready for all of the changes of life can make the move much less stressful. Would you like more information? Feel free to contact our associate at Bridgetown Moving located here in Portland or call me for more details on buying or selling any Portland property. http://www.portlandonthemarket.com