Maybe you received a promotion and need to move, or you have thought about it for months and decided to make the change. Or maybe you found the house of your dreams and it didn’t close until after summer was over. Whatever the reason you’re moving in the fall, be happy about it. After all, fall is a wonderful time to be outside and is a prime time of year to move. It is, however, a bit different than moving in the summer. Follow these easy tips to make your fall moving process a seamless success.
Free Yourself of Summer Clutter
Summer is over, so there’s no need to move your summer items to your new place and then pack them away. Store them before your move. Use large storage bins that are clearly marked so you know not to unpack them. Those can go into the attic, extra bedroom, or wherever you plan to store your off-season belongings.
Negotiate Better Moving Rates
If you are hiring movers to do the job for you, you will be competing with fewer people to schedule them, so you can generally find cheaper rates. This can be a big benefit and help keep money in your pocket. It’s still smart to get a handful of quotes from reputable moving companies before deciding which one to use. Make sure to read the contract thoroughly before signing it and double-check the date and time agreed upon.
Set Up Your Utilities
The last thing you want to deal with when you get moved in is a chilly house with no heat. Contact the utility companies you will be using at your new place and schedule a time for the electricity, water, and internet to be turned on. If you must overlap with your old residence’s utilities for a couple of days, the peace of mind knowing your family will be warm is worth the expense.
Plan for School Changes
If you have school-age children, moving in the fall probably means they will be changing school while it’s in session. Lessen their stress by talking to them about it in advance and answering all their questions. If possible, schedule an in-person visit to their new school so they can see it and meet their teacher before their first day. While you’re there, make sure they are enrolled and that the administration knows when your kids will be joining them as students.
Clear the Walkways
It’s always a good idea to move debris off your driveways and walking paths, but moving day makes it even more important, especially in autumn. Fallen leaves can get wet and be slippery, which can lead to nasty spills. Rake up the leaves and move rugs and any other tripping hazards before moving day. Hopefully, this tip can keep you and your movers out of the ER and on the job.
Wear the Right Shoes
Even though fall may still be warm, pack your flip-flops away and choose a better, safer shoe. Flip-flops can get caught under furniture, cause you to trip, and won’t provide protection if something heavy is dropped on your foot. Opt for closed-toes shoes with low heels and lots of support. Tennis shoes are always a good bet.
Begin Your Move in Early Morning
In the fall, we say goodbye to long evenings full of sunshine and usher in shorter days. This is a good reason to be up and ready to roll at the crack of dawn. Call the movers the day before and confirm they are going to be on time, so you aren’t sitting there waiting for them to show up. Starting early gives you a much better chance of finishing before dark, unless you’re moving hundreds of miles away.
Protect Your Floors
Your hardwood, tile, and carpet flooring can get ruined with tears and stains during moving day if you aren’t careful. Fall can also be a rainy time, and mud can be difficult to clean up. Lay some large plastic across the area that is going to get the most traffic during the move. Once you’re settled in, you will be glad you took the extra few minutes to keep your floors clean and free from damage.
Summer may be a more popular time to move, but autumn offers some great benefits for people moving across the city or across the country. Follow these proactive fall moving tips and you will be able to relax on moving day and feel confident you will be in your new home in no time.
