If you have ever done any serious undertaking, you know that a good plan is a key to everything. No matter how complicated and time-consuming something can be, if you follow several well-defined and smart steps, it will be done sooner and easier than you have expected. And that goes for the relocation process as well. That’s why, this time, we are discussing how soon you should start planning your move. Here are some answers for you and your family.
Factors that help in defining the time span
Experience has shown that the approximate time people may need to organize a move and settle down in their new home goes from one month to over a year. However, several factors have an impact on how long it will exactly take.
1. How far away are you moving?
The relocation distance is one of the most important factors that can impact the planning time, as long-distance moves are much different from moving locally. That’s because you’ll face much more transportation issues when you go from one state to another. And the logistics are completely different. Consequently, it will take longer to have everything done, and you need to start making your plans a lot in advance. In most cases, that’ll be several months earlier.
However, even when you are moving locally, there are some mistakes you need to avoid. Mostly because, in that case, people tend to procrastinate and make it much longer and more complicated than it really should be. So, you need to play it smart, even if it’s a short-distance move.
2. The size of your household
Depending on the size of your household and the number of rooms you are about to pack, you can approximately define how long it will take you to relocate to your new home. Planning a small apartment relocation won’t be much of a task. And usually, it may take you up to several weeks to have everything ready to go.
However, the time span is prolonged when it comes to moving huge households, such as houses or large apartments. It’s not only about the square footage you need to deal with. There’s also a lot of sorting, decluttering, and cleaning. Not to mention packing fragile items or some specific equipment. Every item in your home that requires special packing treatment will take you some more time. So, think about that the next time you start making your relocation tasks list.
3. Your moving date
As you already know, not every part of the year is equally suitable for the relocation process. What’s more, the peak season moves, in the period from May to September, are really a task. This is due to the fact that during these months, most people decide to relocate, and the moving companies are very busy. So, if you want to get a reliable moving company in the peak season, you’ll sometimes need to start organizing more than three months in advance.
How soon should you start planning your move?
Every good plan needs to have several crucial steps. Here are some time points that you need to pay specific attention to.
1. A year before the moving date
Even though this may seem too early to even think about relocation plans, the experience proves the contrary. This is especially when it comes to finances. It is never too early to prepare your moving budget. Relocation usually costs a lot, especially when it comes to interstate moves. Still, if you start saving in advance, you’ll also save yourself from a lot of stress. Plus, the sooner you hire any kind of professional help for your move, the chances are high that you’ll get some discounts.
2. Two to three months before the moving date
Well, this is the point when you should start thinking about some specific relocation tasks. First of all, make a list of the things you need to do and follow it carefully:
- Sort and declutter all your belongings. This is one of the most difficult tasks, both physically and emotionally. You need to decide which things you want to keep, which you would like to donate, and which you should throw away immediately. There are a lot of decisions to be made, so get ready for a lot of stress. At this point, it would be smart to ask some of your friends or family members to give you a helping hand.
- Do some research on reliable, professional movers. Get quotes from several moving agencies, ask for estimates, and read customer reviews. Then contact the chosen moving company and set up the date. What’s more, in case you need a storage unit, make sure you get the one on time, too.
- Then, deal with gathering the packing supplies. Since you have already decided what things you are taking to your new home, you can make a list of the necessary packing supplies. Make sure you get enough moving boxes of different sizes, then wrapping paper and other protective supplies for the fragile items.
3. One month before
- Start the packing process. Go slowly, and step by step. You can get professional packing help or do it with your friends and family here.
- Deal with changing your address. Get in the process on time, and check your emails regularly.
- Contact your service providers, let them know you are moving, and set up the connection dates.
4. A week before
- Make sure you have all the important documents ready at your fingertips. You shouldn’t search for your passport, ID, or driving license the night before your move.
- If you are planning a thorough cleaning of your old home, this is the point when you should do that, too.
5. The final night
- Packing the essentials is a must. You need to get ready for the first day at your new home. Opening the moving boxes to find what you need is not a good idea.
- Finally, get a night of good sleep and be ready for the big day.
We hope our tips helped you and that now you know how soon you should start planning your move. No one can promise it will be easy, but if you follow the steps, you will most likely have a successful move.
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Do you want to know how soon you should start planning your move? Find out how to define this time span for a successful move.
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