Whether you’ve brought a new house or rented one, moving always instills a mix of emotions. One day you’ll be all pumped up about finally getting the keys to your new place and can’t wait to personalize a fresh space. Then there comes another day when you’ll find yourself in a frantic whirl because the reality is slowly sinking in. 

You have to pack years of memories and belongings in different boxes, sort all your current residence’s utilities and other paperwork, navigate the moving logistics, and ultimately, get ready to bid farewell to your loved ones. It’s natural to feel unmotivated, overwhelmed, and dazed during this time. 

After all, you’re leaving the comfort of your house and preparing for a new lifestyle. This shift is incredibly chaotic for people moving from large cities, like Fort Lauderdale, to cross-country destinations. This vibrant city offers boundless entertainment and recreational activities, health services, education, and other amenities. However, it is also ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the US, with an average cost of living 22 percent higher than the national average. 

While leaving Fort Lauderdale and moving cross-country may seem challenging, you can make it a stress-free experience with these tips: 

Moving Tips Checklist to Help You Avoid Mistakes

Moving Tips Checklist

  • Hire Experienced Cross-Country Movers 

You might think you can save some money by moving your belongings yourself, but it pays to enlist the assistance of professionals specializing in cross-country moves. They will handle all the paperwork, safely transport your items to the destination, and cater to your unique needs. 

However, since not all movers offer the same quality of service, you must research to find a reliable one. If you’re moving from Fort Lauderdale, only hire the top Fort Lauderdale cross country movers to help you relocate. These experts will work according to your preferences, budgets, and timelines, ensuring a stress-free moving experience.

  • Make an Inventory List 

Having a detailed inventory list will help in two ways. First, it will give you an idea of the items you need to pack and move from one place to another. Second, you’ll need it to check off items when unpacking in the new house. 

List all furniture, rugs, appliances, electronics, personal items, and other similar belongings. Mention the quantity and condition of each item. Also, click photos of the items that are expensive or antique and add them to your list.

If you create a room-wise inventory, packing and unpacking the items will become easier.

  • Pack Smartly 

Packing is the most daunting part of the moving process. Since you’ll be relocating to a different city, you must pack your items safely and smartly to maintain their condition throughout the journey.

Invest in quality moving supplies to protect your belongings from damage while in transit. Also, label all the boxes with their contents and the room they belong to. You can use color codes for the labels to make it easier to differentiate the boxes and recognize which items should go where. 

When packing, always put heavy items at the bottom of the box and lighter items at the top. Also, fill all the empty spaces in the box with bubble wrap or crumpled newspapers to prevent your valuables from getting damaged due to sudden jerks. 

  • Notify the Necessary Parties

From utility services and banks to insurance and mobile service providers, you must inform all the necessary parties that you’re moving. Otherwise, you’ll receive your bills, package deliveries, and bank statements at the old address that you no longer reside in.

Also, remember to update your address on government websites or any other official document requiring an updated address. You can also inform the local post office about your move, as they can redirect your mail to the new address.

  • Sort Out Your Finances

Imagine moving to a new city without any money because you forgot to transfer the funds from your old bank account. Or worst, you forgot to budget for the move and haphazardly spent more than you should. 

Therefore, it’s essential to sort out your finances before you make the move. Make sure to pay all the outstanding dues, including utility bills, rent, and other related payments. Also, check your bank statements to make sure everything is in order.

Alternatively, research the cost of living in the new city. Compare the prices of amenities, housing, food, transportation, and other essential services to avoid financial surprises. 

Lastly, create an emergency fund for the unexpected expenses of moving to a new house.

  • Arrange a Time for Cleaning 

It may be tempting to leave your previous home as it is and move on with the next chapter of your life. But what impression will you leave on potential buyers or tenants if your house is in a shabby state? You could even lose your security deposit if you’re a renter and your landlord finds out you didn’t clean up the house. 

So, dust and scrub all the corners, floors, walls, windows, bathrooms, kitchen appliances, and any other surface before moving out. Use natural cleaning products and the proper cleaning technique for each surface to ensure every corner is sparkling clean. 

  • Make Copies of Important Documents

Moving involves significant paperwork, making it easier to misplace or lose important documents. Therefore, it’s crucial to create soft or digital copies of essential documents and store them securely. It includes birth certificates, passports, driver’s licenses, medical records, insurance policies, etc. 

On the other hand, scrap old bills and no longer needed documents. You don’t want to move with extra weight or leave behind sensitive information.

Conclusion

Moving across states takes you through a roller-coaster of emotions. You’ll feel stressed, overwhelmed, and excited. After all, you’ll soon be in a new city with fresh experiences waiting for you. But before that, you need to cross the finish line of relocating. So, hire a professional mover to transport your belongings

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Moving Tips for Packing Expensive Décor

DIY Moving Tips to Help You Move Like a Pro

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About the Author: Patricia Davis Brown

Patricia, like her blog, is not a one-dimensional designer, which is evident in her accolades of 17 national design awards. Over a 38-year career in the industry, she has carved a niche in several areas of design. Licensed in interior design and certified in kitchen and bath design, she offers a full menu of design services ranging from whole house interior design, kitchen and bath design, lighting design, full remodels, commercial design and universal (ADA) design. Patricia is a sought-after speaker in the industry and has been published in many publications as seen on her interior design firm’s website, https://www.patriciadavisbrowndesigns.com/. She writes for such publications as QuinStreetinc, Relaxed Remodeler, and eHow.com talent offering design tips.