Preparing for a move can be overwhelming, especially if your new home is far from your old one. Fortunately, with some advance planning, you can make this process much simpler and easier. Below are some tips to help you prepare for your move to Atlanta with as little stress and expense as possible.
1. Keep your plans organized.
Planning a move will require you to keep track of a great deal of information. Designate a specific location for this information so you can keep it organized and easy to access. Depending on your preferences, you may decide to buy a special notebook for moving plans, or you may open a folder on your computer and keep your information organized electronically.
2. Take an inventory of anticipated moving expenses.
The expenses associated with moving can add up quickly. In order to make sure you have enough money set aside to cover these expenses, it is important to make a list of what you expect to pay early in the planning process. Examples of expenses you may incur while moving include:
- Packing supplies, such as boxes, tape and padding
- Temporary housing
- Storage unit rental fees
- Moving truck or container rental fees
- Professional moving company fees
- Travel expenses for long distance moves, such as plane tickets
- Expenses for cleaning your previous residence
- Initial bills at your new home
- Final bills at your old home
After calculating an estimate of all these expenses, it is also a good idea to set some extra money aside in case of an unexpected cost. Keep in mind that many of these expenses will vary based on the specifics of your move, as well as the providers you choose. It is always a good idea to shop around to make sure you are getting the best deal.
3. Find ways to save money.
In addition to simply shopping around for the cheapest options, there are other ways to save money on your move as well. For example, instead of hiring a professional to clean your previous home after you leave, you can do the cleaning yourself. You may also be able to save money by driving to your new home instead of flying, depending on the circumstances. If you have some time before you need to start packing, you can save even more money by stocking up on free packing supplies, as opposed to buying them. Keep boxes from any shipments you receive, and check with supermarkets or other local stores to see if they have boxes to give away.
4. Plan the organization of your new home.
The packing process will be much easier if you base it on the layout of your new home, as opposed to your old one. Take some time to play how your new home will be organized, and then pack your boxes accordingly. Be sure to label everything clearly so you will know where to take it when you arrive in the new space.
5. Use up food.
One of the most complicated parts of relocation is dealing with food in the old home and the new home. If you don’t plan carefully, you may find yourself throwing out hundreds of dollars’ worth of groceries in your old home before spending even more money to stock the kitchen in your new home. Long-distance moves make it nearly impossible to store and transport food safely, so make it easier on yourself by using up as much food as possible before you leave your old home. If you have leftovers that won’t transport easily, consider donating them or sharing them with friends and family before you leave.
6. Consult the professionals.
With so many tasks to complete before you can move to a new home successfully, it is only natural to feel overwhelmed. You can make the process much less stressful by working with a professional moving company. Professional moving companies can handle some of the most difficult parts of your move, such as packing your home, loading all of your items into the truck and transporting them to Atlanta. Your moving company can also unload all of your boxes, furniture and other belonging in your new home.
Keep in mind that not all moving companies are the same. For the best results, choose an established company with a good reputation, such as A.C. White Relocations.