Relocating to a new home can be a stressful scenario. Whether you’re an experienced homeowner moving into a new house or a first-time buyer relocating for work, the responsibilities prior to the move are the same. Luckily, there are many tactics you can use to make the experience easier, and even fun, for you and your family. With a little research and creativity, the packing, logistics, and set-up needed for your future home utilities can all be accomplished with little chance of error. If done correctly, moving day can be the exciting experience it’s meant to be.
As mentioned, the reasons and situations surrounding your move may vary, but your checklist will always include the same important tasks. Here we will look at just a few of the most crucial elements to make your relocation a stress-free successful one.
Your Utilities Checklist
If you’re relocating to a furnished house, your energy supplier and electric plan may already be factored into the sale. Certain areas allow homeowners the option of finding their own electric supplier in order to shop around for the best contract terms and lowest price. Unfortunately, this flexibility often comes down to the zip code of the property, as well as local laws. However, if you are relocating into an area that allows you to compare electricity companies and seek out an alternate supplier, definitely begin your research well ahead of moving day. Electric rates can vary wildly when it comes to different electric providers.
If you have that option, try to keep energy efficiency in mind. Opting for renewable energy and natural gas alternatives are good ideas for both money and savings. Not only will this environmentally-responsible option lower your carbon footprint, but “green energy” can save you a bundle on your monthly electric bills. Coupling this strategy with energy-efficient appliances, such as a heat pump air conditioner, and water-conserving faucet fixtures can also add to your overall savings.
Storage Considerations for Moving Day
Now it’s time to focus on the packing and logistics of the physical move. Regardless of the number of items you need to pack, an off-site storage unit can be the ultimate lifesaver. Again, starting well in advance of moving day is always a good idea. With that in mind, renting a storage unit near your existing residence can help you in numerous ways. For the sake of de-cluttering your home and for lowering the cost of professional movers, this might be a perfect alternative for your family’s needs.
For example, consider first packing the items you won’t need in the immediate future. This can include an off-season wardrobe, holiday decorations, and books, music, and other non-essentials. These can all be brought to a rented storage unit piece-by-piece as you go along, allowing you to free up space in your home and remove clutter from sight. If you need any of those packed items before moving day, one quick trip to your storage facility will make for an easy errand. Plus, depending upon how far the storage unit is from your new home when the actual moving day approaches, you’ll be able to slowly pick up those pre-packed boxes at your own leisure, immediately removing the most stressful element of any potential relocation.
Although these are just a few of the simple solutions to de-stressing your relocation experience, different strategies work for different people. What is most important, however, is that you plan ahead of time for the most important aspects of ensuring your family’s safety, as well as the security of your belongings. If you have a checklist of the most crucial relocation tasks, you’ll be ahead of the game, and one step closer to settling into your new home.
