Moving to a new home is an exciting yet challenging process. Amidst the packing, planning, and anticipation, it’s easy to overlook some crucial details. To help ensure your move goes smoothly, we’ve compiled a list of the top five most forgotten things about moving.
Updating Your Address
One of the most commonly overlooked tasks during a move is updating your address. It’s important to notify various entities of your new location to avoid missing out on essential correspondence. Here’s a quick checklist of places to update your address:
- Post Office: Set up mail forwarding to your new address.
- Utilities: Ensure electricity, water, gas, and internet are transferred or set up at your new home.
- Banks and Credit Card Companies: Update your billing address to avoid disruptions.
- Subscriptions: Magazines, meal kits, and other subscription services need your new address.
- Government Agencies: Inform the DMV and voter registration of your move.
- Friends and Family: Don’t forget to share your new address with your personal contacts.
Packing an Essentials Box
In the rush of moving, it’s easy to forget to pack a box with essential items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This box should contain items to help you through the first few days without having to unpack everything. Consider including:
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper)
- A change of clothes
- Important documents (IDs, passports, moving paperwork)
- Basic kitchen supplies (coffee maker, snacks, utensils)
- Medications and first aid supplies
- Chargers for electronic devices
Having these essentials easily accessible can make your first night in your new home much more comfortable.
Measuring Your New Space
Many people forget to measure their new home before moving in, leading to potential issues with fitting furniture and appliances. It’s crucial to have the dimensions of your new space, including doorways, staircases, and rooms. This ensures that your larger items will fit through doors and in the intended spots. Planning ahead can save you from the hassle of moving furniture multiple times or discovering too late that your favorite couch won’t fit.
Defrosting the Refrigerator
If you’re taking your refrigerator with you, remember to defrost it at least 24 hours before the move. Empty out all contents, unplug the unit, and let it defrost. Wipe it down to remove any water and prevent mold or mildew. Moving a refrigerator that’s not properly defrosted can result in leaks and damage, not to mention an unpleasant surprise when you arrive at your new home.
Labeling Boxes Clearly
Amid the chaos of packing, it’s easy to forget to label boxes accurately. Labeling each box with its contents and the room it belongs to can save you significant time and frustration when unpacking. Use clear, specific labels, such as “Kitchen – Pots and Pans” instead of just “Kitchen.” Additionally, consider using color-coded labels for each room to make it even easier for movers to know where everything goes.
Conclusion
Moving is a complex process with many moving parts—no pun intended! By remembering to update your address, pack an essentials box, measure your new space, defrost your refrigerator, and label your boxes clearly, you can alleviate some of the stress and ensure a smoother transition to your new home. Taking care of these often forgotten tasks will help you settle in more quickly and comfortably, allowing you to enjoy your new space sooner. Happy moving!
We Buy Houses Virginia proudly serves a variety of areas throughout the state, including King George County, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, Fredericksburg, Caroline County, Hanover County, Henrico County, Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Louisa County, Culpeper County, Fauquier County, Prince William County, Richmond, and Orange County. If you have a property in any of these locations and are looking to sell quickly and profitably, we are here to help you every step of the way!
