Move into Your New Home

So you’re ready to start life in your new home — congratulations!  Now all you have to do is get yourself, your family, and your belongings there intact.  You can save time and energy by hiring a moving company, or save money by doing it yourself — it all depends on how much stuff you have, how far you’re moving, and how much you can afford to spend.

Hiring a moving company
The key to choosing the right mover is trust.  To find a company you can have confidence in, look for one that:

• Has been in the business for a number of years
• Has a clean record with the Better Business Bureau®
• Can provide several references to satisfied customers
• Meets the standards of your state’s professional association for moving companies, if there is one

Moving yourself
Your move may not require professional help, but pulling it off successfully does require a professional approach.  You wouldn’t want your moving company taking shortcuts, so why should you? 

Preparations should start well before moving day.  Download our moving checklist to stay on track during the weeks leading up to the big day, and keep these tips in mind:

• Get the right moving supplies, and plenty of them.  High-quality boxes, padding, and other packing materials are a good investment.
• Take a room-by-room inventory of everything you will take with you, and get rid of the rest either in a garage sale or by donating it to charity.
• Label each box you pack, and keep a list of its contents to make unpacking easier.
• Set aside a box of items you’ll need immediately after you arrive, such as cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils, dinnerware, bath items, tools, and a telephone.
• Have kids pack a box of their favorite things to unload right away at the new house.

Settling in
Making yourself at home in your new surroundings is about more than unpacking.  Try to explore the neighborhood and get acquainted with neighbors right away.  Ask about stores, playgrounds, and places of worship, so you don’t have to put your life on hold while you familiarize yourself with the area.