Save money – The scale of your move will likely be quite a bit less after you declutter, which saves you money in moving supplies, equipment, and time on the clock. You might even make money by selling some of those items!
Clean less – You’re going to want to enjoy your new place as soon as possible. Transporting fewer dusty knick-knacks and household goods means you can spend more time exploring your new neighborhood and home and less time cleaning those space-taking items.
Feel organized – When you start to declutter, you may run across things you thought you misplaced or lost. Having a better grasp of where your things are as you prepare to move your belongings into your new home will make all the difference in settling in.
Gain freedom – Whether you’re moving across town or to another state, clutter can tie you down, emotionally and physically. In addition to cutting down on the logistics of your move, you’re likely to find that letting go of items you thought you couldn’t give up is quite liberating.
Start new – Unpacking fewer items makes it much easier to decorate. You can start to visualize more functional furniture placement and see each room through a fresh lens.
United Van Lines’ guide has tips on efficient ways to declutter before a move
Selecting a qualified mover is paramount if you want to have a successful office move. As a member of the Commercial Relocation Network, Crown is affiliated with 50 of the largest office and industrial relocation companies in the country. Members of this group are the best commercial relocation companies available in the United States.
The moving process can be easier than you anticipate, if you follow the plan provided by your move consultant and think about these questions when creating a pre-move checklist:
Have all desks been cleared and emptied?
Have file cabinets been secured and are there spare keys available if original keys are lost?
Have tall supply cabinets and shelving units been emptied?
Have all electrical assets such as computers, printers, monitors, peripherals and phones been disconnected and labeled properly?
Have all printers been serviced and ink cartridges removed if required?
Are all pictures and dry erase boards off the walls and ready to move?
Did you empty and disconnect the break room refrigerator if you have one?
You and your mover have planned everything carefully. Your belongings are packed in the van, your car is tuned up and a whole new adventure is about to begin. You’re well aware that there will be a gap between when your valuables are scheduled to arrive and when you cross the threshold of your new front door. So how do you make the most of it?
Use the Time to Get Things Ready
If you don’t expect the moving van to show up for several hours, it’s the perfect time to get the new space cleaned up. Buy cleaning materials and dust, polish and scrub all surfaces, assemble any furniture and organize any items that may have arrived from places other than the moving van, and check the condition of walls, floors and windows. If you have outdoor space, sweep the patio and sidewalks and make sure your movers have easy access to where they’ll need to go.
Be sure you stay in touch with your mover and try to get as accurate an ETA as possible, so you’ll be there to supervise once they arrive.
Take Care of Your Co-movers
If you have kids, be sure you’ve got some toys and games handy to help them pass the time. You can also channel all that excess energy into a small cleaning or spruce-up project (like papering pantry shelves or dusting built-in bookcases). Teens might be happy exploring their new neighborhood and reporting back what they found. And your partner might go online to find a great restaurant, or takeout place – or even ask a next-door neighbor about services like gardeners or housekeepers.
Will It Be More Than a Day or Two?
When you know in advance that your belongings won’t be there right away, here are a few options worth considering:
If it makes sense to stay in the new space, be sure you bring or items such as inflatable mattresses, bedding, towels, linens and personal care items. Disposable napkins utensils and plates could come in handy, too. A couple of first-night boxes that have essential supplies may be a good idea.
Another option would be checking into a hotel or motel. This way you’ll avoid the hassle of dealing with things like beds, linens and Wi-Fi connectivity and just relax until the big day. You may prefer to book long-term stay or efficiency style accommodations which would give you the flexibility to make your own meals and additional space to be together as a group.
If you have family or friends in the area staying with them might be an option. However, it’s important let them know as far in advance as possible – and to give them a definite departure date. If they’re locals, it’s also a chance to find out the go-tos and must-sees in your new city – and take them out for a nice evening to show your appreciation for their hospitality.
Could You Use a Vacation?
Before you settle in, it might be a good time to take a break from, well, everything. If work and school schedules allow, consider a road trip to a national park or resort. It will make the move feel more like an adventure and help de-stress everyone with you on the journey. You’ll arrive at your new home refreshed, energized about settling in, and with lots of memories to share.
