You may be tempted to think that the culmination of all of your months of planning and hard work is the day that you actually move in, but move in day itself can actually be the most difficult day of all. Naturally, you want to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch and that all of your belonging arrive in one place in one piece. Read on for tips that will help to ensure your moving day comes off as smoothly as possible.
The day before move-in, make sure that your payment for the movers is ready. It is a good idea to contact the company ahead of time to be sure you know what type of payment the driver will be able to accept. Do not just assume that they will be able to take a check or even cash. If they will only accept a certified check or bank draft, make a note to take care of this before move-in day. It is also a good idea to have a cash tip prepared for the movers as well. While you are certainly not required to tip the movers, it is a good idea.
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First, make sure you know what time your movers will be arriving and make plans to arrive at your new place before they do. If you absolutely cannot arrive early, make arrangements with a trusted friend or relative to wait for the movers at your new home.
Prior to the arrival of the movers, be sure there will be sufficient parking space for the moving truck. If you are moving into a building with an elevator, be sure to check with the landlord or supervisor regarding the use of the service elevator.
Check to be certain that your utilities have actually been turned on and are in working order. Even though you may have made arrangements for a specific set-up date, it is still a good idea to verify it. It is also a good idea to have a pest company spray your new home before your move-in day and then do a walk-through to be sure no critters are lying around before your things arrive.
Be sure to bring your home inventory list with you so that you will be able to check off every single item as it comes off the truck and enters your new home. Your movers should provide this list to you when you move out of your old place. Finding out after the fact that something has been misplaced can not only be frustrating, but time consuming as well.
Avoid the tendency to tell the movers to just put things ‘wherever.’ It will save you a lot of time and trouble, if you direct them where items and boxes should be placed as they are unloading them from the truck. For example, have bedroom boxes placed in the bedroom, kitchen boxes in the kitchen, etc. This can be particularly helpful with large pieces of furniture.
Once the appliances have been moved in, go ahead and check them to be certain they are working. If you notice that an item is not working properly, be sure to make a notation of it so that you can then contact the moving company about it as soon as possible.
Finally, check with the moving company to make certain you know
whether you will be charged for any additional fees, such as
furniture assembly, use of stairs, etc. This can save you from
some undesirable surprises.