Before You Move
Putting everything off until the last minute can derail your entire move. Here's how you can start prepping for the big day in advance!
Organize & declutter
Before your home even goes on the market, take some time to reorganize your belongings and get rid of things you no longer need. It may be beneficial to work room by room and host a garage sale once you've cleared out the stuff that won't be coming with you to your new home. If you're having trouble paring down, it might be worth renting a temporary storage unit.
Make a plan
You'll want to determine how you'll be moving as far in advance as possible. Will you be hiring a professional moving company or renting a truck? Will you need to make any travel arrangements? Where will you purchase your moving supplies? Be sure to keep any documents related to your move (like a bill of lading or any other contracts) with you at all times during the move.
Change your address
It can take the post office a while to change your address and start forwarding your mail, so you should put in your request at least two weeks in advance. Now is also the time to alert your loved ones and important service providers (such as doctors and banks) of your new address. Be sure to set up your utilities prior to moving day, too!
Helpful Packing Tips
- Reinforce: Only use heavy-duty, reinforced boxes that won't break during transport.
- Innovate: Get creative with your packing! Try using luggage or suitcases to store extra items or substitute linens for bubble wrap.
- Pack small: Pack heavier items in smaller boxes so they're easier to carry.
- Protect: If possible, try to keep any high-value or fragile items off the moving truck to prevent damage. Covering furniture with plastic wrap will reduce scratching.
- Prepare: Create an "Open Me First" box that contains all of the essentials you'll need right when you move in. You might want to include cleaning supplies, tools, a first-aid kit, toilet paper, and snacks.
- Label: Label each of your boxes by room so you'll know exactly where they go in your new home. You can even color-code everything for an added level of organization!
On Moving Day
The big day is finally here! These tips will help you stay sane as you make the transition to your new home.
Keep important information
Your most sensitive documents and belongings—like passports, social security cards, and medications—should stay with you at all times during the move. Make sure to set them aside so they don't end up on the truck!
Pack an overnight bag
Even if you plan on moving into your new home right away, it's best to pack an overnight bag just in case something comes up. You'll want to include a change of clothes, medications, toiletries, and a phone charger.
Have contacts handy
All important contacts should be stored in your phone before moving day. Familiarize yourself with your moving or truck rental company in case you need to call them with any questions!
After You Move
You've made it to your new place, but there's still a lot of work to be done! Here are a few things you should do right after moving in.
Clean first
This is your golden opportunity to scrub down every inch of your home before it's crowded with furniture. If you're feeling too exhausted to clean, you can always hire a professional cleaning service to do the hard work for you.
Unpack by room
It's easy to feel overwhelmed when you're surrounded by a mountain of boxes! To make the unpacking process more approachable, tackle each room individually by order of importance. You'll probably want to start with your kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
Relax!
As you begin unpacking, don't forget to take some time to relax and explore the magic of the Catskills. Congrats—your new chapter is just beginning!
Let's Streamline Your Move
Want to make a move to the Catskills but don't know where to start? That's where we come in! Contact the Catskill Dream Team today to start planning your big move to Central New York. We can't wait to welcome you into the fold of our spectacular community!
Need to sell before you buy? We can certainly help with that, too!