It doesn’t matter what time of year it is; people are always moving. There are definitely times of year when moving is more common: when school begins and ends, summertime when the weather is nicer, etc.; but at Mainstreet we happily move people into their new homes every day. We wanted to put together this simple resource to help you plan your move to your new Mainstreet place.
Before you Move:
Decluttering
You can’t start decluttering too early. Spend a little time on Google looking for the best tips and tricks for deciding what to keep and what to give away, there are tons of great resources and guides to help. Don’t get overwhelmed, you’ve got this! Tackle one section at a time: start with your pantry and get rid of expired cans and past-their-best spices, no need to pay to move expired food. Move on to your clothes, then to your décor, etc. By tackling one thing at a time, you’ll keep from getting overwhelmed.
Protip: Once you’ve sorted everything into keep and giveaway sections, invite some friends over for a few drinks and to “shop your stuff”! It’s a great way to have fun with friends and pass on those items for someone new to love them!
Measure Twice, Move Once
First things first: buy a measuring tape. If you don’t have one, stop reading and go buy one! It’s important that you measure everything in your new place from doors to balconies to rooms, you need to do this so you can determine which of your current furniture will fit and which will have to stay behind or find a new home. Create a floor plan of your new place, too. It’s not enough to know that each item will fit into the apartment, it’s also important to know how well they’ll work together, leaving you room to move.
Budget for Change
Depending on the size of your new place, you may have to sell or otherwise part with some of your current furniture. Try and recover costs by selling these items on local marketplaces like Kijiji, or for more valuable pieces, consider finding a local furniture consignment shop to get you the maximum value. Even if you’re unable to sell your current item, price out the cost of the new furniture and determine how long it will take you to purchase given your budget. Check out our blog on getting furnished cheaply for some hints. Remember to distinguish between things you actually need and those which are just wants that would be nice to have.
Moving with Pets
Regardless of how far your move is, it’s important to have a plan that takes pets into account. Longer distance moves will require more planning than shorter moves. These basic tips should apply to nearly any situation, but do your research and find the appropriate plan or checklist for your move.
Ensure you have your pet’s vaccination records and any other documents required to have them registered in the new city you’re moving to, and even if you’re staying in the same city, don’t leave them behind. Make sure you have all of your pet’s medications, and bring an extra supply in case you have trouble getting your pet’s prescriptions filled in the first few days or weeks. Pack a moving day bag for your pets, and an essentials bag with a few days of supplies inside to keep your pet happy and healthy while you’re unpacking.
Protip: Book a petsitter for the day/days of your move so that you don’t need to worry about your pet escaping into a new and unknown area, this will also reduce the stress of this adjustment for them by ensuring they come into a calm new home, not a place filled with strangers moving things in and out.
DIY:
Many people choose to save money by moving themselves rather than hiring a moving company. Depending on how much you have to move and how far you are moving, this can be a great alternative to hiring professional movers. To make this the easiest process possible, we suggest you start by booking your truck / moving vehicle early. Not using a truck? Then at least consider recruiting the assistance of a friend with a vehicle who will be able to help you transport things in half the time. Two vehicles are always faster than one.
We also recommend talking to family and friends early in the process to see how many people you can enlist to help you in this process. Even if you don’t have a lot of money, you can think of other creative ways to incentivize and reward people for their help such as cooking them a nice meal or offering to do some chores for them in exchange. If you’re unable to find family and friends to help, we strongly advise hiring someone with a vehicle to assist.
Make sure your moving plan is realistic: DIY moves are often better done on the weekend so you have that extra day for unforeseen events and delays. Pack a bag of your essentials to get you through the first few nights without needing to unpack your boxes. Also, ensure you plan ahead and purchase your boxes, moving cart, etc. IKEA is a great place to one-stop-shop these items.
Hiring Movers:
When hiring professional movers, it’s important to do your research and to source out multiple quotes. Make sure you read reviews and ask around to see what other people’s experiences with these companies have been like. Some movers charge a single, flat-fee for a move, while others bill on an hourly basis. Both types of companies should be able to provide you with a clear estimate for the move, so when you’re getting your quotes, make sure you check a few different companies, a few each of both the hourly and flat-rate options. See if you can save money by having things prepared, although some people like the hassle-free service of even having the movers pack their things.
Regardless of how you decide to move, ensure that you’re moving somewhere that opens doors of opportunity for you rather than closing them. Choosing to live in comfortable, affordable, quality homes like the apartments that Mainstreet provides across inner-city Western Canada is a great way to save money without sacrificing your quality-of-life.