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BOOK MY MOVE
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Summer is the peak moving season in the Portland area. It’s also one of the best times of year to relocate, whether it’s across town or across the country. With great weather, long days, hot real estate opportunities, school out of session, and convenient moving dates available, it’s simple to see why so many people move this time of year. By planning your summer move in advance, your experience will be less stressful and more exciting for all the right reasons.

Planning for Your Portland Move

Make a Moving Binder

Expert organizers recommend keeping everything related to your move in a binder so it’s in one central location. Consider equipping your binder with divider tabs and pockets to make finding the details you need simple.

Know Your Needs

You know you need to get from point A to point B. Take some time to envision how this journey might look. Will you need to rent storage space? Will movers pack your belongings or will you? Do you have any belongings that require special insurance? Will you drive to your new home or fly?

Knowing these and other details in advance will help you determine your needs so you can plan appropriately.

Know Your Budget

Moving expenses can add up quickly. When planning your move, be aware of your budget and plan for the unexpected. If you’re on a tight budget, talk to your Portland moving company about ways to reduce your costs, such as obtaining used packing supplies, packing items by yourself, and limiting the items you take with you.

Create a Moving Checklist

The time to start planning a move is as soon as you know it will happen. In general, it is a good idea to have a moving checklist with a timeline that begins at least two months in advance with details such as:

Two Months Before the Move

  • Decide what to keep, donate and throw away
  • Create a home inventory
  • Order packing supplies
  • Research moving companies and obtain written estimates
  • Gather school records
  • Start eating or giving away perishable foods in the home
  • Make arrangement for pets and children in the event you need a sitter on moving day
  • Obtain the dimensions for the rooms and doorways in your new home to ensure larger pieces of furniture will fit

One Month Before the Move

  • Book rental vehicles and flights
  • Hire a Portland moving company
  • Talk to your homeowner’s insurance agent to learn if your belongings are covered during the move
  • Arrange child and pet care
  • Start packing items you won’t immediately need, such as seasonal items, and label the boxes
  • Make an inventory of the boxes you pack
  • Secure valuables to transport personally (e.g., deeds, jewelry, medications, passports)
  • Make a “pack last” box with items you’ll need immediately in the new home; this box gets packed last in the moving truck so you can unload it first when you arrive to your new home
  • Give a forwarding address to the post office
  • Notify important parties of your new mailing address (e.g., friends, utility companies, credit card companies, insurance companies, financial institutions)
  • Arrange for utilities at your new home
  • Obtain medical records if you have to see new doctors

Two Weeks Before the Move

  • Empty your bank safe deposit box if moving far away
  • Confirm the details with the Portland moving company
  • Plan your meals for the next couple of weeks
  • Start cleaning your home
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One Week Before the Move

  • Pack suitcases with items you’ll need as you finish packing, travel and unpack in your new home (e.g., clothes, cell phone charger, toiletries)
  • Refill medications
  • Confirm arrangements made with sitters
  • Arrange for a locksmith to change the locks in your new home within a few days of your move-in date

A Few Days Before the Move

  • If you’re taking the refrigerator with you, defrost it
  • Reconfirm the arrangements with the moving company
  • Verify utility connections and disconnections with the appropriate companies

Moving Day

  • Review the inventory of the boxes you packed as they’re loaded onto the truck
  • Lock windows and doors
  • Complete a final walkthrough of your home to make sure you don’t leave anything important behind

Treat yourself once you’re settled in your new place. You did it!

Moving is a big deal. You don’t have to face the task on your own. All Service Moving offers everything you need to make your moving experience pleasant and budget-friendly. Contact us today and let us know how we can be of service.

Whether you’re already a Portland resident, considering making a move to the city, or just visiting, you’ll love these summer festivals.

3-Portland-Summer-Festivals-You-will-love
Whether you’re already a Portland resident, considering making a move to the city, or just visiting, you’ll love these summer festivals.