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
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.