Many of our previous blogs refer to the best ways to plan in advance every aspect of your move. Although it’s ideal and convenient to have endless time to plan your next move, people experience the opposite circumstances all too often.

Different situations might require a sudden or unexpected move. For instance, if your next move depends on your acceptance to an institution, you may only achieve admission to a place out of your area, which would require immediate relocation.

Another common reason for sudden relocation comes in the form of an eviction. No one enjoys being forced to move, but sometimes it’s best to accept what has happened and move on.

Sudden job losses or reassignments may also contribute to your immediate need to move. Whatever the reason behind your relocation needs, use the following steps to help you achieve a successful move despite the circumstances.

1. Keep a Clear Head

Upon finding that your immediate removal is necessary, take a moment to assess your feelings. Though your emotions may range from shock to anger or feeling overwhelmed, don’t let them rule you. Instead, find ways to come to grips with your emotions.

Letting yourself wallow in self-pity or stew in righteous anger doesn’t do any good. Accept your new circumstances and move on from there. In everything from packing to ending various relationships, staying calm will save you time and a headache.

2. Focus on What Matters Most


First things first-you need to prioritize, and you need to do it fast. Because you have little time to pack and plan, it’s important to stay motivated. But don’t be too hard on yourself when big decisions come.

Focus your efforts on finding a new place to live, securing a new job, and determining your future transportation. Once you take care of the essentials, proceed to address less important issues.

3. Communicate

You’re likely struggling with many challenges as a result of such a sudden change, and you could use someone to talk to. Express your feelings to a close friend or family member.

It’s also not a bad idea to contact old friends and acquaintances near your future home to develop a network of friends before you get there.

Don’t forget to discuss all your options with those you’re close to. This will help you process your emotions while preparing mentally for what’s to come.

4. Ask For Help

No one move is simple or easy, but it can be particularly difficult when you have a limited timeline. Contact anybody who might be able to lend a helping hand, including friends, family, and local moving companies.

Although it might seem like a good idea to do everything on your own, you’ll be glad you obtained help. Professional movers offer all the necessary moving supplies, and they know how to move your belongings in an orderly and efficient manner.

5. Start Fresh

Get rid of anything you can, including things you rarely use or items that you don’t need. Take advantage of local charities and donate any unwanted items. This will save you time while helping those in need.

It’s good to get your possessions in order, but don’t forget to address the financial and emotional aspect of your moving process. If your old landlord evicted you, do what you can to make things right. Replace damaged property and pay what you owe when possible.

With these efforts to make amends and resolve your debts, you can move forward with a clear conscience. Paying your bills will also help you begin to reestablish your credit, thus creating a brighter future for housing, loans, and other expenses.

6. Embrace the Change


Although this change may happen quickly, adapting might take some time. Allow yourself this time to adjust, even if it comes after the dust has settled from your recent move.

Use the above steps to make informed decisions and achieve a successful move. Your circumstances may lack convenience, but that doesn’t have to ruin future opportunities.

If you’ve spent money on valuable appliances, you shouldn’t have to leave them behind when you move. Luckily, as long as you learn the proper way to prepare appliances for relocation, nothing can stop you from enjoying their use in your new location.

Below, you’ll find the necessary steps to prepare any large household appliance for travel. Whether you plan to store the appliance or immediately transfer it to your new home, use these tips to successfully relocate your washing machine, dryer, or refrigerator.

Washing Machine

Clean
Before you do anything, clean your appliance inside and out. Use a cloth and all-purpose cleaner to wipe off the exterior of the machine. Next, gently clean out the drum and lint filter with warm water. Leave the lid open to let any moisture evaporate.

Service
Many moving companies offer safe loading, storage, and transit of large items like a clothes washer. A moving company won’t accept responsibility for water damage that may occur while disconnecting an old appliance, so you should disconnect it before the company arrives.

Older appliances may have corroded shutoff valves that won’t turn off completely. This corrosion often leads to flooding. Keep your appliances up-to-date, and store the owner’s manual in a safe and accessible place.

If you find damage, read your owner’s manual to find out how to fix the drum or tub. Repairs will keep your machine from having problems upon reinstallation. Make sure to turn off the water, release pressure from the hoses, and drain out any liquids. Once disconnected and unplugged, you can proceed to packing and loading.

Dryer

Clean
Remove any debris from inside the machine, including emptying the lint trap and lint hose. Use a gentle cleanser to wipe out the inside and exterior, ensuring a smooth and clean surface.

Service
If your dryer runs off of natural gas, make sure to get the gas shut off the day before you move. A professional should handle this step in the process. Next, unplug your dryer. Make sure to disconnect and remove any hoses. If your dryer has a moveable drum, secure it. Your dryer is now ready to move.

Refrigerator

Clean
Although you might think it’s easier to transport all your food items in the fridge, this strategy can cause major problems. No moving company can guarantee that all your food items will stay at the proper temperature while in transit.

Furthermore, refrigerator units aren’t designed as shipping containers. When moved and stored at different angles, the storage shelves may crack and break, causing food to spill if stored inside. Remove all food from your refrigerator and freezer unit to avoid mold, odor, and other types of damage.

After you’ve removed all food items, clean the inside with a light detergent and soft rag. Make sure to mop up any spills and remove all food bits from the entire surface.

Service
Depending on whether you have a water dispenser, you’ll likely need to disconnect the water line. Turn off any water sources and empty the ice maker/water taps. Make sure to also empty and clean out the water reservoir.

Older models may require further securing with the motor or compressor. Luckily, most modern units keep the compressor in a sealed compartment.

Packing and Loading

After you clean and service everything, you still need a way to safely move your appliances. Tools such as furniture sliders, bungee cords, and a dolly are all useful. Make sure you have people to assist you when you move any of the above appliances as well.

As for loading, don’t take any chances. Use only an industry-approved truck ramp. For best results, discuss any loading plans with your moving provider beforehand.

Tagged in: Appliances, Dryer, moving, Refrigerator, Washing Machine

Once you’ve packed your life into boxes and moved miles away to a new location, you might feel exhausted when you arrive at your final destination. But the first few hours in a new place can make a huge difference. When used wisely, this time will help you adjust to your new space, get your life in order, and prevent problems with your landlord or property later on.

Read our tips below for the six most important things to do the first day in your new home.

1. Do a Walk-Through Inspection

The things that attracted you when you first looked at your new home will remind you why you decided to move in the first place.

Now that you’re ready to move in, you may start to notice a few details that didn’t cross your mind before. For example, when you use the stove or the sink for the first time, you’ll probably observe some quirks and things that need to be repaired.

When you take the time to thoroughly examine your new home on the first day, you reduce the likelihood that you’ll run into surprises weeks and months down the road. You’ll also have the ability to call your landlord or previous owner with any complaints or requests.

2. Take Pictures of Any Trouble Spots

For big problems that affect the integrity of your home, like a bug infestation or water damage, take a photo of the issue and document the date. Send these pictures with a brief written description to your landlord. These photos let the landlord know of any problems he or she needs to fix and prevent you from getting charged for previous damages to the property.

If you own your home and notice sizable problems that could decrease your home’s value, consult with your real estate agent or attorney for the best way to get compensation.

3. Make a To-Do List 

 
For minor repairs, like a dripping faucet or cracks in the ceiling, jot them down onto a master list. Write down your findings as soon as possible. You might not notice tiny problems once you fill your home with furniture, so this list will remind you what items to take care of. In a few days, prioritize this list and set goals to fix the problems in order of importance.

4. Clean the Surfaces

Though you shouldn’t have to deep-clean your new space, you’ll feel better knowing that the counters, floors, and other open surfaces are clean.

Pack a broom and dustpan into an accessible box and sweep the floors in your new home before you unpack your belongings. You should wipe down open surfaces with disinfecting wipes as well.

5. Unpack One Day’s Worth of Supplies

When you start unpacking, don’t overwhelm yourself. Look at your box labels and find the items that you need to use every day. (You will need toothbrushes and towels on the first night, but you might not need lamps or silverware right away.)

If you feel ambitious, you can place your moving boxes into the rooms where they’ll eventually end up, but don’t worry about unloading all your knick knacks during the first 24 hours.

6. Start to Set Up a Room

After you’ve found the necessities, start to unpack one room before you go to bed. For example, if you have kids, it might help them feel comfortable if you help them get settled into their new bedrooms.

Make sure they have sheets and blankets on their beds, and tuck them in with a favorite pillow or stuffed animal. They’ll sleep well, and you’ll feel less overwhelmed at the task ahead of you.

If you’re moving alone, start with your own bedroom on the first day. Leave large projects, like the kitchen, for another time when you have more energy.

For more professional tips and tricks for moving, keep reading our blog.

Tagged in: Moving Day, Moving In, Organizing, unpacking