There is no message as wonderful to hear as “you are clear to close!” After weeks of house hunting and navigating the mortgage process, it is beyond exciting knowing you will soon get the key to your new home. It also means that it is time to start planning your move. Most people flinch from the thought of a move, but it does not have to overwhelm you. Following are some tips that will help keep your move organized and manageable:

Update your Address

Once you close on your new home, reach out to the utility companies that service your new home and either update your information or request new service. It can take several days for power, gas, or cell phones to process this, so the further in advance you can handle this task, the better. You will also need to update your address with friends and family, banks, credit card companies, etc. Don’t forget to provide your new address to the U.S Postal Service. This will ensure your mail gets forwarded to your new home. To request change-of-address with USPS, fill out this form online so that your mail will be forwarded to your new home.

Source Moving Supplies

If you have moved before, you know that moving expenses can add up fast. Check with your neighborhood grocery stores and other retailers to see if they have any empty boxes that you could re-use. If you are part of any neighborhood social networking groups on Nextdoor or Facebook, see if anyone in your area recently moved and may have boxes you could use. While most box stores and moving companies sell boxes, they generally come at a premium. You might also consider Uline, a company that offers a collection of boxes and other moving-related items, delivered to your home.

Time to Pack

Approaching your pack-out in an orderly manner will help make the unpacking easier. It is a good idea to pack a suitcase with a change of clothes for several days and your beauty and health essentials, so you will not have to frantically open boxes later searching for your contacts or medicine. Then, it is time to pack up your life! The best way to stay organized is to pack one room at a time. Be sure to label each box with its contents and in what room in your new home it should be directed. Apps such as “Moving Van” can help keep your pack-out smooth and your your inventory accurate.

Rent a truck 

When it comes to getting your boxes to your new home, you can rent a truck and do it yourself or contract a moving company to handle it. Some moving companies even provide full-service moving, including packing up your belongings. Click here for a directory of moving companies in your area. But many folks opt to rent a moving truck and enlist the help of friends and family to make the move. Before renting your moving truck, take stock of the estimated number of boxes as well as furniture and appliances you will be moving so that you get the right size truck. Many rental companies will also rent dollies and hand trucks to facilitate your move. Click here for a directory of truck rental companies in your area.

Tidy Up

The first thing you will want to do in your new home is complete a deep cleaning. It will be much easier to do before you move in your items. Clean your kitchen and bathrooms first and then move on to the other areas of your home. Be sure to dust the baseboards and clean the windows, too! If the carpet in your home is not new, you might consider hiring a company to clean them. There are, of course, companies that will provide deep cleaning services for you. Click here for a directory of cleaning services in your area.

Let the Unpacking Begin

When you see all the boxes in your new home, the instinct will be to hurriedly open and unpack. First, arrange your furniture and assemble any big items like beds. Then ensure all boxes are in their respective rooms. Next, unpack essential items, such as dishes, clothes, towels, and personal and beauty items. As unpacking may take several days, having access to plates, towels, pots and pans, and personal items will be vital. While it may take some time for everything to be situation to your liking, be patient as you will soon be ready to show off your new home!

The above information is a starting place for your upcoming move. If you need any assistance along the way, whether it is the name a reputable steam cleaning company or a general contractor, do not hesitate to reach out. Volunteer your family and friends to help make your move successful and less stressful. The Sharpe Mortgage Team is working diligently to make your loan process smooth and expeditious so that your focus be on planning for your move and enjoying your new home.