Start Planning Your Move Early

It is highly recommended you start the planning of your move as early as possible. Here’s why it’s beneficial, and some steps you can take to get started:

Research moving companies: 

Researching moving companies as early as possible is a crucial step to ensuring a smooth and successful move. By starting the research process early, you have ample time to compare different moving companies and find the one that best suits your needs and budget. Begin by gathering recommendations from friends, family, or trusted online sources to get a list of potential moving companies. Look for reputable companies with positive reviews and a track record of reliable service.

Once you have a list of potential moving companies, start planning your move early by delving deeper into their credentials and qualifications. Check if they are licensed and insured, as this ensures that they operate legally and provide the necessary coverage for your belongings during the move. Verify their experience and expertise in handling the specific type of move you require, whether it’s a local move, long-distance move, or specialty items like fragile belongings or large furniture. It’s also advisable to request and compare quotes from multiple moving companies to get a clear understanding of their pricing and services.

Researching moving companies early on allows you to schedule and book their services in advance, ensuring their availability on your preferred moving date. This is especially important during peak moving seasons when moving companies can get booked quickly. Moreover, researching early gives you time to ask questions, clarify any concerns, and make informed decisions.

ABC Moving Systems Los Angeles has been providing top rated moving services throughout Southern California since 1993.

Gather supplies:

Gathering supplies early for your move is a proactive and practical step that can save you time, stress, and last-minute scrambling. It’s advisable to start collecting packing supplies well in advance to ensure you have everything you need when it’s time to pack.

Begin by making a list of essential packing materials such as boxes in various sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers, and labels.

Nowadays you can purchase moving supplies from home improvement stores such as Lowes and Home Depot.  They have a full range of supplies for your moving needs, with excellent pricing.  These home improvement stores are ABC Moving Systems Los Angeles’ top recommendation for acquiring moving supplies for DIY packing.

You can also purchase moving supplies from local moving supply stores, online retailers, your local moving companies, and various other retail stores, such as Walmart and Target.

You can also search online for “free moving boxes”.  Often people who have just moved are looking to give away their once used boxes.  All you have to do is haul them off.

When gathering supplies, you have the opportunity to start planning your move early by estimating the quantity and type of materials required for your specific move. This way, you can avoid any last-minute shortages and ensure that you have sufficient supplies to pack and protect your belongings effectively. Additionally, early preparation allows you to organize and categorize your packing materials, making the packing process more efficient and streamlined.

Also, by gathering supplies early provides you with the chance to declutter and purge unnecessary items before the move. As you gather packing materials, you can simultaneously assess your belongings and determine what items you want to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This helps to streamline the packing process and reduce the overall amount of items you need to pack and transport, making your move more organized and cost-effective.

Take inventory:

Taking inventory for your move is a crucial step in staying organized and ensuring that all your belongings are accounted for during the transition. Start by creating a detailed inventory list of all the items you plan to move. This can be done room by room, making note of each item along with its condition.

Also, you can also take photographs or videos of valuable or fragile items to have a visual record. Having an inventory list helps you keep track of your possessions, especially if you have a large volume of items or if you are using a moving company.

Taking inventory allows you to assess the value and importance of each item, helping you make decisions about what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Start planning your move early helps in order to determine the level of packing and protection needed for fragile or valuable items.

As you go through the inventory process, when you start planning your move early you may discover items that you no longer need or want, making it an opportune time to declutter and simplify your belongings.

Additionally, having an inventory list can be invaluable for insurance purposes. In the unlikely event of loss or damage, you can refer to the inventory list and provide accurate documentation to your insurance company.

Notify important parties:

Notifying important parties about your move is a crucial step to ensure a smooth transition and maintain important relationships.

If you are a renter, start by informing your current landlord or property management company about your move and providing them with the necessary notice as per your lease agreement.

If you own your home, be sure to update your address with your bank, credit card companies, and other financial institutions to ensure that your important financial documents are being sent to the correct address.

Notify your utility companies, such as electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable providers, about your upcoming move. Arrange for the transfer or cancellation of services at your current address and set up new services at your new location. This ensures that you have uninterrupted utility services during the transition.

Additionally, remember to update your address with the post office to forward your mail to your new address.

It’s also important to notify your insurance providers, including health, auto, and home insurance, to update your policy with your new address and ensure that you have appropriate coverage at your new location.

Furthermore, don’t forget to notify important parties such as your employer, schools or educational institutions, healthcare providers, and any subscription services you may have.

• Informing your employer allows them to update their records and ensure that your paychecks, tax documents, and other work-related communications are sent to the correct address.
• Notify your children’s schools or educational institutions to update their records and facilitate a smooth transition for your children.
• Inform your healthcare providers to ensure that your medical records and any important healthcare communications are sent to your new address.
• Lastly, update your address with any subscription services, such as magazines, newspapers, or online subscriptions, to ensure that you continue to receive them at your new location.

Create a budget:

Creating a budget for your move is an essential step to help you manage your expenses and ensure that you stay within your financial means.

Start by assessing your overall moving costs, including packing supplies, hiring movers or renting a moving truck, transportation expenses, and any storage fees if needed. Research different moving options and get quotes from multiple moving companies to compare prices and find the most cost-effective solution. Consider whether you will need to purchase additional insurance for your belongings during the move and include that in your budget as well.

In addition to the direct moving costs, don’t forget to account for other related expenses such as temporary accommodation if needed, utility setup fees at your new location, and any costs associated with updating your address, such as obtaining a new driver’s license or updating your vehicle registration. It’s also important to factor in any potential unexpected expenses or contingencies to account for unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the move.

Once you have a clear understanding of the expected costs, create a detailed budget that includes all the anticipated expenses. Allocate funds for each category and monitor your spending closely as you progress through the moving process. Consider ways to cut costs, such as opting for self-packing instead of hiring professional packers or asking friends and family for assistance with the move.

ABC Moving Systems has a number of moving options for various budgets. Call today at 818-745-2542 to discuss.

Sort and declutter:

Sorting and decluttering your belongings before a move is a crucial step to lighten your load, reduce moving expenses, and make the transition to your new home more efficient. Begin by going through each room and sorting your items into categories such as keep, donate, sell, or discard. Be honest with yourself and evaluate whether each item is truly essential or holds sentimental value. Consider factors such as functionality, relevance to your current lifestyle, and the available space in your new home.

As you declutter, take the opportunity to let go of items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. Donate gently used clothing, furniture, and household items to local charities or shelters. 2 excellent donation options are Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles and Salvation Army Los Angeles.

Organize a yard sale or use online platforms to sell items that are in good condition but no longer needed. Properly dispose of any broken or unusable items that cannot be salvaged.

Not only does decluttering streamline your belongings, but it also helps create a fresh start in your new home. It reduces the amount of packing and unpacking required, making the entire moving process more efficient.

Additionally, ABC Moving Systems has seen first hand the benefits of decluttering, donating and disposal prior to moving services.

Pack strategically:

Packing strategically is essential to ensure a smooth and organized move. Begin by gathering all the necessary packing supplies, including boxes in various sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers. Start packing well in advance, tackling one room at a time to maintain order and efficiency.

When packing, consider the fragility and weight of each item. Wrap delicate items such as glassware, dishes, and electronics in bubble wrap or packing paper to provide cushioning and prevent breakage.

ABC Moving Systems Los Angeles packing tip . . . WHEN PACKING FRAGILE PLATES AND GLASSES, BE SURE TO WRAP WITH PAPER OR BUBBLE WRAP, AND PLACE VERTICALLY IN BOXES.  DO NOT LAY FLAT.

Place heavier items at the bottom of the boxes and lighter items on top to avoid damage. Fill any empty spaces with packing paper or soft items like towels or blankets to prevent shifting during transit.

Fill boxes to the top, so as to reduce the chance of bottom boxes “crushing” when stacked under other boxes.

Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking much easier and allow you to quickly identify essential items. Consider creating an inventory list to keep track of the contents of each box. Clearly labeling boxes not only helps with organization but also enables the movers or yourself to handle them with care based on their fragility or importance.

ABC Moving has seen that by packing strategically, you can ensure that your belongings are protected, minimize the risk of damage during transit, and streamline the unpacking process. When you start planning your move early you can take the time to pack thoughtfully and label boxes properly will make settling into your new home much more efficient and stress-free.

Summary of Start Planning Your Move As Early As Possible

Starting the planning process for your move as early as possible is a key factor in ensuring a smooth and successful transition. By giving yourself ample time to prepare, you can alleviate stress, make informed decisions, and avoid last-minute complications.

Begin by creating a comprehensive moving checklist that outlines all the necessary tasks, deadlines, and important considerations.

One of the first steps is to research and hire a reputable moving company or decide if you’ll be handling the move yourself. ABC Moving Systems Los Angeles has been moving local families and businesses since 1993.

If you opt for a DIY move, start gathering packing supplies, such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap, well in advance.

Early planning also allows you to declutter and downsize your belongings effectively. Sort through each room, determine what items you want to keep, donate, sell, or discard, and start the process of organizing and packing accordingly. Giving yourself sufficient time for this task ensures that you can make thoughtful decisions and avoid rushing through the process.

By starting your move planning early, you can stay organized, tackle tasks methodically, and have a smoother overall moving experience. It allows you to address important aspects such as finding a reliable moving company, packing your belongings efficiently, and giving yourself ample time for any unexpected challenges that may arise. Moving can be a complex process, but early planning helps set the foundation for a successful and stress-free transition.