Well, there are two ways to shift a house.
The first one is similar to how I moved out for my first job. I didn’t plan anything (dates or timings), didn’t pack anything (like hoarding all my belongings in a box), and didn’t verify the moving agency (that was a grave mistake). Unfortunately, I didn’t research anything in my new location. The move turned out to be a mishap because I didn’t know how to pack for a move.
What has been deemed a new phase in my life got tangled in mismanagement, confusion, and tiredness (because my belongings were broken and the moving staff damaged my furniture). The shift was one of a kind(I never wanted to try again). But then, I wondered what the proper way to shift was. Why is shifting deemed as simple and taken for granted??
What Does Shifting Mean?? Why Even Plan For It??
Shifting means taking your belongings to a new location you wish to settle down. While the definition is a simple one, the process is not!!
Shifting means moving all your essential, valuable, dear and not-so-dear belongings to a new destination. It means planning to adapt yourself to new surroundings. To many fortunate ones, it amounts to a new beginning in life!!
So such a necessary process must be carefully planned, skillfully executed, and heartily cherished.
My poorly planned shift taught me how to avoid planning a move. Here are some elements you can think about before going for a shift.
Planning and organization is the first step, it is the most ignored one. Draw a detailed outline of your move.
What Should You Plan?
The date and time of the shift
Plan a convenient date and time. Discuss it with your moving company and lock it. Moving at least two days before you start attending your new school, college or office is advisable.
How to pack for a move?
Survey your belongings and pack them accordingly. Buy the packing tools beforehand to avoid the last-minute hassle.
Keep separate boxes for belongings from each room. Label them to avoid speculation.
Hiring a moving partner
Hire a verified moving company. Discuss all the details beforehand to avoid confusion.
A survey of your new location
Check your new surroundings and know the basic details about it (nearest shops, hospitals, help centers)
What Should You Organize?
Planning how to pack for a move comes with organizing things and here are the steps to do it-
- Organize your belongings.
- Classify them as valuable, essential and handle with care- items
- Boxes, cartons, tapes, polythene covers, bubble wraps, waterproof bags, and scissors(important but ignored) must be ready before diving into packing.
Furniture, Appliances, and Artwork
Furniture is the first thing that comes to anyone mind when planning a relocation.
A significant part of relocation is packing and shifting all the oversized furniture and appliances at home. Furniture must be cushioned and covered carefully (to avoid potential damage).
Appliances( both electric and digital) must be packed with insulation covers.
Artwork or any valuable items you cherish must be packed distinctly. Use cardboard and plastic to wrap and bubble wrap to fill up the empty spaces. Labeling them as ‘Caution’ or ‘ Handle with care’ can instruct anyone handling them. If the item is too delicate, carry it with you rather than entrust it to a third party.
Essentials and lifesavers
Imagine this. You reach your new home/location with full excitement and zero goods. On your arrival, your moving company informed you of the delayed arrival of your items due to transport strikes.
What seemed like a daydream of relocating suddenly becomes the nightmare of battling for your essential items.
To avoid such a potential nightmare, try taking these essentials with you:
- Toiletries (Toothbrush, Soap, Mouthwash)
- Instant food items and ample water
- Extra set of clothes
- Importance documents ( House agreement, registration, Identity cards, Driving license, etc.)
- Charger, power bank, and any gadgets that you can’t work without.
- Any medicines that you intake daily.
- Some cash or currency, in case of an emergency.
Documents and papers
All the documents necessary for identification and verification must be carried in hard copies. Pack them in a separate safe or folder and carry them with your essentials.
Missing your documents or arriving late with other belongings may lead to unintended situations.
Moving Partners
Here comes the most crucial element of Relocation – A moving partner/company
A moving company shifts your packed items and furniture from your old location to a new location. Hundreds of moving companies are available on the website, but only a few are genuine.
When looking for a moving partner, consider looking out for these pointers.
Documents and papers
All the documents necessary for identification and verification must be carried in hard copies. Pack them in a separate safe or folder and carry them with your essentials. Missing your documents or arriving late with other belongings may lead to unintended situations.
Moving Partners
Here comes the most crucial element of Relocation – A moving partner/company
A moving company shifts your packed items and furniture from your old location to a new location. Hundreds of moving companies are available on the website, but only a few are genuine.
When looking for a moving partner, consider looking out for these pointers.
1. Company registration/ certificate
Verify your moving partner before hiring them. Any Moving company must be registered under the Ministry of Transport to conduct its business.
2. Ratings and reviews online
Check verified reviews and ratings received by it online.
3. Customer references
Ask the moving company for customer references they have served. It will verify their credibility.
4. Moving charges or price estimates
Ask the moving company for a price estimate calculated for your requirements. A binding price estimate won’t change according to moving day changes. At the same time, a non-binding estimate may cost you dearly.
5. Extra charges ( taxes, service charges)
Check with the moving company if you have to anticipate any hidden or extra charges in the final bill.
Know the interstate tax rates levied on your bill if you move to another state.
6. Insurance options
Check if the moving company provides any insurance for valuable items. Such an option can compensate for any damages to your belongings during the move.
7. Damage restoration policy
Know the damage restoration and compensation policy of the company before hiring it.
8. Customer service policy/ Complaints desk resolution
Ask who, how, and when they will resolve your complaints, queries, and requests.
9. Whether a broker or a carrier
This is a question that nobody asks, but everyone should know. Ask your moving company if they hire third-party movers to shift your belongings ( broker) or if they shift off with their logistics (carrier). There are many more questions one must ask moving company.
10. Any potential delays to expect
Check if there can be any delays in the shipment. You can ask if they offer any storage facilities if the package arrives before you arrive at the new location.
11. Information and Awareness
The most critical resource while relocating is information. Be aware of the time, date, details, and, of course, the risks of your move. Do not hesitate to ask questions, seek answers and clear your doubts( relevant to relocation).
Take a stroll in your new surroundings. Get to know the area, quick shops, and neighbors. Arriving unprepared will take longer for you to settle down in the new surroundings.
Some Pro Tips
- If you have a pet, then plan its relocation safely. Either shift it with you or hire a pet relocating partner to avoid frightening it.
- If you are shifting with your family, then a detailed Survey of your new location must be addressed.
- Note down the nearest dispensary, hospital, hotels, schools, and parks.
- Finish all the paperwork (related to your relocation) before your shift. It would avoid unnecessary pressure and congestion.
- Before packing for your new shift, declutter your home. Dispose of all unnecessary belongings to save time and effort.
- Fix your new home before shifting. Take a water check and electricity check and fix the damages.
- Complete the interiors, wall sheets, paintings, and basic furnishings before shifting into your new home.
- Imagine fixing your new home amidst all the clutter and boxes-nightmare!!
Planning, packing, boxing, and finally, unboxing can be strenuous tasks. But if you know the best way to pack for moving then organized shifting will help you relocate with peace and tranquility.
Plan, Organize, Execute and Relocate Happily!!
