Military Relocation News

Tips on Making a Move

March 16th, 2016

Things are going to get very hectic and stressful in the months during, and leading up to, your relocation. There are lots of things our agents can do to help make the transaction smoother, but some things (such as packing) can still be a nightmare. Here are a few Tips to make your move easier:

1. Make sure your coffee machine is packed in one box. With coffee. And cups. And sugar, if so needed. Things can get lost, or broken up into many boxes by accident on a move. And, it's the little things in life that keep you going. 

2. Take photos of all your possessions BEFORE packing. That way, if anything goes missing and you need to make a claim, you can refer back to the pictures.

3. Packing rooms into boxes and labeling each respectively goes a long way. Coloured duct-tape or patterned stickers for each room can make un-loading and un-packing easier. Stick the corresponding colour or pattern on the box and the room to make it quick and easy for the movers AND yourself.

4. When moving to a new city, you have to start all over. New neighbours, friends, community, and doctors. Ask your doctor for extra re-fills before you leave, and get all your check-ups, too! That way, if it takes you months, or even a year, to find a new doctor you'll be covered. 

5. Purge your home before packing. Think to the shelves filled with things you rarely use. Do you still have boxes, un-opened, from your last move? Do you really need to bring the stuff you have forgotten you even owned with you? Hold a garage sale or donate re-useable items before packing them away into oblivion. 

6. Clean everything before packing. Taking the curtains, throw pillows and blankets? Clean all and put into vacuum-sealed bags so they're fresh and ready when you arrive in your new home. 

7. Ziploc bags are your best friends. Small items tend to get thrown into boxes and end up at the bottom, or strewn throughout. Use ziplocs to store all cutlery, serving spoons, and small items that don't need to be wrapped up separately. 

8. Create a Moving Binder. There's a lot of paperwork involved in moving, especially with a military relocation. Having all the necessary information (that includes any personal records you may need) altogether will take the stress out of finding everything in a hurry and frenzy of boxes. 

9. Research, Research, Research! You're moving to a new city and you only have a short amount of time to get everything squared up. Get as much information as possible on your new community, ask your agent for updates on events and news in the city.

10. Lastly, pack a First Day Box. Put in anything you would need on your first day in your new home. Keep this on you! Don't end up sending away all your essentials in the moving truck!