Proper planning and management can turn this Herculean task into a cakewalk, writes Swati Kapur
Hiring a professional who can pack, load, unpack and unload for you is the most convenient option. Search for the most reliable and economical movers and packers around and then just sit back and relax.
The team will sort your stuff into fragile and non-fragile items, pack each of them carefully and take them to your destination. Not just that, they also unload and unpack the stuff and place them as per your choice. Make sure to check the paper work before you get into any agreement with the company. Some relocation companies also provide warehousing facilities. So just in case the new home is taking time to get done or furnished, make use of their warehouse to safely store your stuff. The warehouses are usually waterproofed.
Get several quotes from various companies and then make a choice. Ask a representative from the company to visit your house personally and provide the quote after inspecting your goods. Telephonic or online quotes will not have as big an impact as a personalised visit. Perform a thorough background check and go through their credentials to make sure they are licensed and have insurance.
If relocating overseas or intercity, then your travel plans too will have to be carefully done. Make sure someone reliable from your family reaches the destination before or with the truck load of stuff that you ship across. That is just in case you do not avail of the warehouse facility. Plan all necessary travel arrangement before hand and also book hotel or serviced apartments if required before hand.
Make a list of all the memberships and subscriptions held by the members of the family such as library, gym, societies, pubs and clubs. Transfer wherever possible the subscriptions to your new location of residence or else cease and discontinue them. Close the bank accounts if it is a local banking service and make the transfer of funds to the new bank.
Electrical fuss
Another good thing to do would be to service the appliances before moving your house. In the refrigerator, use a deodoriser to maintain the interior odour. Also remember to defrost the fridge and the freezer. It's always a good idea to pack the electricals together, so you don't have to look all over while unpacking.
Change in address
It will take a while before you start getting your mails at the new address. Meanwhile, make sure that you have a door post indicating your new address. It always helps if neighbours can volunteer to keep your mails and you can pick them up once in a while. You can also make use of registered mail service to send important documents and similar items to the new address.
The gold and the bling
It's safe to always keep the jewellery and cash with yourself. Make a list of all the items that you have at home and will be carrying to the new place. Safely depositing them in the bank locker too is a great idea while you take time to settle in the new house. You can also have your expensive items that the relocating company is moving for you, insured.
Box items
If you know that you are going to shift the next month, it's wise to start collecting cartons and cardboard boxes to pack your stuff in it. If you are not using a relocation service, this will be a great help. While you pack stuff in various boxes, make sure you label them and also maintain a diary of what's where and which box carries what. You may like to pack crockery while it is still wet. This way, the chances of breakage will be less. Do keep fragile goods separately as they can be easily broken during transportation. There might be a number of screws, nuts and bolts while disassembling some furniture. Put them in a plastic bag and label which furniture it belongs to. Never overlook your furniture instruction manuals. It will be helpful while you re-assemble in your new house. Makes sense to start collecting bubble wraps, cotton balls, thermocol, effervesce wrapper, tissue paper, foam, plastic sheets, etc if you're anticipating a shift soon.
Food and perishables
Empty your fridge and do not even think of taking the same veggies and other perishables to the new house. There could be a delay in getting your fridge and oven installed due to an electrical issue and you would definitely not want to waste your veggies, especially in a tropical climate. Keep handy the nearest fast food joint's numbers and menu for a quick meal. If your new residence is local and nearby, you may like to install the fridge, stove, microwave, washing machine, etc even before you move in so that your very basic needs can be well taken care of. Inflammables like oil, kerosene, petrol etc should not be transported long distance. Better safe than sorry!
Pet safe
When it comes to your adorable pet, how can you not be concerned? Even before you set out to find a pet relocation service, it is important to consult a veterinarian to rule out complications while the pet is being moved. Pets are usually placed inside a carrier but make sure that it is comfortable enough for the travel. It must have enough space for the pet to lie down, stand or sit. Ensure that its doors do not accidentally open. The floor of the carrier must be made of absorbent materials with a water pot and a food container.