Whether you plan on selling your Havasu home or wish to buy one, at some point, you're going to need to move. That may feel quite daunting. But it doesn't have to be. Follow these simple moving tips to make this day a little easier.

Moving Tips For a Smoother Day

Plan Ahead

As soon as you decide to either sell your home or start looking for a new one, plan for your move. Start with packing up all but the bare minimum you need for clothing, cookware, holiday decorations, etc. Make sure to label each box clearly. Then, store them neatly in the garage or rent a storage unit. After that, get rid of all the extra things you don't need. That includes books, old clothes, dishes, bedding, toys, etc. Throw out anything that has outlived its use. For a little extra money, host a garage/yard sale. Finally, anything left behind after that can be donated.

Part of planning ahead also includes deciding whether or not you plan to hire professional movers or go the DIY route. When hiring movers, check that they are insured. Ask for references. Obtain estimates from several different companies. Make sure that the truck includes a dolly and a ramp. If you move yourself, call for quotes from truck rental companies. Don't wait til the last minute no matter which way you go or you may end up without the proper equipment or people needed to get the job done on moving day.

Packing

As I mentioned in my moving tips before, pack up as much as you can ahead of time and clearly label each box. Only keep enough clothes to get you through the week. You only need one plate, bowl, cup, fork, knife, and spoon for each person in the household. That means doing dishes every night. But it's well worth it. Likewise, pack up everything except a pot or two, a large skillet, and maybe your InstaPot to help you get through mealtimes until moving day. Follow the same idea for your bedding and towels.

When packing up, remember to not pack all heavy items together. For example, put heavier items (books, pans, dishes, etc.) on the bottom of a box. Then fill up the rest of the space with pillows or bedding. This protects most of your items when things begin to shift during the move. But it also ensures that the box can be lifted easily when loading into or out of your moving truck. And pack by room. Keep kitchen stuff with kitchen stuff and bedroom stuff with bedroom stuff. Again, label your boxes clearly with the room it goes to and a brief description of what's inside. This helps when it comes time to unpack later.

Your Essentials

Mark one box as your "moving day only" box. Keep this separate from your other boxes (preferably in the trunk or back seat of your car). This should include medications, a change of clothes for everybody, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, some bath towels, paper plates, disposable utensils, instant coffee or tea, cups, toilet paper, pet food, water bowl, and anything else you may need access to right away.

Utilities

As soon as you know your moving date, contact your current utilities to let them know of the move. Then, contact your new utility companies to advise when you need them switched over to you at your new place. By "utilities", we mean electric, water, trash, sewer, and gas. Also, make sure you call the cable and/or internet company as soon as possible as well. Their wait times may be several weeks out. If you work from home and depend on the internet, this could cause a problem if not done in a timely manner.

Once You're in Your New Home

This is where clear labeling comes in handy. Yes. You may feel extremely overwhelmed with the amount of boxes that now made their way into your home. Just breathe. Take your time. Just tackle a few boxes at a time. Or go room by room. Take breaks as needed. Get the kids involved. Dispose of your packing materials as you go. Once you break down your boxes, consider donating them to your local library. Or create an orderly pile in the garage and put them up on Facebook Marketplace or NextDoor.

Sunstone Real Estate Group at Coldwell Banker Realty, Lake Havasu City, AZ