Are you gearing up for a move this fall? As you get ready for this exciting transition to your new home, much of the anticipation you’re feeling may also be mixed with stress.
How can you ensure your autumn move goes according to plan, rather than turning into chaos? The key to a successful move is ensuring you know the best ways to prepare, so in this guide, we’ll cover all the elements of preparations for a fall move. Through these steps, you can find out how to get ready for your fall move like an expert!
- Plan Ahead
With any relocation regardless of the season, planning ahead is a must. The most stressful moves are typically handled haphazardly without much preparation. Instead, take the time to create a moving plan as far in advance as you can. This means creating a timeline, to-do list, and budget—all elements that will help you stay on track as your autumn move approaches. Handling this prep work in advance will allow you to have a set plan for all aspects of your relocation, allowing for better results.
- Do Some Fall Cleaning
You’ve heard of spring cleaning, but fall cleaning can be just as important! Decluttering ahead of your fall move is essential for easier packing—and can even lead to reduced costs. Before you begin the packing process, complete a thorough declutter of your home. Start in storage areas where many items have accumulated, such as the basement and closets. Then, move on to more commonly used parts of your home. Sort these items into four categories: donate, sell, trash, and keep. Be mindful of which items don’t actually get much use, as these belongings should be decluttered.
- Book Movers for Less
Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, so what does this mean for autumn movers? In general, moving companies tend to have lower rates during the off-season, meaning that you can access better deals when booking for a fall move. Whether you’re simply booking relocation services to transport your items or opting for full-service moving, packing, and storage, you will likely be able to save some money when compared to the higher rates for the in-demand summer months.
- Work Around School Schedules
Whether you have school-aged children or you’re a student yourself, working around school schedules is important for a successful fall move. As the back-to-school season, autumn is a busy time of year for students, and planning a move around your school schedule can be incredibly difficult. To handle this conveniently, start planning in advance to carefully schedule any necessary time away from school. With the right planning, you can experience minimal disruption to your studies.
- Notify Important Parties
As your move approaches, make sure you notify all necessary parties about your upcoming relocation and change of address. You should update your insurance company, bank, postal service, employer, and utility companies. This ensures you don’t miss any important correspondence from these parties.
- Keep an Eye on the Weather
The weather can fluctuate greatly during autumn, especially depending on where you live. As you prepare for your move, keep an eye on the forecast. Planning around the weather can prevent any unforeseen issues from popping up.
- Take Advantage of Cooler Temperatures
In the same vein as being mindful of the weather, a huge perk of moving during autumn is the cooler temperatures. As opposed to the heat of the summer months (and the frigid cold of the winter months), fall offers temperate conditions that can make moving day feel much easier. Choosing to move during this time of year allows you to enjoy the benefits of these mild temperatures.
- Be Mindful of Decreasing Daylight
If you’re moving during fall, make sure you keep the decreasing daylight in mind. It’s also important to remember that the clocks turn back an hour on the first Sunday of November, meaning you’ll have even less daylight to work with on moving day. Be sure to factor this into your schedule so you can take advantage of as much daylight as possible.
- Transfer Your Utilities
Another important step to handle in a timely manner is the transfer of your utilities. Contact your utility providers well in advance to ensure you don’t have any disruptions in service. Depending on how far you’re moving, you may be able to simply switch your services for local moves, or you may need to schedule a disconnection of your existing services and schedule activation of services in your new location. Either way, do this with ample time for the smoothest transition possible.
- Pack an Essentials Bag
With any move, packing an essentials bag is crucial. This bag should contain changes of clothes, toiletries, any medications you need, and even some essential kitchen items. This can hold you over for the first day or two in your new home (or for travel days) so you don’t need to dig through boxes as soon as you arrive. For fall weather, make sure you have weather-appropriate clothing ready with your essentials.
- Clear Away Leaves
Leaves can pose an issue in the necessary walkways during fall. To prevent any slips during your relocation, secure the walkways and entry points to your home by clearing the leaves. This creates a safer experience.
- Protect Your Floors
Be mindful of your floors as you handle your relocation. Even after clearing leaves, you can track debris into your house as you move, especially if you’re dealing with rainy conditions. Cover your floors as necessary to ensure your floors don’t sustain any damage.
- Dress in Layers
Last but not least, remember to dress in layers! Fall weather can switch frequently, even varying greatly between morning and night. The best way to accommodate these changing temperatures is to prepare layers. This way, you can be prepared for whatever weather the day brings.
Get Ready for a Successful Fall Move
With these steps, your autumn move can be completed successfully, allowing for a smooth transition to your new home. Looking for a moving company to help you through the process? Count on Austin Moving & Storage, Long Island’s premier movers.
Our team provides top-rated moving, packing, and storage services at affordable rates. Trust our expert moving staff to safely transport your belongings to your new home, whether you’re venturing on a local or long-distance relocation. Request a free quote online or call us today for more information!