Prepping for Your Big Move

1. Movers or Moving Truck?

One of your first big decisions — after, of course, deciding where you’re going to move — is whether you want to hire movers or move on your own (likely with some helping hands). If you’re going to a different state, particularly for a job, that job may help you with the move, financially.

Hiring movers will come with a higher price tag, depending on how much you want them to do. (They can do your packing for you.) It’s also standard to purchase insurance from either the moving company or an insurance company should your belongings get damaged or disappear. Moving companies may also have different fees, and don’t forget that you’ll have to tip each person in the moving crew.

Another factor to consider is your timeline. Obviously, if you are moving yourself, you’ll have your things at hand ready to move in and out. On the other hand, movers may not arrive when you do and may take a few weeks to get to you.

2. Start Packing and Stay Organized

First, get rid of all the things that you no longer want or need. That doesn’t necessarily mean trash all those things. Donate your old items to your local non-profit, or sell some of those items by hopping onto Facebook Marketplace, Next Door or Craigslist with your Kinetic Internet.

Once your purge is done, get your packing tape and boxes. Some stores will let you have leftover shipping boxes if you ask.

Pack your boxes by room, and label all of your boxes by room and content. Pack all the things you don’t use often first, and don’t forget to pack an essentials bag with items you’ll need right off the bat in your new space. Think toothpaste, toilet paper and other cleaners.

Empty out your drawers. Stow away files and important documents — and keep those on your person on Moving Day. And take apart larger items like your bed, and keep those bolts handy for reassembly!

3. Set Up Your Basics

Be sure to get your basics set up in your new home, and disconnected in your old space. Basics include water, electricity and gas, if applicable.

And, if you have teens or your own needs, basics may also include high-speed Internet, like Kinetic Internet. Kinetic, our Windstream Internet, starts with speeds up to 25 Mbps and goes up to One Gig in certain areas. See what speeds are available to you by entering your name and address.

4. Clean, Clean, Clean

It may be your least favorite chore, but it’s always nice to leave your old space anew for the incoming residents. Mop those floors, scrub that tub — and that oven — and make your old space shine again!

It’s also probably a good idea to clean your new space in case of any allergens or just for peace of mind.

5. Settle In

The only thing worse than packing is unpacking, right? Don’t let it be! Find a new home in your new home for all your old things. Try unpacking by room or by things you might want or need first. You might even be able to get it done in one day.

And once you’re done, light a candle, settle in and unwind by streaming your favorite shows and movies with your new Kinetic Internet!