So you’ve decided to move from the ‘Venice of America’ once and for all. You’ve had it with the bad weather, the crowds, and the traffic. Even though the state is known for its beauty and the warm weather, sometimes, it gets a bit too much to bear.
During the summers, it feels like you’re sitting next to a radiator, but then there’s so much rain and humidity.
Even if the heat, humidity, and rain aren’t compelling reasons to move, day-to-day expenses increase without any warning. Compared to other states, living expenses are higher in Fort Lauderdale.
Then there are never-ending traffic jams, crowded streets, and increasing sales taxes that keep piling up.
Ranting Over! It’s time to plan your move. Here’s what you must do.
1. Create a Moving Timeline
The first step toward a stress-free move is proper planning. Start by jotting down all the essential tasks like packing, hiring movers, notifying utilities, and updating your address. Making a checklist may seem unnecessary, but it can be a lifesaver.
Imagine arriving in your new city only to realize you forgot to pack your toothbrush. Or worse, you left your wallet at the dining table, and now you’re stuck in a new city without your debit cards.
You can avoid these nightmare scenarios by making a checklist and ticking off each item as you go. Plus, there’s something undeniably satisfying about crossing things off a to-do list.
2. Hire Professional Movers
We get it—moving heavy furniture and lugging boxes around is about as enjoyable as getting stuck in an endless loop of “Are we there yet?” with a car full of hyperactive toddlers. That’s why it’s time to bring in the big guns: professional movers.
To make the relocation experience hassle-free, we suggest you get in touch with the best Fort Lauderdale long distance moving company.
Before making any decisions, make sure to read reviews from previous customers. Look for reputable review platforms like Yelp or Google, where you can uncover the real experiences of those who had gone before you or used the service you’re interested in.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, contact them and request quotes. Bear in mind that the cheapest option isn’t always the best, but finding a reliable and affordable option is the ultimate win.
3. Declutter
Moving is the perfect opportunity to eliminate everything you no longer need or want. In fact, studies show that 80% of the items people have in their homes are rarely used! And it’s a great way to save money on shipping costs. But where do you even start?
First things first, grab a trash bag and put in everything you haven’t used in a year. Bid farewell to that collection of mismatched socks that defy all laws of pairing. And do you really need that dusty old lamp you haven’t used in three years? Probably not.
You can donate clothes that no longer fit. Host a garage sale and finally get rid of that exercise equipment that turned out to be the world’s most expensive clothes hanger.
If you’re having trouble parting with certain items, think of it from this perspective: every item you part ways with is one less thing to unpack and organize in your new house. Plus, you can always buy new things to replace the old ones once you’ve settled in.
4. Pack Strategically
Regarding packing, remember we’re not just randomly tossing things into boxes like a game of moving-day roulette. We’re going for efficient packing efficiency. It’s all about unleashing the power of space and using every nook and cranny to its fullest potential.
Consider the shape and size of each item. Group similar items together. Place heavier items at the bottom, creating a solid foundation for the rest. Utilize soft items, such as clothing, towels, or blankets, as protective padding.
Not only will they keep fragile objects safe, but they’ll also save you from the extra cost of bubble wrap.
To save space, try rolling your clothes instead of folding them. It’s a total space-saver and keeps those pesky wrinkles at bay. Remember to fill in any gaps with smaller items or packing paper. It is crucial to ensure that your moving boxes do not exceed the weight limit of 30 pounds.
To adhere to this guideline without leaving your boxes half-empty or straining your muscles, opt for small or medium-sized boxes when packing heavy items such as kitchen appliances. Reserve the larger cardboard boxes for lighter belongings like bedsheets and clothes.
This way, you’ll strike the perfect balance and make your moving day a breeze. Once you’re done stuffing everything that needs to go into the box, seal the box flaps with duct tape and label each box with a descriptive title so you don’t have to embark on a Sherlock Holmes-style investigation to find what you need later.
5. Consider the Weather and Season
Fort Lauderdale’s weather leaves a lot to be desired, right? The summers bring humidity levels exceeding 85 percent, with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Since it’s one of the many reasons people leave America’s Venice, you must be vigilant about this regarding relocation.
If you can choose your moving date, consider aiming for the dry season from November to April. You’ll have a better chance of enjoying clear skies and comfortable temperatures and minimize the risk of your belongings getting soaked in an unexpected downpour.
6. Notify Service Providers
As you embark on your journey, don’t forget to update those providing essential services. First on the list is that trusted snail mail carrier, the United States Postal Service (USPS). Let them know about your impending move by submitting a change of address form.
You can do this online or visit your local post office.
Next, contact the necessary utility companies, including electricity, water, gas, and internet service providers. Call them, email them, or visit their websites to inform them about your address change.
Also, update your billing information and shipping addresses for all your favorite apps and websites like Amazon and Uber Eats. Imagine ordering pizza after an exhausting day of unpacking, only for it to end up at your old address. What a nightmare.
Last but certainly not least, update your address with entities like your bank, insurance providers, healthcare providers, and any other organizations that need to stay connected with you.
Conclusion
Moving can be a challenging process, but it doesn’t have to be. By following the tips mentioned in this article, you can ensure a stress-free move from Fort Lauderdale.
We hope you learned something from this article. If you think we missed something, let us know in the comments below.
