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Tampa & St. Pete Moving Tips

Relocation Resources

Making Your Relocation To Tampa & St. Pete Easier!

Let's face it, moving day is no picnic. Experience has taught us organization is the key to making your relocation to Tampa & St. Pete as smooth as possible.  By using these helpful tips, your move will be much more organized and less stressful.  If we can be of assistance, contact us, your Tampa & St. Pete real estate experts.

Organize and declutter

Let's face it - moving day is no picnic. Experience has taught us that organization is the key to making your relocation to Tampa as smooth as possible. Going through your things, organizing, labeling, and paring down your belongings is a great way to get started on your project.

Lighten the load

Host a garage or yard sale to get rid of outgrown or unused items. If time prevents you from holding a yard sale, consider donating the items to a charitable organization like the Salvation Army or the Goodwill Foundation.

Change your address

The fastest and easiest way to change your address is to do it online with USPS - uou are able to get all of your mail forwarded to your new home. Additionally, be sure to change your address on other important documents such as your driver's license, your bank account and any subscriptions that you may have.

Handy Packing Tips

  • Use sturdy, reinforced boxes, and if packing fragile items, pack them with care.
  • Consider using bubble wrap or other packing material for extra cushion and security.
  • If you secure free boxes at your neighborhood supermarket or liquor store, just remember they are not reinforced.
  • Mark fragile boxes so movers can identify them quickly and easily. Be sure you point out to your mover those boxes that contain high-value items and secure extra insurance for those items.
  • Pack dishes, bowls, plates and other glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked.
  • Pack heavier items in smaller boxes.
  • Don't forget to label your boxes, especially any box that contains items that are needed immediately such as sheets and towels. You'll need those items first when you move in.
  • Create an "OPEN ME FIRST" box containing personal essentials like toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, paper plates, paper cups, paper towels, snacks, instant coffee or tea bags, soap, flashlight, tools (screwdriver, pliers), and any other items your family can't do without. Have this box available so it can be removed first from the moving van.

On Moving Day

Be sure to exchange information with your moving company's foreman to stay in touch on timelines and to do's. Keep track of important documents as well as anything that you may need over the next few days.

Keep important info

  • Exchange your contact information with the mover's foreman in case you need to contact each other.
  • Read all moving documents before you sign anything. If you don't understand something, ask for a clear explanation.
  • Note your shipment's registration number, and keep your Bill of Loading handy during the move.
  • If you're moving long distance, it's possible your household goods and personal belongings could be on a truck with someone else's goods too.
  • If this is the case, your mover may have to warehouse your furniture and belongings for several days.
  • Ask your mover if your goods will remain on the truck until delivered. If they have to be stored, ask if you may inspect the warehouse for security, organization and cleanliness.
  • Lastly - take all your personal documentation (medical records, school records, financial records) and medications with you for your security and for your convenience.

    • Take an overnight bag

    Pack everything that you may need over the next few days in an overnight back that will stay with you in your personal vehicle on moving day. This way, you won't need to dig through your boxes for your PJ's and toothbrush after an exhausting day of moving. 

    Have phone numbers handy

    Take your old phone book with you just in case you need to contact someone from your former home.

    After You Move

    Clean first

    Before you unpack, wipe down all surfaces and vacuum all floors. It is much easier to clean before you unpack as you have a clean slate and won't have to clean around your belongings. 

    Unpack by room

    So as to not get overwhelmed, have your movers place boxes in the rooms that they will go in and then unpack one room at a time. That way, you will stay organized with your unpacking and the individual rooms will offer good stopping points.

    Enjoy your new home

    Moving can be such a huge undertaking but it is important to remember to enjoy your new space and truly make it feel like your own. 

    Still Have Questions or Ready to Buy a Home in Tampa & St. Pete?

    If you're ready to find the perfect home in Tampa & St. Pete or you have any questions about buying a home in the area, then it's time to contact us. We're your local guide to all things Tampa & St. Pete and we're more than happy to help! Want to learn more about buying a home inTampa & St. Pete? We've got plenty of resources to help you out!

    Tampa & St. Pete Home Buying Resources