Fall is a great time to move. You’re beating the summer heat. Moving during the off-season. Taking advantage of reduced pricing from professional moving crews. Plus, you may have more flexibility on when to schedule the move to negotiate a better deal.
In this article, we’ll dive into top tips that will help you plan a well-organized move in the fall. So grab a warm latte, curl up in your coziest sweater, and let’s embark on your fall move!
1. Pack a “First Few Days” Suitcase
It may seem counterintuitive to begin by packing a suitcase, but this will be essential during the first few days in your new home. Fill the suitcase with anything you’ll need during the first week in your new space.
This includes:
- Toiletries
- Phone/laptop chargers
- Essential documents
- Basic tools
- Clothes/shoes for the week
That way you won’t have to go on a scavenger hunt through a sea of boxes just to find your toothpaste. Since you’ll be moving in the fall, fill your suitcase with a variety of clothing options to cover your bases: shorts, tees, sweaters, jeans, etc.
2. Prepare for Rain or Chilly/Windy Weather
While fall often brings sunny days and cooler temperatures, rain, and wind are unfortunate realities as well. This is particularly applicable if you’re moving to the Midwest or east coast. Cities such as Chicago see snow in their forecast as early as October or November some years.
When picking a moving day, try to find a day that forecasts minimal chance of wind, rain, and potential snow. In the event of inclement weather, keep spare umbrellas, rain jackets, and boots in an area that’s easy to access. In order to save yourself from rummaging through boxes on the day of the move.
3. Use Adhesive Film Protectors to Reduce Damage & Debris on Your New Floors
Leaves are in abundance in the fall, and you don’t want them making their way into your new home. Prior to beginning the moving process, lay adhesive floor protector film throughout your new space. This will ensure your floors don’t get dirty or scratched.
4. Clear Leaves from Movers’ Path Ahead of Time
It’s important to ensure there’s a clean and walkable path from your home or building to the moving truck. On the morning of the move, assess the path where the movers will carry your items. Then, ensure it’s free of leaves, twigs, and excess rainwater.
Not only is this a safe necessity, but it also can help you save money. Professional moving companies typically charge by the hour. So, you’ll get charged for any extra time they spend raking up leaves and clearing a walkable path.
5. Take Advantage of Labor Day Sales
Fall is prime time for sales on home goods and appliances; especially during Labor Day Weekend. Take advantage of the season’s discounts to snag items you’ll need for your new space. You can score on anything from cozy blankets and fall decor to a new toaster or television set.
6. Keep Daily Savings Time & School Schedules in Mind
When planning the day and time of your move, keep school schedules in mind to avoid rush hour traffic. If the moving truck plans to drive through an area with a school, times to avoid are typically 7 am to 9 am and 3 pm to 5 pm. This is when children are going to and from school. Your street also may have parking restrictions for the moving truck if you live near a school.
In addition to school schedules, Daylight Savings Time falls on the first Sunday in November. So, be sure to set your clocks for the correct time if you’re moving that day. It also gets darker earlier in the fall vs. summer. Therefore, try to schedule your move for earlier in the morning if possible to avoid moving at night.
7. Take Care of all Necessary School Paperwork Over the Summer
If you have children who will attend school, take care of all necessary paperwork over the summer, if possible. Meet with their new teachers and principals. Learn about any differences in the curriculum. Also, try to sign your kids up for extracurricular activities to help them adjust to their new environment.
8. Protect Your Belongings from the Elements
Fall weather can be unpredictable, and protecting your items from the elements can go a long way. Wrap furniture, artwork, and any fragile belongings in plastic. Also cushion fragile items with pillows or spare blankets to protect them in the event of rain, snow, or wind.
9. Pack Clothes by Season
To keep your items organized, separate them by season when packing and label boxes accordingly: Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter. That way, you’ll know which boxes to unpack first and which ones to keep in the back of the closet until Winter or Spring.
10. Set Up Utilities Ahead of Time
There’s nothing worse than moving into a new home or apartment with no heat, electricity, or Wi-Fi! Contact utility companies ahead of time to arrange the transfer and set up services in your new space.
11. Cozy Decor Galore: Embrace Fall’s Charm
It takes time to make a new apartment truly feel like home. Embrace fall’s beauty by sprinkling cozy decor into your new space and make the space feel like home right away. Light those cinnamon candles, throw on a plaid blanket, and curl up on the couch to enjoy your beautiful new home!
About Draper and Kramer
If you’re in the market for a new apartment, Draper and Kramer offer an extensive portfolio of luxury rental properties in Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Phoenix, and various other areas. Explore our properties by visiting draperandkramer.com today.
