You've found your dream home from a selection of Bakersfield homes for sale, hired a moving company, set a moving date, and now you think you're all set for the move. Not so fast! Even if you've booked a full-service move, there are several things you need to do before the big day to help avoid accidents, damage, setbacks, delays, and misunderstandings. Here's our agents' list of tasks you need to take care of before the movers arrive.

• Clean and Organize
  When preparing for movers, you want to make sure that all items that will put on the moving truck are clean, dry, and in good condition. Commit yourself to tackling one cleaning project a day. You can empty drawers, bookshelves, and cupboards; wash all linens and towels; throw out the garbage and wash trash cans; clean out your closets; fold your bedding and strip the mattress; and drain out of any fuel-powered tool. Get rid of explosive, flammable, and corrosive items that your movers won't ship like fertilizers, car batteries, chemicals, propane tanks, motor oils, pesticides, and antifreeze.
  
  
• Prepare Your Electronics and Appliances
  Before the movers arrive, take care of that dusty tangle of wires and cords behind the TV stand. Put the cords in a bag and label them to make things easy on yourself at the other end of your move. You should also remember to unplug and clean your appliances, including the dishwasher, fridge, and washer/dryer.
  
  
• Pre-Pack Small Items
  Consider pre-packing small items such as souvenirs, decor pieces, desk organizers, and other odds and ends scattered around the house. Put them in sealable bags so they don't get scattered or lost during transportation. Also, take mirrors, paintings, pictures, clocks, and other decorations from the wall. This will speed up the packing process, prevent accidental damage, and save you some headaches when unpacking.
  
  
• Pack a "First Night" Box
  Once your belongings are packed and loaded in the truck, it will be practically impossible to access most of them until you get to your new home. So, set aside a box for essential items, including toiletries, bed sheets, spare clothes, blankets, towels, pillows, toothbrushes, phone chargers, and a first aid kit, just in case. Have another box for essential kitchen utensils, drinking water, and non-perishable food.
  
  
• Set Aside Items You Don't Want to be Loaded on the Truck
  As you prepare for your relocation, you'll find a host of items you wouldn't want to be put on the moving truck: keys, tickets, important documents, family heirlooms, favorite toys, jewelry, and essential electronic devices. Put them in a separate room and lock it to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings with your movers.
  
  
• Secure Personal Data
  You want to make sure that no one has access to personal information. Keep financial records, credit cards, personal documents, and other important paperwork securely locked, shred or burn old documents, and protect your computer with a password. These documents should be kept on your person on moving day instead of the back of the moving truck.
  
  
• Plan for Kids and Pets
  Juggling kids, pets, and moving boxes isn't a great idea. We highly recommend leaving your children and pets with a family member, close friend, or babysitter. This will keep them away from the tension and chaos, ensure no one gets hurt, allow you to concentrate on urgent matters, and give movers the space they need to efficiently and effectively get the job done.
  
  
• Make a Detailed Inventory
  It's easy for items to get damaged, misplaced, or lost during the move. For this reason, it's prudent to create a detailed inventory of all the items you intend to entrust to the movers. List the serial numbers of your appliances and electronics, their make, brand, material, or any other distinctive features as relevant. Put labels or instructions on items you want to be handled with special care.
  
  
• Keep Your Movers in the Loop
  If you have big, heavy items (such as a piano or pool table) or access restrictions (like a narrow driveway or small elevator), it's important to share information about your removal needs. This will help movers plan accordingly and bring the right supplies, including if needed, heavy-moving equipment or furniture disassembly tools.

Proper preparation will help you have a smooth transition. Contact us today for more tips.