Luxury Home Moving: 7 Questions That Will Make Your Move Successful

Finding your dream home is a significant milestone, and that’s why planning your move is vital in making this experience a success.

From organizing your items to preparing your family, there are plenty of things on your to-do list. In this blog post, we’re sharing the seven crucial questions you need to answer so you can create an effective moving plan.

Let’s get to it.

Make your move seamless and efficient.

Failing to plan is planning to fail. For a big move, the preparation stages could span weeks, and sometimes even months. With so many things to do before moving day, it’s essential to step back and look at the entire scope of your move.

Here are the seven questions to ask yourself during the planning stages.

Question 1: What items should I bring with me?

Your answer to this question will likely be “Everything!”.

However, even if your newly purchased luxury home has enough space for your current belongings, consider whether you need or want all of them.

Here are some additional considerations to remember:

Value of the items: You might prefer selling rather than donating high-value items. Hire a professional appraiser or estate sale company to help you determine the value of your items and how to sell them.
Space in your new home: Your dream home might be smaller than your current one. In this case, you might consider downsizing by selling, storing or donating your items.
Sentimental value: Some items hold sentimental value, so it’s wise to remember this when deciding what to bring with you.
Philanthropic opportunities: Charities and museums will benefit from your donation of books and fine art. It’s also an excellent way to give back to your community.

Ultimately, whether you keep, sell, store, or donate items before your move depends on your situation. Work with a professional organizer or moving company to determine the best way to handle your belongings.

Question 2: Do I need a professional moving company?

Aside from their experience, professional movers have the resources to make your move go smoothly.

Here are some things to consider when hiring a moving company:

Experience: Look for a moving company with a proven success track record. A company that has been in business for a long time and has many positive reviews will likely be a wise choice.
Services offered: Consider what services the moving company provides. Do they offer packing services, storage solutions, or specialized transport for delicate or valuable items? Make sure the company you choose provides the services you need.
Insurance: Look for a moving company with insurance to protect your belongings in case of damage or loss during the move.
Cost: Of course, cost is an essential factor in moving. Get quotes from several moving companies and compare their services and prices.

Ultimately, hiring a professional moving company can take the stress out of your move. Use this guide to help you choose a moving company.

Question 3: What is the most effective way to pack and protect my high-end belongings?

The answer depends on the type of items, what you plan to do with them, and how you will transport them to their destination. Check with your moving company for packaging, storage and transport options.

Here are a few examples of what most companies can provide:

Custom crating. Crates are ideal for fragile items, high-end artwork, sculptures, and antiques. Each container is made specifically for your item’s dimensions and weight and can be lined with foam for added protection.
Climate-controlled services. Climate-controlled transport is essential for high-end wines, musical instruments, and other temperature-sensitive items. Ask your moving company if they provide this.
Professional packing services. Your moving company can provide professional packing services for all your luxury items. High-quality packing materials like bubble wrap, moving blankets, and foam peanuts are necessary to safeguard your items during transit.

If you choose to pack the items yourself, remember to use the right packing materials and techniques. For detailed information, check out our guide on how to prepare your antiques for a move.

Question 4: How can I ensure my items’ safety during a move?

You wouldn’t want your valuables damaged, so you need several layers of safety to protect them. First, you must consider how you package them, how they’ll be transported, and finally if you have insurance coverage.

Specifically, you’ll need to decide on the following:

Packing your valuables: Whether stem glasses or a century-old cabinet, every item must be packed using the correct materials and techniques. For added protection, ask your movers about custom crating for antiques and fine art pieces.
Choosing a transport option. Moving across the country versus moving to a higher floor presents different challenges. Consider whether you want to transport your items by land or air for long-distance moves, and if you need a hoisting service to lift items to higher floors.
Getting insurance: There are several types of moving insurance. For example, you need a basic level of coverage called carrier liability which is usually included in your mover’s contract. Speak with your moving company to learn about their protection options, including additional liability coverage or third-party insurance policies.

Most items will be well-protected with bubble wrap and a sturdy box. But for valuables like antiques and fine art, insurance coverage is a must.

Question 5: How can I ensure everything is properly unpacked and organized in my new home?

Unpacking and organizing is a highly complex process, especially when you have valuable items, heavy furniture, and multiple floors in your new home.

Include the following in your moving plan:

Create an unpacking plan with your unique needs in mind. Consider things like which rooms you want to unpack first, which items are a priority, and where to store certain things.
Have a floor plan ready. A floor plan will help you decide where to put furniture, art, and décor. Take measurements of each room, and draw a rough sketch of the space.
Start by deciding which furniture should be moved first. Consider bringing in oversized items such as sofas, beds, and tables before everything else. These items occupy the most space and are easiest to move when the home is empty.
Declutter and organize. As you unpack, you may find more items you won’t need or have space for in your new home. Remember that this can happen, and have a plan to address it.

Your moving company may offer a full-service package, so you don’t have to unpack and organize yourself. But if you decide to do this yourself, remember that you still need people to help you lift heavy items. For more tips, check out our guide to unpacking and organizing after a move.

Question 6: How do I prepare my family and pets for the move?

Focus on making the transition easy and seamless for your family. Aside from making sure your home is ready for you to move in, you also need to prepare for the first few days and nights in a new home.

Here are some things to plan for:

Pack an essentials box. Sometimes also called a “first night box”, this box is a survival kit for your first few days in a new home. It will include toiletries, clean clothes, kitchen tools, and bedding.
Plan for meals. Find the closest restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores. Also, consider meal prep beforehand and freezing meals for the first few days.
Prepare your pets for the move. Place your pets’ belongings in a spot accessible to them, and pack a bag of their favorite toys and food. Make sure to update their tags and microchip information.
Keep your family involved. Involve your family in the moving process from start to finish. Let children help pack and label boxes, and keep them updated on the moving timeline.

Moving can be stressful for everyone, including pets and children. So make sure everyone receives a check-up and refills their prescriptions before moving day. Think of what will make your family comfortable in the new home, and add them to the moving plan.

Question 7: What are the most important things I need in my new home?

You want to ensure the property is ready for you to move in and that no surprises will negatively impact your experience.

Essentially, you want to make sure these things are taken care of:

Utilities. Ensure utilities, including water, electricity, gas, and the internet, are connected and working properly.
Safety. Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, check locks on doors and windows, and ensure there are no hazards like loose wiring or uneven flooring.
The essentials. You’ll need basic items in those first few days and weeks. These items include toilet paper, cleaning supplies, essential kitchen items like plates and utensils, and bedding.
Cleanliness. Make sure your new home is clean before moving in. Hire a professional cleaning service or clean it yourself before bringing in your belongings. This will ensure your new home is free of dust, dirt, and allergens.

Once these things are taken care of, you can focus on unpacking and settling into your new home. Use this moving checklist to give you an idea of what to do, and when, in the months and weeks leading up to your move.

Get ready to move into your dream home.

You should consider every aspect of your move, from packing to transportation to unpacking and organizing. Remember to update your insurance and prepare your family and pets for the move.

By answering the 7 questions above, you can create a moving plan that works for you. You will also feel more prepared, ensuring the move goes smoothly and efficiently for everyone involved.

Hire the right moving company.

Moving to a luxury home is an exciting and significant milestone in your life. However, it’s also stressful especially when you have high-end furniture, artwork, and other valuable items to transport.

That’s why you need a professional moving company specializing in luxury home moves.

At The Padded Wagon, our experienced and skilled movers will ensure that all your items are packed, transported, and unpacked with the utmost care and precision.