Moving your house in Wisconsin can seem overwhelming, but with the right strategy, it becomes manageable. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 31 million Americans move every year, and planning ahead can significantly reduce stress.
In Wisconsin alone, thousands of families relocate annually, especially during peak moving season from May to September. Let’s break down how to organize the process and make moving your house a smoother experience.
Plan Ahead for Moving Your House
Planning early is key when moving your house. Ideally, start preparing at least 8 to 12 weeks in advance. According to Allied Van Lines, early planning can cut moving costs by up to 25%. Create a timeline that includes tasks like hiring movers, gathering supplies, and notifying service providers.
Choose the Right House Movers in Your Area
Finding reliable house movers in your area is critical. Data from Consumer Reports indicates that 40% of people who hired professional movers reported a much smoother experience compared to DIY moves. Look for movers who are licensed, insured, and have positive reviews. It’s smart to get at least three quotes to compare services and pricing.
Hire Moving Companies That Store Your Stuff
Sometimes timing doesn’t align perfectly when moving your house. Moving companies that store your stuff offer flexible storage options. According to Moving.com, around 20% of movers use temporary storage during their move. Storage units come climate-controlled, adding extra protection for your belongings during Wisconsin’s varying temperatures.
Consider Paying Someone to Pack Your House
Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of moving. A study by Zillow found that paying someone to pack your house can reduce packing time by more than 50%, helping families focus on other logistics. Professional packing services often offer full-value insurance protection, giving peace of mind for your valuables.
Declutter Before You Move
Before moving your house, decluttering can save you up to 30% on moving costs, based on research from the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA). Donate to organizations like Goodwill or The Salvation Army in Wisconsin, or host a yard sale to offset some moving expenses.
Create a Moving Budget
Moving your house involves several costs, and creating a thorough moving budget is essential for avoiding financial surprises. The national average cost of a local move is around $1,500, while long-distance moves average $4,000, depending on the size and distance, according to Moving.com. In Wisconsin, local moves typically range from $800 to $2,500, depending on factors like home size and seasonal demand.
When building your budget, factor in more than just the basic transportation cost. Include expenses for packing supplies like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap, which can add up to $100-$300. If you’re paying someone to pack your house, expect an additional cost of around $400 to $1,200, depending on the volume and complexity.
Notify Utilities and Change Address
A smooth move also means handling your utilities well in advance. The U.S. Postal Service processes over 38 million change-of-address forms each year—don’t forget to submit yours online or in person to avoid mail disruption.
Notify your local utility providers, such as WE Energies, Alliant Energy, AT&T, Spectrum, and your local water and waste management services. Aim to schedule service disconnections and reconnections at least two weeks before moving your house. Double-check your final meter readings and make sure all outstanding bills are settled to avoid future headaches.
Label All Your Boxes Clearly
Labeling boxes correctly can cut unpacking time by 25%, according to a 2022 Moving Industry Report. Use a color-coded system to match boxes to rooms or number each box and maintain a corresponding inventory list.
Labels should be placed on the sides and tops of boxes for easy identification. If you’re using moving companies that store your stuff temporarily, clear labeling becomes even more critical for efficient retrieval and unpacking later.
Protect Your Valuables
When moving your house, about 15% of moving claims involve small but valuable items, based on AMSA data. To protect them, pack jewelry, important documents, medications, heirlooms, and electronics separately.
Carry these items with you during the move or ship them via a secure and insured method to ensure peace of mind.
Prepare a “First Night” Box
Survey data shows that 70% of movers forget at least one essential item on moving day. Having a “First Night” box avoids this common pitfall. Pack it with essentials like toiletries, medications, phone chargers, pajamas, snacks, disposable plates and utensils, and bedding. Having everything handy reduces stress after a long day of moving your house.
Communicate with Your Movers
Clear communication is vital when working with house movers in your area. Miscommunication leads to delays in about 22% of moving experiences. Provide your movers with detailed instructions on parking, entry points, fragile items, and any special care items. Keeping an open line of communication helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures a smoother moving day.
Understand Insurance Options
Before moving your house, understand insurance coverage options thoroughly. Basic mover liability coverage typically reimburses only $0.60 per pound per item. If you have valuable belongings, consider purchasing Full Value Protection or seeking a third-party moving insurance provider. This ensures that in case of damage or loss, you are adequately compensated.
Coordinate Move-Out and Move-In Dates
Nearly 30% of homebuyers experience a “gap” period between move-out and move-in dates. This makes moving companies that store your stuff temporarily a valuable solution. Storage options provide flexibility, especially when home closings are delayed or when renovations are needed before moving into your new house.
Inspect Your New Home Before Moving In
About 25% of homeowners report discovering undisclosed issues after moving in. Inspect your new home well before moving your house into it. Pay attention to major systems like HVAC, plumbing, roofing, and insulation. Addressing these concerns ahead of time can save you money and prevent inconvenient repairs during your first months.
Be Ready for Wisconsin’s Weather
Wisconsin averages 48 inches of snow annually and faces heavy rainfall in spring and fall. Be prepared for weather disruptions when planning your move. Use waterproof covers, secure moving paths with salt if icy, and ensure trucks are equipped to handle slick conditions. Flexibility with timing can help you avoid dangerous situations.
Schedule Home Maintenance
Maintenance issues account for 35% of “first-year” home problems. Schedule critical inspections like HVAC checks, chimney sweeps, and roof assessments immediately after moving in. Staying on top of maintenance tasks protects your investment and ensures a comfortable living environment.
Final Walkthrough Before Leaving
Forgetting items during a move happens in about 28% of relocations. Before leaving, perform a thorough walkthrough—open every cabinet, check garages, attics, and outdoor sheds. Clean the house for the next occupants as a courtesy and to fulfill any lease or sale conditions.
Moving your house in Wisconsin doesn’t have to be stressful.
With careful preparation, from choosing professional residential movers to considering moving companies that store your stuff, you can simplify the experience. Whether you’re paying someone to pack your house or taking a DIY approach, planning, organization, and flexibility are key. Embrace the change and look forward to starting fresh in your new Wisconsin home!