Are You Moving to Rochester? Here Are 7 Tips to Help!

If you're moving to Rochester, you now realize how much is involved in the process. While it may seem intimidating, there are steps you can take to make the process proceed without a hitch. Here are seven tips to help in your move to Rochester.

1. Start Making Plans Early

Almost 60% of yearly moves in the United States occur between May and August, according to Move Buddha. If you intend to move during this time, it's important to begin making plans as soon as possible. You'll have more time to explore your new city, find a new place, and organize things the sooner you start.

Make early reservations if you plan to use moving services, rent supplies, or hire contractors such as cleaners or painters to work on your home. During the prime moving season, waiting might result in higher moving costs or the inability to find a truck or movers. You must start your search early if you want to renew your lease. According to Caton Commercial, negotiating a lease renewal takes 12 to 15 months. Give yourself enough time to play one landlord against another and create competition so you can get what you need.

2. Schedule Utilities in Advance

Once you've set the dates, contact your utility companies to schedule service at your new residence. When you get to your new home, the last thing you want is to find the water, heat, or power is off. So list the services you need and schedule them in advance. While at it, request service stops for the day you move to your new residence.

3. Put together a Moving Folder

Gather purchase or rental documents, moving contracts, new addresses, and more in a single folder. Have a hard and digital copy if your battery dies or you encounter any other emergency. If you need to confirm anything during the move or planning process, you'll have access to all appropriate documents.

4. Invest in Equipment

Stock up on supplies days before the move. You don't want to make last-minute runs to the store while packing boxes and ensuring everything is out of the house. Purchase garbage bags, paper towels, packing tape, permanent markers, adhesive badges, and box cutters. Even if you don't use all of them during the move, they'll still come in handy afterward.

For large or heavy equipment, consider renting moving gear from a moving company. When you work with a moving service, they'll probably have all the necessary equipment. However, if you frequently move, purchasing equipment may be wise. Whether you buy, rent, or borrow, ensure you have a furniture dolly, cushions or coverings, and tie-down rope or straps during the move.

5. Label Boxes

Label each box with the room it belongs to and briefly describe the contents. Doing this will make it easier for you and your movers to locate every box at your new home. Number each box and keep an inventory list in a notebook to keep track of your belongings as you pack and unpack.

6. Prepare For the Weather

If you're moving from a warmer climate to Rochester, brace for the weather. Winters in Rochester get extremely cold with plenty of snow. So be sure to invest in winter gear and warm clothing. On the other hand, summers can be hot and humid, so remember to pack light clothing and sunscreen

7. Consider Your Mortgage Options

Just because you're young doesn't mean you can't own a home. More millennials are taking up mortgages. Realtor.com says millennials made up 45% of mortgage borrowers in 2019.

Make sure you shop around and compare rates. There are online tools you can employ for this. Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start house hunting to understand how much you can afford. Doing this will make the home-buying process smoother.

Moving to Rochester is a great idea. You'll get to go to the Rochester Public Market and the George Eastman Museum, among other attractions. Make plans in advance to make sure things go as planned on the big day.