A summer move is incredibly exciting, especially for those moving into an A&G Residential home. With the bliss of longer days, warmer weather, and that “fresh start” feeling, summer is one of the most popular times of the year for relocations. Still, summer moves do offer their own unique challenges, and they can quickly become overwhelming. 

Having the right plan in place will ensure that your summer move goes as smoothly as possible. Whether you’re moving into a brand-new A&G Residential home or transitioning into your next home chapter, a little preparation can go a long way. 

Here are A&G Residential’s best Tips & Tricks for making a summer move stress-free:

Start Early! Because summer is the peak moving season, everything from moving companies to rental trucks tends to book up quickly. As soon as you have a target move date, start checking off this task list:

• Research and reserve your preferred moving company. 
• Schedule any necessary utility transfers, keeping detailed notes of dates and requirements. 
• Notify relevant schools on both sides of your move. Collect transcripts from those schools you are leaving while researching registration for your new schools.
• Alert service providers on both sides of your move to ensure a seamless address switch of service.
• For bills that arrive via the postal service, submit an address change with plenty of time for it to be processed.
• If you have subscriptions that arrive by physical mail, pass along your new address so you don’t miss a single issue.
• Submit a Forwarding Address form to the US Postal Service so that anyone you forgot to inform can easily find you, post-move.

It is never too early to start planning your move, but waiting too long can quickly limit your options, increase costs, and send your stress level skyrocketing. Planning ahead will give you flexibility and peace of mind, both very important when approaching a move.

Coordinate Utilities in Advance: There may be nothing worse than arriving at your new home only to realize the power hasn’t been turned on or that your internet hasn’t been connected. Avoid this by grouping your utility service activations together and scheduling them a week in advance of when you think you’ll really need them: 

• Prioritize electricity, water, and gas activation, as those will be most important if you settle in more quickly than anticipated. 
• You will likely need to be present for internet and cable installation, so your availability may determine when those can be connected.
• Setting up your trash and recycling services is important, but it can be listed as a lower priority. If your community has multiple options, see which company your neighbors like the best. 

If possible, plan on having those essential utilities set up at least a day or two prior to your moving date. That way, everything will be up and running on your first full night in your new home. 

Packing with Purpose: Efficiency matters when packing, especially during a summer move, as rising temperatures can cause you to lose motivation. A few smart strategies:

• Packing your current home room by room will help you stay organized and make the unpacking process more streamlined. 
• Clearly label each box, bin, or bag with both its contents and destination in your new home. Prefer to nerd-out a little? Number each container while documenting its contents on a shared Google sheet. On moving day, print out a few copies to post in both the home you’re leaving and the home you’re moving into. 
• Pack daily essentials separately and include items you know you’ll need upon arrival at your new home. This should include toiletries, chargers, a few changes of clothes, and some favorite snacks. 

Packing with purpose means thinking ahead to where each item will go in your new home, making the unpacking process seamless.

 Don’t be Afraid to Declutter: One of the biggest mistakes people make when packing up an existing home is not reducing clutter. Rather than moving items that you no longer want or need, take time pre-move to: 

• Donate any items that no longer fit your family’s lifestyle but still have plenty of life left. 
• Discard items that have worn out or no longer work. 
• Repeat! As you get closer to moving day, take a second look at those items you weren’t sure about keeping. You may be more willing to shrink the pile as moving day approaches. 

Think of this decluttering process as a present to your future, unpacking self. With a reduction in the number of boxes you’ll need to move, you will be able to start settling into your new home more quickly. 

Prepare for the Heat: While summer moves are quite popular, the heat can quickly become an unfriendly factor. Prepare for the big day by:

• Loading your refrigerators with plenty of water. Do this both in your current home and your new one so that a fresh bottle is always available. 
• Set out lightweight, breathable clothing that you won’t mind wearing all day. These shouldn’t be your favorite outfits as they might get a bit grimy or stained during the moving process. 
• Do the heavy loading and lifting first thing in the morning, if possible. If that’s not possible, save those items for early evening, after the hottest part of the day has passed. 

For homeowners with pets and/or young children, arrange for them to stay with a friend or family member on moving day to keep them comfortable and safe. 

Take Advantage of the Season! While summer can be busy, it also offers some unique advantages:

• Longer daylight hours mean more time to move, unpack, and get settled. 
• The weather is generally predictable, days in advance. 
• A summer move often aligns with school breaks, making school transitions a bit easier.
• Setting up a new space extends to the outdoors, and a summer move allows you to enjoy your home’s patio and yard on day one. 
• Beautiful evenings in North Carolina often bring neighbors outdoors, which means it won’t take long for you to make some new connections.  

Finally, Give Yourself Time to Settle In! This may be the most important tip of all for a successful summer. While it may be tempting to unpack every single box in just a few days, it’s a job that is rarely realistic. Instead of instantly removing some of the joy in building your new home by racing to set it up: 

• Focus on a few key areas first. Your kitchen will likely serve as a gathering space more quickly than any other, so start there. Next up, the living area and any shared bathrooms. 
• Take breaks! One of the reasons you fell in love with your new home is your desire to enjoy it for years to come. That means you’ve got plenty of time to get everything in place.  
• Your home will come together gradually. As you settle in, you will likely change your mind on organization, furniture set-up, and more. Don’t worry about it!

Moving isn’t just about changing your address; it’s about creating a space that feels like home. There is no need to race to the finish line. 

A&G Residential understands that building or buying a new home is only the first chapter in your relocation story and is committed to helping you feel prepared every step of the way. A&G Residential’s home designs make moving in easier, and the team provides a homebuying process that will keep you feeling confident from day one. 

Now is the perfect time to start planning your summer move, and A&G Residential is ready to help. With a bit of planning, a clear strategy, and the right team behind you, your summer move can be a positive, exciting experience from start to finish. 

Reach out to A&G Residential today to get started! With homes available in Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, and Moore counties, A&G Residential has the perfect spot for your summer relocation.