Moving day can be a time-consuming and stressful experience. There are ways to keep the stress levels down and for you to not feel so overwhelmed. There are many steps and items of the move that have to be taken care of. Arranging the steps and organizing them accordingly can make the process quite manageable. A well organized move will make for an easier one.
Here are some key tips to help:
- Move Less. Get rid of any old items you don’t need any more. Specifically if you are down-sizing. Get rid of the items that will no longer fit in your new home. Have a garage sale or sell items online. The extra cash will also help with moving expenses.
- Pack things up room by room. Use some recycled material as well like newspapers, grocery bags and even dishtowels to protect your items. LABEL the outside of the boxes too. Mark down the room they go to and what is it in.
- Arrange your utility hookup prior to move in day. Call the cable, phone, electricity, internet, water, gas, etc. services to arrange hookup for your new place. To make it easier bundle your services with one company when you can.
- Hire Professionals. Hire a professional moving company to move your items. They have the insurance to protect your stuff if it gets damaged during the move. They also are reliable and dependable and have the proper equipment needed to move large items. It also saves your friend’s and family’s backs from helping you lift those big pieces of furniture.
It is a great idea to keep things organized and arrange tasks into categories. From these categories you can check off the items as they are completed.
- Household
- Have your mail forwarded to the new address
- Forward or stop any deliveries (newspapers, magazines)
- Discontinue or transfer utilities.
- Schedule utility appointments for new address.
- Packing
- Plan your packing beforehand. Purchase suitable containers for what you are packing. Wardrobe boxes, plastic bins, etc. are great for moving and can be used for storage at your new place.
- Start collecting packing materials such as, boxes of all sizes, newspaper, tissue paper, packing tape, scissors, labels, markers, etc.
- Use a notebook to record what boxes go where and what they have in them.
- Set some goals and deadlines, for example, pack a room each week.
- Clean and roll up any rugs that are moving.
- Make arrangements for moving pets and plants.
- Community
- Return library books.
- Transfer children to new schools, if required.
- Returned all borrowed items (less to pack).
- Mail or email out a change of address notice to family members, friends, and business contacts.
- Records
- Transfer any medical records and prescriptions if needed.
- Change the address on your driver’s license.
- Change the billing address for credit cards.
- Change the mailing address on any bank statements.
- Leave a record of security code for new owners/tenants if needed.
- Insurance and Legal Matters
- Visit your lawyer and ensure all documents are signed.
- Notify your insurance company well in advance of the move and review your policy for the new home. Transfer insurance over to the new address.
- Review the moving company’s insurance policy. Purchase additional insurance if the company’s does not cover as much as you desire.
- Give written notice to the landlord if you are currently renting.
- Have all keys to your old home delivered to your lawyer or realtor.
Even though you have a lot of tasks and work to do, staying organized will help you feel a little more in control and less stressed about this big event. Plan ahead, write things down and stay organized and you will be on track for an easier move.
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