10 Top Moving Tips

If you’re the kind of person who refuses to make lists, whether you’re packing for a vacation, going to the grocery store, planning your holiday shopping or trying to get things done at home, it’s time to give in. Moving can be stressful, but more organization leads to more peace of mind and an easier move. Let these tips be the general framework for your moving checklist.

Set the date. A deadline is an excellent motivator to get things done, especially if you tend to procrastinate.
Inform current and future utility providers about your move. This includes cable, internet, phone, electricity, gas and water. Have your utilities turned off a day after you move and have your new utilities turned on a day before you move to allow for any issues that may arise.
Change your address and make sure your mail is forwarded for at least one month after you move. The post office, bank, credit card companies, cell phone provider, magazine subscriptions, auto financing, insurance, doctors, attorneys, accountants and more need to be notified.
Measure. Make sure your furniture will fit through the doors and in the rooms of your new home.
Hire movers or reserve a truck. If you hire movers, do your research, get a few estimates and check every company with the Better Business Bureau. Then confirm everything one week before the move. If you plan to do the heavy lifting yourself, get plenty of help and stock up on supplies – boxes, markers for labeling, tape, blankets, utility knives and cushioning materials.
Purge. Go through every room of your home and get rid of whatever you don’t want or will never use. Now is not the time to be a packrat.
Sort. Set aside valuables, important documents and items that may require special packing and extra care. Determine what you’ll need to use right away after you’ve moved in and what can stay in a box for a few days… or weeks… or months.
Start packing early and try to pack a little bit every week. This is a bit of a loaded tip because packing is the most time consuming step of the moving process. Determine what can be packed in advance without disrupting your daily routine. Label every box based on its contents and how soon you need to unpack it. A day or two before the move, be sure to set aside a suitcase with a change of clothes or two and basic toiletries – just in case.
Monitor your movers. Make sure your belongings are handled with care and be available for questions. This will help you avoid problems and speed up the process.
Do a walkthrough. Never make the mistake of assuming you didn’t forget anything. Check every room, closet, drawer, cabinet, shelf, closet and vanity to avoid that “oh no” moment.