Moving can be hectic, but when you are properly prepared, the moving process is much more manageable. When you are getting ready to move, you will discover that there are many things you need to consider and remember to do.   Therefore, to keep stress minimal and ensure you don’t forget anything, it is a good idea to begin your preparations for moving a month in advance.

To help you make your moving process as organized and smooth as possible, consider utilizing the following moving tips:

4 Weeks Prior to Moving

• If you are hiring movers, book them.
• Notify the United States Postal Service of your new address, and obtain Change of Address forms from the USPS.
• Notify the following institutions and companies of your change of address:
• Financial institution (this also includes ordering new checks from your bank if applicable)
• Insurance firms
• Health care providers
• Utilities
• Cable, internet and phone companies
• Home services
• Subscriptions
• Personal Identification

3 Weeks Prior to Moving

• Begin packing.  Think about all of the items you wish to pack together and begin to organize your possessions so that the boxes you will be placing them in can be properly labeled according to the room where they will be placed in your new home.
• Dresser drawers do not have to be emptied.  Light clothes and linen will not add much weight to the furniture and can be left inside.  However, all other clothing and any valuables showcased on the dresser should be packed.
• Decide what you will take with you in the move, and what you will give away.  Place all of the items you intend to give away in a large box or container, and label it “give aways” so you can give them away when ready.
• Assemble all of your jewelry, money, important documents, and any other precious valuables together, but do not pack them.  These items should be personally taken with you when you move.
• Arrange to have your telephone disconnected on your moving day after loading, and have your new line hooked-up in your new home on the same day.
• Arrange to have your utilities and appliances disconnected on your moving day, and, in turn, have the utilities and appliances of your new home connected.

2 Weeks Prior to Moving

• Notify friends and family of your change of address
• Ask people to help you on your moving day
• Recruit a clean up crew
• Return all items that have been borrowed from the library, school, neighbors or anywhere else in the community you are moving from.
• Pay off bills and take care of any stocks and investments.
• Plan where you will place your furniture in the new home and measure furniture.   This should be done for as many of the furniture pieces as possible, but especially for the larger items you will need the movers to handle.  Creating this plan will inform the movers where each piece of furniture belongs, allowing them to load their truck accordingly, which will make moving easier and faster.

1 Week Prior to Moving

• Cancel any delivery service (I.E. magazines, newspapers).

A Few Days Prior to the Move

• Pack your suitcases with all the essential items you will need immediate access to once you move.  This includes toiletries, clothing, etc.  You don’t want to be rifling through boxes to find your toothbrush.
• Reserve elevators so they can be padded if you will be moving out or into a high-rise.
• Carefully consider any problems you may have had with the layout of your home when moving in, and be sure to inform the movers of these problems.
• Think about ways you can save time and make moving day as smooth as possible, for instance:
• Move backyard items to the front, or store them in your garage to save time and so they won’t be left behind.
• Move smaller basement and upstairs items to the main floor.

Moving Day

• Once everything has been loaded, do a full check of your home – all rooms, closets, cupboards, basement, attic, garage, behind doors, etc.  You also need to make sure that the movers have not loaded anything that should be left behind.
• Make sure all appliances have been disconnected and the gas and water has been shut off, and all hoses are drained.
• Ensure the fridge is empty, and if the fridge has an icemaker, that it is disconnected.  You also need to ensure the freezer has had time to defrost.
• Disconnect cords, and bundle all cords belonging to the TV and every other electronic system.

Finally, be prepared for the unexpected, and ready to handle any last minute mishaps that may happen.  Remain patient and thorough, and you should have a successful move.  Good Luck!