Helpful
Tips for a Smoother Move
Your move to a new home should be an exciting time, not a stressful and overwhelming experience. So what can you do to improve your chances of more ups than downs in your move? Here are a few tips:
Make a Plan. There are too many details to commit to memory. Make a list of everything that needs to be done. Include the timeframe for completion and assign responsibility. As you make your activity list, also keep a running list of supplies that you will need.
Edit Your Belongings. Take an objective look at furnishings, household items, and clothing – literally everything you own. Decide what you don’t want or need anymore. Discard items that are on the “not going” list, or hold a yard or garage sale and let others take those items off your hands.
Strategize when packing.
Organize items for packing in a
logical manner. This will
come in handy on the other end.
For instance, group items that
you use infrequently or that you
won’t immediately use on arrival
at your new place. These
include items like formal china
or out-of-season clothing.
That way you can unpack these
boxes at your leisure.
Set up a
labeling system for boxes so
that it is easy to identify
which room they go in at your
new home. Having a
particular color for each room
can be helpful. Place
colored stickers on each box or
container in a spot that readily
catches the eye.
If you are
using a moving company, pack a
box or suitcase to take with
you. Include toiletries,
sleepwear, disposable plates and
utensils, snacks and beverages,
flashlights and batteries,
cleaning supplies, and any other
items that you would need if the
movers were delayed.
Handle notifications and cancellations.
Request that utilities needed up
to the last minute be
disconnected the day following
your move. This covers you
if the disconnect takes effect a
day early. On the other
end of your move, request the
start of new utilities the day
before you are scheduled to
arrive.
Make sure you get your mail delivery notices and banking business handled in plenty of time. File a change of address notice with the postal service and request mail forwarding to your new address to correspond with your arrival. Consider personally notifying businesses like credit card companies versus relying on mail forwarding. Also, if your bank does not have a presence in your new city, open a basic account so that you have the ability to at least write local checks if needed in the short term.
Prepare kids and pets.
Get your kids involved and
excited by talking about the
upcoming move. Try
activities like sketching how
they would like their new room
set up. Get travel books
that have information about your
new city and identify places you
would like to go as a family
once you are settled.
Also, look for books about
moving that are written from a
kid’s perspective.
If you are transporting pets, get them ready with a visit to your veterinarian. Make sure all of their vaccinations are current and that you have the proper paperwork confirming that. Ask for a referral to another vet in your new town. Also, ask if a sedative is a good idea to make travel easier for your pet. Have the proper carrier available, and be sure to have an adequate supply of food and water for the trip.
With planning and preparation, your move can be far less frustrating. It might even be fun. You will certainly feel more organized, and that will go a long way toward taking the stress factor down a notch.
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