Moving Checklist - Nine Tips For A Stress Free Move

Moving will probably always be a stressful experience, but much of that stress comes from things that can be avoided. A good plan can go a long way towards making your move as worry-free as possible. Below is a checklist to help you plan your move.

Get Rid Of Old Stuff

Moving is a great time to get rid of old stuff you haven't used in years. In addition to reducing clutter and freeing up closet space, it will make your move that much easier. Start by donating clothes that no longer fit or haven't been worn in years as well as any toys your children have outgrown. If you have a junk drawer, box, or closet, clean it out. Also think about whether furniture or other household items will fit in your new home, and schedule a charity to take away the things that won't fit a few days before your move.

Get A Quote

Get a quote and lock in a mover months in advance. Be sure their contract guarantees they will appear and that there haven't been any complaints about their reliability. Also make sure the price is firmly set to avoid the surprise of extra charges on moving day. Usually a quote is only final if movers have come to your home for an estimate due to the large number of variables involved in a move. If you're renting your own truck, know that certain companies overbook their reservations and leave movers delayed for hours or with no moving truck at all.

Get Packing Supplies

You'll need tape, boxes, furniture covers, and soft packaging to protect your fragile items. Many movers will provide these items at an additional charge, but it will be more expensive than if you buy them yourself. Weigh the convenience of having them delivered to you against how much trouble it will take to get the materials yourself. Also think about when the materials will arrive if you want to get an early start on packing. Because you probably won't know exactly how much to buy, you may also want to consider the return policies for any unused supplies.

Pack Early

The earlier you can start, the better. Packing a few hours at a time on nights and weekends can eliminate a lot of stress. You can start with holiday decorations or other items in your attic. Move on to clothes that are out of season and other less used items. By finding the items that you know you can go for weeks or months without, you might find that there are more things you can move to the donate to charity list.

Set Aside Daily Necessities

As you get closer to moving day, you'll need to start preparing things that you might be more used to living with. Leave furniture until the last minute, but begin to pack your decorations. Handle clothing, medications, and other daily essentials like you would a vacation. Set aside enough for a week or two along with a suit case to carry it all in your car on moving day. That way you also won't have to worry about unpacking right away if you're tired when you arrive at your new home. Don't forget to have extra cash on hand for food, last minute supplies, and tips for the movers.

Empty Your Refrigerator

If you have a long move or will be taking your refrigerator with you and will have to defrost it, you'll need to make sure you eat all of your perishable food ahead of time. If you're used to planning your meals well in advance, you'll need to resist the temptation to keep your freezer stocked with the weekly grocery store specials. If you aren't used to planning, come up with a meal plan for the last few days before your move to make sure you buy just enough for well-balanced meals and don't need to switch to takeout too soon.

Make A Plan For Children And Pets

Try to find somewhere to take your children or pets on moving day or even for a few days before or after. All the packing and moving things around can be scary for young children and pets who don't understand what's going on. It can also be dangerous to have them running around under your feet when you're carrying heavy items, and you don't want them running out through an open door and into the street.

Stay Organized

One of the keys to an easy move is staying organized. Clearly label your boxes as you pack. This will help everything get into the right room at your new home when you have extra help to move everything around. It will also let you know what to unpack first so you can take your time and not have to go digging through every box to find things.

Don't Forget The Utilities

To avoid paying extra for services you're no longer using or living in the dark ages when you arrive at your new home, remember to schedule disconnection for your old services and connection for your new ones. This includes electricity, water, cable, internet, phone, and natural gas.