1.
Clean house! The first rule of moving is to get rid
of unnecessary clutter before you go. That way,
you won't have to find a place for those rarelyused
items when you get to your new home. Host
a garage sale or donate goods to a local charity.
2.
Get organized. Two months before your move,
keep track of all your mail and make a list of people,
subscriptions, and organizations that should
be notified. Contact the postal service to change
your address. Don't forget about your bank, your
insurance agent, your doctor and your vet.
3.
Cancel and re-order. Make another list that includes
utilities such as telephone, gas, electric, water,
cable and Internet access. Remember to contact
your pest control, lawn care, window cleaning
and other services to let them know about your
move. Proper planning insures that you won't be
paying for services you're not using!
4.
Be "mover friendly". If you're using a professional
moving company, make yourself available to answer
questions on both ends of the move - loading
and unloading. Review the home inventory paperwork
and make sure the driver has your contact
information and details of your delivery.
5.
Be safe. Whether you're hiring professionals or doing
it yourself, remove all rugs, low hanging items
and tripping hazards. Keep walkways clear at all
times. Arrange for someone to take care of your
children and pets while everything is being packed
and loaded onto the moving truck.
6.
Know what you're packing. Label boxes in detail,
including contents and the room in which they
belong. This will save time and questions for you
and your movers. Pack essentials like a change of
clothes, snacks, and the coffee maker and take
them with you.
7.
Know what NOT to pack. Charcoal lighter fluid,
pesticides and paint thinner are a few of the items
that professional moving companies won't touch.
Make arrangements to transport these items or
leave them with a neighbor. Valuables such as cash,
jewelry and important documents should stay with
you or be shipped via trackable shipping service.
8.
Check and double check. Before the moving van
leaves, make sure everything is loaded or unloaded,
for both ends of your move. Check the attic,
basement, closets, and garage for things you may
have forgotten. If something is damaged during
the move, notify your moving company immediately
and take photographs of the damaged item.
9.
Keep smiling! Moving can be manageable, with
the right attitude and thoughtful preparation. It will
all be over soon -- and you'll have days, weeks or
even months (!) to unpack at your leisure. Throw
yourself a "welcome home to your new home" party
and meet your new neighbors.
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