Guide to Planning a Move

There are many reasons why people move. They bought or sold a house or apartment. They're getting married, they're getting a new apartment. Whatever the reason, moving can be one of the most stressful times in a person's life. Here are some tips to help it go smoothly.

Make a Checklist

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to stay organized. The first thing that you will probably want to do is to make a checklist. Just make sure you don't pack it! This is the place to jot down all the things that are swarming in your head. If you stay organized, you'll make your move much smoother.

Jot down things to do such as contact moving companies, buy boxes, contact schools utilities, doctors, veterinaries, etc.

Setting the Moving Date

Make sure to coordinate with the seller of your new home, or landlord of your new apartment. Just because a house closing is scheduled for a certain date, doesn't mean that this is the day you will take possession of the house. If you are renting, make sure that the old tenant will have moved and that the apartment will be painted and cleaned for you. You may want to get these agreements in writing.

Start Early

Once you are fairly sure that your plan to move will come to fruition, start going through your things. You can go through your closets and weed out old clothes, toys, etc. Get a few extra boxes to that you can have some for donations to local charities. If your unwanted things are in good condition, don't throw them out. Donate them. Someone will appreciate it.

This is a great time to go through your attic or basement and see if you really need all the stuff you have accumulated. Do you really have room in your new place for your cassette player that you haven't touched in years, can you shred any old boxes of paperwork? Keep what you need and want, but start to organize and pack it. This will also help moving companies give accurate estimates.

Moving Yourself or Hiring a Moving Company?

If you have decided to do the move yourself, make sure to check out van rental availability. Will you need to put anything into storage? Make reservations for these things as early as possible and make sure to confirm them shortly before you move.

If you are going to hire a moving company, check the local yellow pages, or ask friends for recommendations. Make sure to call moving companies in advance as they can book up quickly. Contact a few companies and have them come over for estimates. Don't necessarily go for the cheapest. Remember this is your life they are moving. You want it to be done carefully, accurately and on time. You can check with the Better Business Bureau and make sure that the company you want to hire is in good standing.

Start Packing Early

Aside from going through closets and attics, there are many things that you don't use from day to day. Are holiday decorations in suitable containers for moving? What about good china, or out of season clothing? There is probably a lot that you can get packed way in advance and not need until after the move.

Keep Using That Checklist

You can keep a running log of all of your boxes. If you are moving long distance and it will take a few days for delivery of your things, you may want to code the boxes instead of labeling them specifically. You can keep the code and box contents in your check list for easy reference.

Don't forget that you will have to pack garage contents, outdoor furniture and equipment. If these are required to be boxed or crated, you may have to make special arrangements.

If you haven't already, contact local utilities and let them know when to switch you over. Don't forget to turn on and turn off.

Keep the Traffic Flowing

Try to keep your packed boxes out of the way for as long as possible. Keep traffic patterns open so that you will have easy access to everything you need. For example, once a closet is empty, you may be able to store boxes in there.

Make A First Day Kit

Make sure that you pack a box or two of things that you will need for your first few days in the new place. You'll want to have towels and sheets clean and ready for use. Make sure to have toothbrushes and toothpaste ready and accessible. Also medications or drug store items should be in this kit as well. Shampoo, soap, contact lens items, etc. You may want to put in a shower curtain and bath rug. If you can get a local phone book for you new location, add that in too. You may want to order take out food your first few nights. Add in some paper plates, bowls and plastic utensils. Maybe a box of cereal. Dish soap, sponges and paper towels will be helpful too. This is a great place for a photo copy of your check list. It's always good to have a back up.

Keep the Big Picture in Sight

You're almost there. You've been organized and done a great job planning your move. When you feel tired and frustrated, try to remember your new home and not get too stressed. You've done a good job. It will work out. Be sure to expect a little chaos. No matter how well you plan, some things will always go awry. Try to keep them in perspective. Good luck with your move. Enjoy your new home!