Tips for an Easier Move

Moving can be one of the worst life changes a person can face, and moving from one part of the country to another can seem like a nightmare. However, a handful of simple tricks can make the big move a lot simpler and saner.

First, begin packing unnecessary items early. If you can get things like books, rarely-used dishes, out-of-season clothing and decorative items out of the way early, the final push can be a real breeze. Keep track of what you have already packed (and where!) by creating a simple list. Make sure you don't accidentally pack your list!

Second, get rid of anything you can easily replace or haven't used in more than a year. When my family moved from Michigan to Florida, we pitched, donated or sold a lot of our cheaply-made furniture and other household items. By starting early we were able to hold two yard sales which also gave us extra cash for the move.

There are a number of places that will take donated items: Goodwill, local homeless shelters, domestic assault shelters and the Salvation Army are just a few of the most well-known options. We donated some of our items to a non-profit organization that assists women in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and some of our books to area schools. Most communities have a Freecycle internet group which connects people with stuff to give away with people who want it.

Third, make sure you have grouped all your important papers together. For example, birth certificates, insurance papers, the address you're heading to and the phone numbers for credit cards and banks are all things you may need in your first few weeks in your new home. You don't want to have to hurriedly unpack every box while you frantically search for your insurance information because someone became sick or hurt.

When it comes down to the end, make sure items that may melt are stored in places where they will remain cool or, if they do melt, where they won't damage anything else. This is also true for any kinds of beauty products which may explode or leak. This is especially true if you happen to be renting your own truck and moving during the hot months.

Next, make sure, if you have pets, that you have a plan for them. Also plan for what will happen if one of your pets makes a break for it as you are getting ready to leave. My family was lucky; when one of our cats ran off my mother and some friends were able to return to our old house until they were able to catch him. As it turns out, we hadn't thought very carefully about how we would transport both cats and both kids.

Finally, if possible, get a few friends to help you clean out your home. Eyes other than your own can often spot things you may have overlooked and can make that last day seem less lonely. Friends can also help you to keep some of the stress and anxiety at bay that often overwhelms people during a big move.

Planning ahead can make your move a lot smoother and less stressful. It isn't just remember to label your boxes and print maps, but ensuring that your transition into your new home is as seamless and free of extra work.