Preparing to Move
Moving is ranked in the top three most stressful life events, following closely behind death and divorce. There are several moving tips that can make the event less upsetting for you and your family.
Start these tasks now:
- Search the web for help. There are several websites that offer free moving organizers, mover's checklist & tips, and service discounts.
- Clean out things you won't bring and plan a yard sale to sell it. Donate anything that doesn't sell.
- Shop around for a mover, or if moving yourself, reserve your truck to assure you get the size you need. Verify their forms of payment so you are prepared on moving day.
- Don't forget insurance. Call your homeowner's insurance agent to see if you and your items are already covered.
- Buy boxes, packing supplies, markers, and tape.
- Pack the things you won't use until on the other side such as rarely used china and off-season clothes.
- Keep important papers such as passports, account numbers, and insurance information at your fingertips for immediate access.
- When you know your new address, notify the post office of your move. It can take several days for the post office to process your request on both ends.
- If possible, obtain a copy of medical records for transfer to a new physician after the move.
- Notify close friends and family. They may need some extra time to accept that you are leaving.
- Begin a To-Do list and assign tasks to each family member.
Start these tasks when getting closer to the move:
- Cancel your local newspaper.
- Call your utility companies on both ends to disconnect where you currently live, and to connect where you are moving to.
- Notify all financial accounts such as banks, credit cards, and other investments, accounts of your move.
- Have a farewell party with close friends and family.
- Start living with the bare minimums.
Start these tasks a couple of days before the move:
- Refrigerator, and washer & dryer should all be disconnected, cleaned, defrosted, and dried out.
- Finish packing and fill all boxes to capacity. Under-filled boxes will get crushed and over-filled boxes will fall apart.
- Go to the bank for travelers checks and cash to have on hand when traveling.
- Stock easily prepared meals that require little to no cookware.
- Begin using disposable dinnerware.
- Pack at least one week's worth of clothes, bedding, & toiletries for each member of your household for immediate access. It will take some time to unpack on the other end.
- Re-confirm appointment times with movers and other service providers you are relying on for a successful move.
- Clean the home as you go.
- Make arrangements for your pets for moving day. Doors will constantly be open and their safety is at high risk.