Moving tipsTips For a Stress-Free Move

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Moving tips

Four weeks out | get organized

Notify relevant people and companies of your move.

Forward moving dates to service providers like the Post Office, utility companies and schools.

Research licensed moving companies, moving guides and relevant coupons.

Tip: If using a professional mover collect quotes from multiple moving companies to seek the best deal. Ask plenty of questions like whether or not they give binding quotes and what type of insurance is included. Discuss the different options available with full-service moves, such as packing and unpacking services and the inclusion of boxes and packing supplies.

Tip: You may need to access important documents such as your child’s school records during your transition. Be sure to set these items aside and make extra copies of any records in case you forget what box they’re packed in.

Tip: Use our free Moving.com Address Changer service to help make your move more seamless. Fill out change of address forms for financial accounts, subscriptions, employers, doctors and personal providers. Schedule account closings for trash removal, gardeners, pest control, etc., and transfer utilities or other services to your new home.

Moving can be stressful and chaotic, especially when moving a family or if you’re a new homeowner. The following tips, advice, and moving timeline for homebuyers, sellers, and renters planning an upcoming move will help make the process less stressful.

Moving timeline | tips for a less stressful move

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Moving tips

Three weeks out | take inventory

Take inventory of your belongings.

Determine the worth of your items.

Decide what you will be taking with you and what you want to leave behind.

Tip: Start cleaning out closets, drawers and storage areas and divide things into categories such as “pack”, “recycle” and “give away.” Consider having a garage sale or donating old items to charity. This will streamline your packing and reduce the total weight you’ll be paying to move.

Tip: If you’re moving yourself or contracting for a self-service move, pre-pack items you know you won’t need before the move.

Tip: If possible, take pictures of rooms and areas inside your new home or apartment so you can start thinking about placement of furniture, artwork and other items. This will save time and reduce headaches on moving day.

Two weeks out | start packing

Get boxes and wrapping materials like newspaper & bubble wrap.

Tip: If you are using a professional mover find out what items are on their “non-allowable” list. Discard those items or find a way to transport them separately.

Tip: Instead of stacking plates, pack them vertically; usually they will travel more safely this way.

Tip: If you are moving long distance, remember to make pet travel arrangements. There are pet-exclusive airlines available such as Pet Airways, and regular airlines have travel options for pets as well.

Tip: If you have young children, you may want to make childcare arrangements for moving day, so you can be 100% focused and your little ones remain safe and busy with fun activities.

Tip: If you’re a home owner, schedule “move out ” cleaning services, carpet cleaners and heavy appliance disposal if necessary. If you’re selling your current home, it’s a nice welcome for the buyers to move into a clean and tidy home.”

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Moving tips

One week out | the home stretch

Set aside valuables and “must-have” items to keep with you.

If you’re a renter, clean your apartment or outsource this- – either way, don’t skimp, cleanliness will affect how much of your deposit is returned to you.

Tip: Make sure the payment details for the moving company are in order. Some will require money orders or cashier’s checks upon delivery; know their policy in advance to minimize stress on moving day.

Tip: Use the frozen foods you have, or give them to a neighbor or friend. This way you won’t have to throw them away on moving day, or worry about packing an ice chest.

Tip: Think about the logistics for managing moving day like confining your pets and anticipating the amount of time you will need.

Tip: Sort necessities such as toiletries, toilet paper, rags, basic cooking supplies and organize them in boxes marked “open first” so they’re easy to find. Don’t forget the flashlight!

Tip: If possible, take one last tour of the new location and identify water and gas shut off locations, as well as the electrical breaker box. If the unexpected happens during the first few days in your new home, you want to be prepared. It’s smart to drop off a fresh box of light bulbs too!

Moving day and beyond | make your move

Take a final walkthrough to make sure nothing has been left behind.

Ensure doors and windows are locked and lights, gas and water are all turned off.

Tip: Bring out the photos you took when you began to pack. Show the movers, or those helping you unpack, exactly where everything goes.

Tip: Unpack one room at a time according to basic needs. Start with the kitchen and at least one bathroom, and don’t forget to make a bed as early in the day as possible if you’ll be sleeping in your home that evening. Remember, you don’t have to unpack everything in one day, or even in one week.

Tip: After you’ve settled in a bit, introduce yourself to some neighbors, ask for advice on the best places to eat, grocery shop, etc. This will help you start to feel like part of the community and begin to enjoy life in your new home.

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Moving tips

Use the checklist below to save time and money and to reduce the stress of the moving process.

Date of your move: __________________________

Move planner and checklist

© 2013 Move Sales, Inc. All rights reserved. 2721CA

Get organized:4 weeks prior

Take inventory:3 weeks prior

Start packing:2 weeks prior

The home stretch:1 week prior

Make Your Move:Moving day

o Notify relevant people & companies of your move

o Take inventory of your belongings

o Get boxes and wrapping materials

o Set aside valuables o Take a final walkthrough

o Forward moving dates to service providers P.O. and schools

o Determine the worth of your items

o Label everything by what room it belongs in

o Clean apartment o Everything locked and lights off

o Research licensed moving companies, moving guides and relevant coupons

o Decide what you will be taking with you and what you want to leave behind

Items to do after the move:

Notes:

The information in this work is believed reliable but is not warranted or guaranteed, is general in nature and not based on knowledge of your specific circumstances, and should be independently verified in concert with your professional advisors prior to reliance or use.

REALTOR®, realtor.com®, the spherical icon of a house within a circular map, the “WHERE HOME HAPPENS” tagline and stylized logo treatments including any one or more of the foregoing are trademarks of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and are used with its permission. These and all other trademarks used in this work are the property of their respective owners.