Moving Tips to Help Make Moving Easier

Minimize your Move

By reducing the items you move you will reduce your costs and the time it takes to move. A good rule of thumb is to get rid of anything you haven't used in at least six months

Go through your closets and garage and get rid of extra stuff
Check for unwanted items in stored boxes and drawers
Donate items to charity

Important Papers

Be sure to keep all of your important papers with during a move in case you need them. Moving can become confusing and keeping your important papers with you during the move will reduce the chances of them being lost.

Pay bills ahead of time so that you don't forget to do it later
Keep rental and mortgage papers with you
Keep utility information handy
Hold onto your checkbook and banking information
You will need to have school information to enroll and transfer students
Medical, prescription and immunization records are needed often
Birth certificate, passports may be needed for traveling
Insure you have all of your travel information including lodging, maps and other information

Move Notifications

It is important to make sure to coordinate your move with the proper utility providers and other services you will be both discontinuing and starting at your new residence. This will help prevent delays and make your move much more comfortable and smooth.

Notify utilities that need to be turned on or off ahead of time
Submit and change of address with the post office
Discontinue the newspaper
Tell your doctor you will be moving and where to forward medical records
Transfer prescriptions to a local pharmacy and have plenty of medication on hand
Inform schools and get educational records forwarded
Notify banks and other businesses that may need to have your correct address

Plan Ahead

By planning your move ahead of time you can save a lot of frustration and time. Make sure you are going to be comfortable and have all of the necessities to make your move as pleasant as possible.

Make travel arrangements ahead of time
Know whether you are going to be cooking your meals or eating out
If you need lodging make sure to confirm your reservations before leaving
Have the car maintenance up to date - change oil, rotate tires, tune-up
Have games and other distractions for everyone to take their minds off of the move
Keep your favorite CD's or DVD's on hand to help the move seem more normal

Packing for the Move

Make sure you have all of the packing material you need weeks ahead of time to insure a smooth transition to your new home.

Purchase boxes, packing tape, marker and other packing materials
Use a large magic marker to write the contents and the room on each box
Pack rarely used items early
Use your suitcases to pack items you want immediately
Always keep your medications and other necessary items with you
Use packing tape to insure boxes stay together
Do not over pack boxes with heavy and fragile items
Pack fragile objects on their own box and mark fragile

Successful Move

By using some of these helpful moving tips you will be sure to have a much smoother and relaxed move. A little clean up before hand will minimize the time it takes to move and reduce your costs. Keep all of your important papers with you in case you need to refer to them while moving. Notify utilities, schools, doctors and other important business about your moving plans. Plan ahead to stay comfortable and reduce stress. Pack your belongings well to make sure they arrive safely at your new home.