Is this the year you plan on selling your home, moving to a dream home, or maybe downsizing? If so, then moving is in your future. What makes the difference between a stressful move and one that is painless? From years of experience successfully moving families all over our region and country, we know that the answer is organization, planning, and some serious decluttering. 

There are absolutely components of moving that can be nerve-racking, but we are here to break down the steps so your move will be as manageable and uncomplicated as possible. 

Months in Advance

If you know that a move is imminent then you should start planning as early as possible. Create a moving binder or folder to keep all receipts, notes, contacts, and a calendar organized for easy reference. With all the information at your fingertips, you will never have to search for a phone number or confirmation slip again. 

Book Movers 

One important component of this binder should be information about moving companies to help expedite your move. We suggest booking our team in advance to ensure that the date you need movers is reserved along with other services you may need such as high value item packing, storage, or help with decluttering. We can help you achieve a successful move across town or across the country. 

Research Schools 

If you have children, getting them acclimated to the new town or school should be a top priority. Look into what school options are available and start prepping your child(ren) for the transition. This may include a visit and tour before the move happens. 

Start Decluttering 

Once you have decided to move, you will suddenly become acutely aware of how much “stuff” you have. Start decluttering by organizing items into piles of: keep, trash, or donate. Decluttering can mean many fewer moving boxes and precious time allotted for the move. 

In the Weeks Before the Move

The closer you get to moving day, the faster things can come at you. Here is a list of tasks you may want to check off.

• Buy moving supplies including boxes, tape, markers, bubble wrap, and paper. 
• Notify your employer, doctors office, credit cards, banks, utilities, schools, dentist, and insurance agent of your address change. 
• Call and arrange a cut off date for your cable or television provider. You may want to also set up an installation date and time at your new location. 
• Arrange for all necessary paperwork at the post office to forward first class mail. 
• Change shipping address on all online shopping favorites. 
• Make arrangements for your pets on the day of the move or potentially the weeks leading up to and after the move. A move can cause anxiety in many pets who don’t understand what is going on. Consult your vet for more details on how to make the move less stressful for your pet. 

Pack 

If you are unable to do all the packing yourself, a job which can be enormous depending on the size and scope of your move, consider using packing and unpacking services. Our clients especially like this service because it gives them a chance to take the lead in what will be packed, stored, and moved while the crew takes care of the actual work of packing. 

Label 

Use labels or color coordinate your packing boxes so movers know precisely which room to deliver them in your new place. Inventory lists can be taped to each box as well as kept on a master list in your binder so you know what is in each box. 

We also suggest taking pictures of your appliances, technology, and electronics before you unplug them and pack them up. You would be amazed at how much an image can help when it comes time to plug in all the items again. 

In addition to labelling boxes, we suggest putting all screws and hardware for furniture such as beds or desks that need to be taken apart for the move, in separate baggies. It makes reassembly much easier with each item’s hardware in individually marked baggies. 

Consider Storage 

Depending on the type of move you are undertaking, you may find that having short term storage could be a great solution. Our clients like this option because it gives them a chance to remove already packed items to a secure location while they pack each room methodically. Many times, high value items can be carefully packed in advance so to avoid any commotion in the packing process. 

A Day or Two in Advance 

Right before you move, make sure you pack a bag of your high priority items such as a “lovey” for a child, prescription medicines, a change of clothes, personal hygiene items, and, of course, your binder with all the contacts a paperwork you will need for the big day. 

Don’t forget to confirm the appointment with the movers, as well as, friends and family that may be taking on chores for the moving day. Whether it is walking the dog, caring for the kids, or keeping everyone on the same page with communication. 

Remember to keep cash handy for those coffees, donuts, bagels, or sandwiches you will want to offer friends and family who are helping you out on moving day.

For more ideas to make your move go smoothly, check out our Facebook page and blog online.