Excited to move into your new home? There’s probably so much you want to do when you get those keys. But, of course, before you can do that you’ve got to move out of your existing home.
To help, we’ve put together these simple tips to help make your transition an enjoyable and memorable experience.
- Start a notebook – Approach your move as a project and plan accordingly. Keep all your information in a central notebook, or computer document or spreadsheet (whichever you prefer) that includes contact information (realtor, mover, banker, title agent, utilities), a moving checklist, and the floor plan of your new residence. A small amount of planning will save you a lot of time and some potential frustration.
- Purge before you pack – One of the easiest ways to save money on moving costs is to identify items that you have not used in multiple months and ask yourself if you are ever going to use them again. Have a yard sale, donate the items to a local charity, or give them away to your favorite neighbor.
- Dispose of hazardous materials – Movers won’t allow you to pack hazardous materials, so you will need to dispose of them prior to moving day. Start planning this step well before your move and check with your local government for ways to properly dispose of your specific items.
- Plan your meals – When grocery shopping before your move, only buy items that you plan to use right away. Avoid buying perishables that will need to be thrown out prior to the move. Consider donating any surplus food items to your local shelter or food bank.
- Gather important documents and valuables – As you begin to pack, items will become increasingly hard to find. Make sure to gather your important documents (birth certificates, passports, tax returns) and valuables (jewelry, artwork, photographs) so that you can pack them in specially marked boxes. If possible, move these items yourself to ensure that they are well cared for throughout the move.
- Think about children and pets – Moving day can be an exceptionally emotional time for children. Spend time to include them in the moving process and provide age-appropriate tasks that will allow them to participate. Moving can also be a source of stress for pets. Make sure that someone is put in charge of them during the move to ensure that they have a positive and safe experience.
- Submit a change of address form – Whether you’re moving a few blocks or across the country, you will want to make sure that your mail is forwarded. This process is very simple, but many people overlook it until after they move. A month prior to your move, visit www.usps.gov or take a trip to your local post office and fill out a change of address form. This simple act will ensure that all of your mail ends up at your new home.
