Moving Tips

You’ve found your dream home and signed the dotted line (woot!). Now it’s time to move and you may feel unsure where to start. Moving can feel somewhat overwhelming even for those who have done it again and again. Whether you’re moving across the country or down the road, we’ve put together a list of tips to make the process simple and doable.

First things first—decide if you will use a moving company or do it yourself. If you choose to use a moving company, make sure you shop around for pricing, understand what’s covered and check out online reviews by other customers.
Handle all your paperwork—you’ll need to change your address with the post office, credit card companies, banks, magazine subscription (and any other outlet that requires your address). To do it all online, go to moversguide.usps.com.
Handle your power—call your current utility company and let them know when to disconnect everything.
Prepare for school transfers—if you have children, get copies of school records.
Prep your pets—if you’ve got a household pet, make sure you get all necessary vet records.
Get ready to pack—Purchase packaging supplies (boxes, moving tape, bubble wrap, sharpies or labels). Start by packing an “open me first” box. This box will have all your essentials in case you only have time to open one box the first night you are in your new home.

Wrap it all up—wrap drawer contents and organizers in plastic wrap to keep contents secure (i.e. wrap plastic wrap around your silverware organizer for easy transfer).
Snap some photos—Take pictures of all electronic hubs to remember where each cord goes. For extra simplification, wrap a small piece of masking tape around each cord with a label of what electronic it belongs to.
Organize those small pieces—If you’re taking apart any furniture such as dining room tables or bookshelves, place nuts and bolts for each piece in their own zip lock bags and label.
Call a locksmith—Have your locks changed the
day you move into your new place.
Defrost the fridge—Make sure to defrost your refrigerator at least one day before moving.

No matter how well versed you are in it, moving is time consuming. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get all of your affairs in order and set yourself for as stress-free a move as possible. Taking the steps to knock out a few of these tips sooner than later will make all the difference in the long haul.