How to Organize a Stress-Free Move

Moving day is around the corner - are you ready? Here are some suggestions for making the transition to your new home as easy as possible.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Change Of Address Forms
• Maps
• Phone Books
• Boxes
• Tape
• Bubble Wraps
• Connected Organizers
• Personal Organizers
• Cellular Phones

At Least 1 Month Before the Move

1. Arrange to change your mailing address with businesses, utilities, government agencies, and other entities as soon as you know your new address.

2. Check your savings and checking balances and make the necessary arrangements with your bank.

3. Contact the appropriate delivery and utility services and arrange turn-on and turn-off dates.

4. Notify your landlord about the move (if applicable) and set up an appointment to collect your deposit refund and hand over your keys.

5. Arrange with your real estate agent or new landlord to obtain your new keys before you move.

6. Set up medical and veterinary appointments for family members and pets, respectively.

7. Obtain any necessary vaccinations and documents for the jurisdiction you're moving to, if applicable.

8. Make necessary travel arrangements, such as hotel reservations for a moving trip of longer than a day.

9. Inventory your possessions. Use this list to determine the number of boxes and the size of the truck you will need for your move.

10. Estimate moving costs, such as packing, rental, moving company and travel expenses (see Related eHows).

11. Decide, based on expenses and physical limitations, if you'll be moving yourself, hiring movers, or some combination of both, and make the necessary arrangements.

At Least 2 Weeks Before the Move

1. Reconfirm your moving date with the moving or rental company.

2. Plan your packing and loading by writing down what you have to do.

3. Purchase any moving supplies needed, including bubble wrap, boxes, tape and plastic bags.

4. Start packing two weeks in advance, and pack a little every day, concentrating on one room at a time. Get family members to help out by assigning each person a room for which he or she is responsible.

5. Label all boxes and containers, such as by room, contents or fragility, so you'll know exactly what each contains when you get to the new house.

6. Donate, sell or throw away everything you don't want to take with you.

7. Empty your freezer and clean it out a week before you move, and start to unplug and pack away remaining appliances.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have children, talk to the old and new schools 3 or 4 months in advance.

• Remember, it often can be cheaper to replace household items than to move them.

• Save money by asking friends and family for boxes that they would be willing give away.

• Call friends to help with packing or loading - they are an invaluable resource during this hectic time.

• Consider leaving your kids and pets with a sitter on moving day.