When you’re planning a move, the physical process – packing, traveling and unpacking again – can be incredibly overwhelming. It can be so overwhelming, in fact, that you don’t know where to begin, or you forget some of the most important aspects of your move. If you need a little help getting organized, the following tips may be helpful.
- You get what you pay for. Hiring a mover can be a big expense, but it’s worth the money to know your belongings will arrive safely at your new home. If you find a cut-rate mover on Craigslist, for example, don’t be surprised if your prized possessions end up in pieces. Several months before you plan to move, ask friends and family if they can recommend a reputable moving company. When you find a mover you like, you’ll want to make arrangements as soon as possible. Ask good questions, so you can make sure the company is the right choice for you.
- Shed the dead weight. If you’ve been steadily amassing knick-knacks over the years, moving is a great time to reassess whether you actually need all of those things. Because your moving company may charge by the pound, a lighter load will be easier on your bank account.
- Label by room. If you want to save money
- Transfer utilities. When you get to your new home, you’ll want all of your utilities to be on. And with some services – like Internet or satellite TV – companies may need a month’s notice to schedule installation.
- Connect with your children’s school. If you have children, connect with their future school district well in advance of your move. The new school will most likely request transcripts, vaccination records, birth certificates, and proof of residency in the district. It will be much easier for you to collect some of these documents before you move than to scramble to have them mailed or faxed afterward. Also, remember to ask the new school for supply lists, homeroom assignments, an academic calendar, and a school catalog; these resources will help your children begin to relate to the school. Relocating can be difficult for children, so research ways to make them feel more comfortable with the move.
Final thoughts
Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful event. As long as you’re organized and avoid common moving mistakes, the process may be relatively painless. Just give yourself adequate time to prepare and tackle tasks one-at-a-time, and you’ll be able to manage your move with ease.