The key to moving is being prepared, organized and not being overwhelmed prior to and during the moving process. Whether you have friends helping with the move or are hiring a moving company there are several steps to the moving process.

6-8 Weeks Before Moving Day

1. Clean out all of the typical storage areas, garage, storage shed, basement and attic.
2. Create a file for all moving documentation to keep in one location.
3. Make arrangements to have your children’s school records sent to the new school.
4. Contact your insurance company to notify them of the move.
5. If you are currently renting verify with the landlord when he/she needs notice of your move to make sure you have enough time to give notice.
6. Start comparison shopping for a moving company or moving truck. Check their pricing as well as availability for the date you are planning the move.
7. Start organizing and removing all items you do not intend to keep or use. You can organize a garage sale, donate items to charity, give items to friends or throw things away.
8. Get copies of all records you will need from you attorney, doctor, school, veterinarian, etc.
9. Cancel any clubs or memberships you will no loner need at the new home that cannot be transferred.

2-4 Weeks Before Moving Day

1. Get the necessary moving supplies and start packing the items that are rarely used.
2. Call the local utility companies and schedule the transfer of utilities or disconnection dates.
3. Fill out a change of address form and give friends and family the new address as well as: schools, banks, doctors/dentists, phone company, loans, churches, credit cards, insurance, social security, attorney, accountant, etc.
4. Prepare important documents such as birth certificates, financial documents, etc. and keep them in a safe place.
5. Schedule your new phone service at the new home.
6. Confirm arrangements for your children and/or pets for moving day.
7. Clean out the refrigerator and use all perishable items that cannot be moved.
8. Transfer or discontinue the newspaper and magazine subscriptions.
9. Create driving directions for the moving company.
10. If you have a safe deposit box remember to remove all items and cancel the box.
11. All oil and gas should be removed from equipment or tools such as lawn mowers.
12. If you are traveling a long distance get the vehicle you will be driving serviced.
13. Confirm the move time with the moving company or rental truck.
14. Determine how the apartment or home you are leaving will be cleaned for the new occupant and make the arrangements.

Moving Day

1. Do not pack the following items because you will need to bring them to closing to give to the purchaser: warranties, keys, condominium documents, association information and anything else relating to the home or neighborhood.
2. Keep all moving files and valuables in the vehicle you will be driving.
3. Check the entire home before leaving to verify everything is packed and on the truck.
4. Make sure all windows and doors are locked and turn in keys to landlord if renting.
5. Meet the movers at the new home to supervise with the unloading of the truck and verify they are putting the furniture and boxes in the correct locations.

Pre-Packing

If you decide to pack yourself keep the following things in mind.

1. As a common courtesy have everything packed and ready before moving day.
2. The only items that should not be packed are items for that evening and the next day or longer depending on the length of the move.
3. If using a moving company please consult with them prior to packing to verify they will move items not packed by their company.
4. Make sure items that are typically stored most of the year such as seasonal decorations are repacked to make sure no damage will occur during shipping.

Supplies

To ensure your items are safe from damage during the moving process make sure new and high quality packing materials are used.

1. Newspaper, tissue paper, bubble wrap and foam peanuts
2. Permanent markers
3. Paper & pen to inventory items
4. Packing tape
5. Scissors or box cutters

Packing Process

Before placing items in boxes make sure you wrap items carefully. When using newspaper in place of tissue or bubble wrap make sure that if the ink from the newspaper rubs off onto the item it will not cause damage to that item.

1. The bottom of the box should be lined with crinkled paper causing a cushion for items to be place in the box.
2. Wrap items with multiple sheets of packing material.
3. Do not overload boxes.
4. All heavy items should be placed at the bottom of the box with lighter items at the top of the box.
5. Before closing the box make sure to add more crinkled paper at the top of the box for cushion.
6. Boxes should not weigh more than 50 lbs.
7. Books and plates should be packed vertically.
8. Label each box with a permanent marker with information such as types of items, room location in the new home, which end of the box is the top, if the contents are fragile or breakable and your name.
9. All items that are similar should be packed together.
10. Boxes should be taped extremely well at all locations where the box could open.

Moving With Kids

Children can have a difficult time with moving due to certain attachments they have made such as friends, routines and surroundings. Preparing them well in advance for the move and discussing the positive reasons for the move can make the process easier for you and them. If it is possible, show the children the new neighborhood and home to familiarize them with the new location. Get them involved with the process such as organizing and packing.

Depending upon the age of the children it is best to have relatives or a friend take care of them on moving day. If this is not possible make sure you design a plan to have their favorite toys or games at your disposal to keep them entertained on that day. Keep the children in one room so they are out of the way and nothing could be dropped on them and to prevent them or others from getting hurt. Older children can help with the move by carrying items that are light and non-breakable.

Once all of the items are moved into the home it is best to organize the children’s rooms first. Let them help with the decorating and organization of the room. Try to maintain all routines with the children to help with the adjustment period. Encourage them to make new friends. Having a house warming party will help you as well as the children get to know your neighbors and the neighborhood.

Remember, this time is an adjustment period for you as well as the children. Stay involved with your children and let them get involved in activities they enjoy. Make sure above all else you are talking with your children and they feel they can come to you to talk.

Moving With Pets

Pets can have just as difficult of a time as children during the moving process. Stick to your pet’s routine. If this is not done problems can occur such as illness, disobedience and behavioral changes.

Before moving day schedule a visit to your veterinarian for a routine exam. Make sure all vaccines are up to date and get plenty of medication if necessary for the move and the time it will take to get you settled in your new home. Get copies of your pet’s medical records as well as a rabies certificate to give to the new veterinarian. Ask your veterinarian if it is possible to give your pet a mild sedative for the move if you feel the process may cause too much stress on your pet. Consult with your veterinarian as to the best way to handle the move with your pet as well as things to consider.

Update your pet’s ID tags with the new phone number and address. A collar with ID tags should be on your pet at all times during the move. Keep recent photos, the pet’s medical records, leash, toys, vet’s phone number, plastic bags to pick up waste, blanket or bed and food and water in your vehicle during the move if transported by car. Make sure to stop frequently for your pet. At that time give your pet some exercise as well as some food and water.

If you pet will be traveling by plane try to schedule a direct flight to prevent long periods of time in a crate. Use an airline that will have an employee carry the pet on and off the plane.

On moving day keep pets isolated in one room with their toys, food and water. Put a note on the door for people not to disturb the room. Check on your pets frequently and be sensitive to their needs and insecurities.

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