Moving Tips : Being Prepared!

While moving can be stressful, being prepared and organized can make moving a lot easier.  Here are a few guidelines to help make the process as smooth and stress free as possible:

6-8 Weeks Prior:

• Research: Check out moving companies. Research rates, reviews and availability. Ask questions and confirm expectations, and don't forget to write everything down!
• Documents: Create a physical folder where you can store important moving documents.  These can include your moving agreements, new lease, receipts, etc.
• Schedule: Schedule your move with the company you've hired.  Remember, moving companies fill up quickly, and the sooner you schedule, the greater the availability will be.
• Budget: Make a budget for your move.  Include the cost of movers, supplies (boxes, packing tape, etc.), any new furniture you may need, dining out, and any other items you can think of.
• Notices: Inform the proper parties of your move (schools, doctors, employers, interest groups, etc.)
• Insurance: Get quotes for renter's insurance. Most apartments and / or landlords will require this.

4-5 Weeks Prior: 

• Purge: Go through your things and get rid of the things you don't need or haven't used. 
• Fill out U.S. Postal Service change of address form
• Utilities: Schedule cancelation or transfer of your utilities.  These may include electricity, gas, water, cable and internet.
• Work Schedule: Schedule time off from work if necessary.
• Storage: Arrange for temporary storage if necessary
• Start using perishable items that you don't plan on moving, such as food, cleaning supplies, pantry items, etc.
• Yard Sale:  If possible, arrange to have a yard sale.  This is a great way to get rid of items you no longer need and make some extra cash as well.
• Schedule: Schedule move in with new apartment or building.  Some buildings require a reservation for move-in.

2-3 Weeks Prior:

• Packing: start packing all nonessentials (see video above for some helpful packing hacks)
• Confirm Moving Company: Confirm moving company appointment (or remind friends and family if they will be helping you with the move)
• Work Schedule: Reconfirm time off from work

1 Week Prior:

• Finish Packing: Label all boxes with what's inside, and pack and label boxes by which room they will be moved into.
• Inventory: Create an inventory of all the boxes you have and number them for easy accounting once you move in.
• Overnight Box: Pack one box with essentials that has everything you need for your first night in your new place.
• Confirm:  Confirm plans for pet or childcare, installation of new utilities, moving company, and/ or helpers.
• Withdraw cash you'll need for moving day (money for movers, cash for ordering food, tips, etc.)
• Arrange for parking spot for moving day.
• Reconfirm: Reconfirm building move-in schedule and arrange for parking

Moving Day

• Clean Sweep: Check every nook, cranny, closet, hiding space, etc. for anything you may have left behind.
• Trash: Take out trash and complete any last minute cleaning
• Keys: Close up and leave keys in designated spot.