Moving Tips

 

Among these moving tips you may find a few things you hadn't thought of, or things you just need to be reminded of. Don't forget that safe deposit box, for example, or you may have to drive a long way to get at it. Here are ten more moving tips to make relocating a bit easier.

1. Think carefully about what you need to keep. I have seen friends spend hundreds of dollars to move things that weren't worth half that, and would undoubtedly be thrown away some day. It isn't just the expense, but the hassle too. Moving time is a great time to get rid of the things you really don't need.

2. Have a rummage sale. This is a good way to get rid of those things. You might even raise enough money to pay for the move.

3. Make reservations with the moving company a month ahead. You don't want to find out they are booked up on the dates you need them.

4. Make a list. You are going to forget things, especially if you don't have a list or two. The first list you need is for things to do before the move. These may include getting the kid's school documents transferred, filling out change of address forms, returning borrowed books and movies, transferring prescriptions, getting maps, making reservations, and arranging utility shut offs and start ups.

5. Start packing early. You won't know how long it will take until you are doing it. Start early and you'll avoid running around looking for boxes at the last moment too.

6. Pack and mark an "essentials" box. This should have things to make your arrival easier, like toilet paper, paper plates, soap and such. Pack this where it is easily accessible.

7. Check the weather reports. You don't want to arrive in a snowstorm with your coat packed away somewhere. You also need to allow for extra moving time if the weather is going to slow down traffic.

8. Notify friends and family of your new address and phone number(s). Remember to do this before you have the phone shut off.

9. Save receipts. Save all the receipts for moving expenses, including gas, hotel rooms, and anything else related to the move. Ask your accountant or tax preparer if you are eligible for a tax deduction for moving expenses.

10. Re-establish routines quickly. It helps psychologically to quickly re-establish routines in your new home. If Friday night is ice-cream-and-a-movie night, don't break with tradition. Moving is less traumatic if there is some consistency in daily life. If you have children, this may be one of the more important moving tips.