Packing up boxes and removing all those pictures from the wall that represent your memories can make a huge impact upon your life. In fact, moving is known to be one of life’s most stressful experiences. [1] Even if you can afford movers, it can be difficult on you — both emotionally and physically. Save yourself some headaches, heartbreaks and cash by using this infographic to check off important steps to get you from one place to the next.
Get Ready & Give Notice
- Your rental agreement most likely has a clause stating how much advance notice you must give before moving (generally 30-60 days). [2, 7]
Start Sorting
- Before packing everything up, purge, sell or donate unwanted items. [5]
- As you’re sorting, take inventory of your belongings. You’ll use this later. [2]
Round up your records
Make sure you have all your family’s important records handy (or forward them to new providers).
- School
- Bank
- Medical
- Prescriptions
- Veterinary
- Memberships
- Worship
- Service organizations
- Chamber of Commerce
- Gym [2, 5, 7]
Purchase packing materials
- Use the free Weight and Volume Calculator at 123movers.com to help determine how many boxes and trucks you’ll need.
Pack & Plan
- Take your time packing, and it will save you a lot of time later.
Use plenty of boxes [4]
- It’s better to have several smaller, lighter boxes than a few cumbersome, heavy ones.
Label everything!
- Clearly mark what is in each box.
- Number boxes for easy inventory.
- Make sure you keep a copy of the inventory list with you.
- Mark what room each box should be placed in at your new home. [4, 5]
Hire a pro
- Professional movers can certainly make life easier.
- Use a service such as 123Movers.com to get quotes and compare. [3]
- Your moving company also should help you with inventory. [4]
Last-minute Minutiae
Remember all those little things to wrap up your exit.
- Schedule a walk-through with your former landlord. [2, 4]
- Consume or donate items you don’t want to move. Such as produce, frozen foods, etc. [4]
- Defrost your freezer and refrigerator and clean the old place.
- Arrange for babysitting during the move.
- Arrange for plenty of time off for the moving days. [2, 5]
- Taking photos of the space during the final walk through is a good idea in case of a dispute.
Forward & Flip
Arrange to have your utilities and deliveries arrive with you in your new place. Turn off old utilities and turn on new utilities.
- Power and Gas
- Water
- Sewage and Garbage
- Phone
- Cable
- Internet [2, 4, 5, 7]
Forward your mail
As soon as you know your new address, fill out the USPS address change form. You may do it online at
usps.gov.
- Let everyone know your new address:
- Bank
- Old utilities (for final billings)
- Subscription and prescription services
- A business that may require your address
- Anyone who sends you mail! [2, 4, 5, 7]
- Notify Your State:
- Get your driver’s licenses and other IDs updated [2]
Resources:
- Try ForRent.com to search for your new place. You will also find tools such as a customized, time-sensitive moving checklist, city guides and tips for a kid- and/or pet-friendly move. [6]
- Go to 123movers.com to shop for and compare moving companies, packing materials and storage – even if you are moving overseas.
Sources:
[1]http://www.essortment.com/tips-reducing-moving-stress-16072.html
[2] http://www.forrent.com/moversChecklist.php
[3]
http://www.123movers.com/
[4]
http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/02/29/8-great-moving-day-tips/
[5]
http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/moving/moving-checklist-00000000000208/index.html
[6]
http://www.forrent.com/apartment-tips.php
[7]
http://www.first30days.com/moving-to-a-new-city/tip/184 
