A New Year, A New Home… If you will be moving in 2018 This Moving Checklist Can Help You Prepare.

If you have ever moved you know the stress that can come with planning a move and getting settled into your new space.  There will always be stress when making a move either across town or across the country but planning ahead can help to reduce the stress you will feel.  To help you is a checklist (not inclusive) that will help ease the burden of planning a move.

• Research moving companies and rental trucks:  You not only want to make sure you get a good rate, you want to make sure you know what you’re getting.  Not all movers are the same; some will pack for you while others will only move what you‘ve packed. 

Don’t forget to ask for and check their insurance.  This can save you a lot of heartache should something happen during your move or items be broken/ damaged.

• If you are a renter, check with you porpoerty managemrent team: Some property managemetn companies have requirements for movers and may require you to scheudle a move out day with them.

• Keep Your Receipts: Depending on your move, you could qualify for moving tax deductions.  You will need to meet all of the requirements and should always check with you tax advisor to make sure you qualify.

• Start Planning your Moving Supplies- Many people buy packing supplies and that’s fine if you need to.  However, if you are trying to save some expenses during your move, try asking friends/ family/ co-workers to save Amazon boxes and other packing supplies.  Sometimes you can find free boxes and other packing supplies on Craigslist.  Just make sure to be smart and safe when aranging to meet anyone you don’t know.

•  Officially change your address: Fill out a change-of-address form with the post office to have your mail rerouted to your new address. You can do this on line at UPSPCHangeOfAdressOnline. Bonus, you can request coupons from businesses like, Home Dept., Lowes, Wayfair, etc that can help you further reduce the costs of your move.

• Also, don’t forget to change your address with your employer’s human resources department, bank, credit card companies and any mail subscriptions you’d like to keep.

• Cancel subscriptions and services: Any services that relate to your home (utilities, internet, phone, etc.) need to be cancelled by the day you move out.

• Set Up your new Utilities: Set up utilities, cable, Internet, etc. to begin in your new home on the day of the move.

• Clean Out: This is a great time to go through all of the stuff we somehow manage to collect while living in a space.  Toss items that are out fo date, broken, and otherwise damaged. 

Try selling clothing that you no longer want but that are in good condition.  Places like ThredUp or PoshMark are great places to sell your clothing.  For household items you no longer want try ebay or LetGo. 

• Don’t forget you can donate items too.  Check nonprofits in your area to see what their needs are and either arrange for a pickup or dropp off.

• Pack: Keep an inventory of everything as you pack it up to make sure nothing is lost or damaged in the move. You can make a simmple excel document of this or use one of the many printables (Look no futher than Pintrest for fashionable downloads for these).  You may need document and keep a list of your packed items for insurance purposes if you’re using a moving company.

Keep this helpful checklist nearby or send it to a friend who is moving.  Planning ahead will make the moving process easier and less stressful.  Enjoy your new home.  If you found this checklist helpful or have other feedback, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit my webpage and send me your thoughts and comments.