Planning in Advance to Make Moving Easier

Moving day is very stressful and the more planning and organizing you can do in advance, the easier things will go on moving day. Here are some organizational tips to help you start early and reduce stress when moving.

If you are Moving Locally

A local move is easier than a long distance move because you can drive back and forth to your new place and get a lot of things done before your actual moving date. Of course, you have to have legal access to the house in order to do this. In the days before your move, it’s a great idea to get any painting, cleaning and carpet cleaning done. It is much easier to do this when the house is not full of furniture and boxes. Pack a box or two with rags and cleaning supplies, take your vacuum cleaner and get to work! You can also clean windows and get your garage and basement areas set up as a staging area to hold boxes and items that you won’t need right away after the move. If you have time and access to a truck or trailer, you may also want to move some things on your own: Items like bicycles, motorcycles, garden tools, lawn mowers, patio furniture, tools and sporting equipment are bulky and take time to load and unload. If you can do it in advance, you may save on moving charges. You can also save by moving some of your boxes on your own. You may also want to move family heirlooms and fragile items in your own vehicle. If you are planning to do any home improvement projects, such as changing the flooring or fixtures, for example, you can also make things easier on yourself if you can do it before the move.

If you are Moving Long Distance

A long distance move, such as one to another region of the country, takes a lot of advance planning. The tips in this section are for a move that is more than a two or three hour drive away. Because of the distance, even if you already own the house, you won’t be able to easily drive back and forth in order to get things done at that house in advance of the move. However, there are some things you should start as soon as possible:

• Get at least three estimates from movers and read all their literature and contracts before making a decision on which one to use.

• Sell any items that you won’t want or need. Compare the cost of moving heavy items – like refrigerators – with the cost of just buying another one at your new destination. Many items are simply not worth moving because it is less expensive to buy it after you’ve moved. Also, take this opportunity to really de-clutter your belongings. You may also want to decorate in a different way, so get rid of that wall art that won’t work with your new decor.

• Stop buying groceries, paper goods and other household supplies so that you’ll have less to move. Only buy what you absolutely need in the weeks leading up to your move and try to use up your inventory. Most movers will tell you that canned goods are not worth moving; so use them up or give them away.

• Investigate how much it will be to have a car carrier transport your vehicle. It’s usually cheaper to have it shipped than to drive, when you factor in the cost of gas and wear-and-tear.