By: Anika Logan
So you're ready to move, are you? It may not be moving day yet, but you can still get prepared weeks ahead of time. Here are some moving tips to help alleviate some of the stress of moving.
Moving mindset
First of all, get into the right mindset. Think of your move as a step in the right direction, a positive state of affairs. Think of the incredible new home that awaits you. Embrace the possibilities and try to have fun with it.
First of all, get into the right mindset. Think of your move as a step in the right direction, a positive state of affairs. Think of the incredible new home that awaits you. Embrace the possibilities and try to have fun with it.
Start as early as a month before moving day to begin sorting through old clothing, shoes, toys, books, magazines and odds and ends. Get rid of items that are broken and pack up items that you no longer use. Then call up local charities such as the Salvation Army to come pick up your donations. Some charitable organizations set up large bins in high-traffic areas such as shopping-mall parking lots, which let you drop things off at any time.
If it's summertime, consider having a yard sale or renting a table at your local flea market. The extra money you earn can be used to pay off moving expenses, and you'll have less stuff to lug around.
Moving supplies
Ask about boxes at grocery stores, department stores and liquor stores. Take a look around the copy machine at the office or check the supply closet. Many businesses simply discard or recycle empty boxes, and they won't mind giving you some. It's far less expensive than buying boxes from a moving company.
Ask about boxes at grocery stores, department stores and liquor stores. Take a look around the copy machine at the office or check the supply closet. Many businesses simply discard or recycle empty boxes, and they won't mind giving you some. It's far less expensive than buying boxes from a moving company.
Don't forget to buy packing tape, string and a black permanent marker for noting each box's contents. Scraps of carpeting that you have lying around are terrific when it comes to moving furniture, such as couches, chairs and big appliances.
Another good investment for moving is bungee cords. These come in handy for securing fold-out couches, dresser drawers and many other pieces of tricky furniture, both as they are being moved into the truck and while en route to your new home. Bungee cords can be purchased for next to nothing at most hardware stores.
Plastic totes are better than cardboard boxes for moving and can be used for storage once you're in your new place. They come in a variety of sizes and many have small handles on each side for easier carrying.
Whether you pack your stuff in rubber totes, boxes or both, grab your magic marker and jot down what room the contents of each package are for. It's a good idea to make a list of a few items in the boxes to jog your memory once you get to your new home.
If you're not the most organized soul in the world, consider writing up a "moving timetable" or "moving calendar" for yourself. Plan out everything week by week (or day by day, if you prefer) to make sure that everything that must get done does get done on time.
Moving preparations
It's a good idea to inform the utility companies (water, electric, gas, telephone, cable) of the date you will be leaving your old place and arriving at your new one. If it's possible, try to have the utilities turned on the day before you arrive at your new home and shut off the day after you leave your current home.
It's a good idea to inform the utility companies (water, electric, gas, telephone, cable) of the date you will be leaving your old place and arriving at your new one. If it's possible, try to have the utilities turned on the day before you arrive at your new home and shut off the day after you leave your current home.
Call around and get a number of different estimates from moving companies, unless a friend is helping you move. It is better to negotiate a flat rate for your moving expenses than to pay by the hour. Check the contract carefully to be sure there are no hidden charges.
Approximately two to three weeks before moving, take care of changing your address. One way to remember this is to fill out all the change of address forms on your bills the month before you move. You should also fill out a change-of-address form at the post office, including the date of your move. It generally takes two weeks for the change of address to take effect.
Moving day
On moving day, pack a carry-on bag with your essentials, such as medications, glasses, toiletries, towels, a book, etc. The TV remote should be thrown in, too. Anything you can't live without the first night should be in that bag.
On moving day, pack a carry-on bag with your essentials, such as medications, glasses, toiletries, towels, a book, etc. The TV remote should be thrown in, too. Anything you can't live without the first night should be in that bag.
Make sure all of your valuables and any legal documents you possess go with you and not the movers. Fragile family heirlooms should go with you as well.
Bring paper plates, cups and plastic silverware with you for your first couple of days. Order take-out food when you first move in to make life easier.
Make sure you have money on hand to tip the movers. If a friend is helping you move, make sure you give him/her something as a token of thanks. For most men, a case of beer is preferable to a few bucks.
If you have pets, try to wait until the very end to move them. This is especially important if you have a cat. Some animals get terribly stressed when you move. Open doors or windows could be an invitation to bolt from the scene. If you've got a pet that's prone to escape, keep it locked in an empty room where it won't be disturbed with food, water and a favorite toy. Boarding your pet at a kennel on moving day is another way to keep paws from getting underfoot.
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