Preparing for the Move

There is a LOT of work to do.

Congratulations!
You are ready to move into a new home.

You have found the home of your dreams, financed it and closed on the property. Now you have to move. Wait. Stop. This isn't as horrible as you might think. You just have to take it a step at a time and be prepared.

A To-Do List to Help
Here is what you should do to ease the process. The First Steps.

Here is a quick to-do list to help get you through the process. Don't worry if you can't do everything in its proper time. Just use it as a guideline.

8 Weeks Prior to the Move

• Call several movers for estimates or several self-move places to get an estimate-remember that on-site estimates are always more accurate. Get references from prospective movers and call them.
  
  
• Calculate the total costs for moving-there will be costs not covered by the mover's estimates
  
  
• Choose a mover and discuss costs, packing, timing and insurance
  
  
• Create a "move" file where you put all moving-related information and receipts.
  
  
• Look into IRS deductions for moving expenses

7 Weeks Prior to Moving

• Prepare an inventory of your personal items-include everything you own. Break it into three columns: to move yourself, for the mover, to leave behind. This will help keep things straight when you pack.
  
  
• Weed through your belongings by hosting a garage sale or donating your unnecessary items to a charity. This will prevent you from having to pay to move items you no longer need. If you donate them, you can also take a deduction.
  
  
• Contact your insurance agent to transfer your fire, theft, auto and medical insurance to the new property address.
  
  
• Notify your children's schools of the change in address or to transfer records to the new school.

6 Weeks Before Moving

• Contact all associations, clubs and organizations you may be associated with to change your address and arrange to transfer any records you may need.
  
  
• Start researching the new location-finding out where things are and how to get around. The best way to start is by purchasing a map and looking for easy access roads. If you are close enough, start driving around the new neighborhood and finding ways to get to favorite locations.
  
  
• If you are traveling to a new location, make air and hotel reservations now to take advantage of lower rates.

5 Weeks Before Moving

• Start the packing. Don't forget to involve the kids. But be sure to properly label everything so there won't be any confusion on the other end.
  
  
• Collect proper containers for your goods. You will want proper moving boxes that can be easily and quickly stacked in the truck. Boxes you find behind stores may be cheaper, but they also tend to fall apart, be difficult to arrange in the truck in a safe manner and can contain bugs and other unwanted elements. You are far better off buying proper boxes or talking to neighbors who recently moved and using their moving boxes.
  
  
• Collect the other moving items you are going to need, such as good strong tape, big markers for labeling, wardrobe boxes so your clothes won't wrinkle, and paper to wrap delicate items like china. These are the essentials for a good move.
  
  
• Register your children in the new school. Sometimes records take time to transfer.

Okay, You're a Month Out

Let's take a look at the final four weeks before your move.

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