How to Plan for Moving

Figure out what you need to do to improve your home. If you're a homeowner and need to sell your house before moving, one of the best things you can do to make the selling process easy is fix up any problems it may have. Look around for any necessary repairs, from a leaky roof to chipping paint on the bathroom ceiling.

Consult a real estate agent. Research the general area where you want to move, and contact a local realtor who can help you find a home or apartment there. Ensure that the agent has sufficient expertise and knowledge of the area. If possible, speak with someone from the area and get personal references.

Get familiar with your neighborhood-to-be. If you have children, find out about school and daycare options. Learn about places to shop in the area, from grocery stores to shopping malls. Find out about doctors, dentists, post offices and community centers.

Prepare to dispose of many items. Moving is a lot like spring cleaning. It helps you prioritize what you really need and what you can honestly live without. After all, no one wants to pack five winter coats that probably will never see the light of day. Apart from not packing unnecessary things, be ready to throw away any items that could be dangerous, including flammables and certain types of paints.

Acquire moving supplies. Packing is one of the biggest components to planning a move. You're going to need a lot of boxes, even if you're leaving the smallest urban apartment. Purchase boxes from an office-supplies store. Boxes can be expensive, however, so inquire at your local supermarket about possibly getting a few for free. Other necessary supplies are packing tape, markers, bubble wrap, a tape measure, packing peanuts and scissors.

Notify people of your change in address. From your cell phone service provider to your credit card companies to your cousins in a neighboring state, let everyone know about your new address. If you're changing service providers due to the move, don't forget to close your account.