Moving Tips & Techniques

Four to Six Weeks Before Moving Day

• Starting early is the key to a successful and stress-free move. Take advantage of the extra time to clean out your closets, cupboards, toy chests, bookshelves, the attic, the garage and the dreaded basement. Learn the art of purging and discard anything you don't need or want. As a rule of thumb, if you didn't use the item or wear the item in the last year or two, the chances are high that you don't really need it and can purge it. Consider having a garage sale. You can raise the money you need to pay for movers and packing supplies this way, which might help to lighten your stress load. If you need to hire a moving company, it's a good idea to contact them now to make sure you can reserve your desired date.

Two to Three Weeks Before the Move

• Contact your telephone, electric, gas and water companies to confirm the date to discontinue service. Make arrangements with these companies to start services at your new residence. Notify your post office, subscription publications and any other correspondents of your moving date and new address. Contact your home insurance company and make arrangements to change your insurance to your new address. Create packing labels for each room of your home. Place the boxes with the labels in each individual room. This will make it easier to know where each box goes when you get into your new home. Be sure to mark your fragile boxes to ensure they don't get thrown or mishandled on the moving truck.

One Week Before the Move

• Drain gas and oil from lawn mowers, chain saws, snow blowers, gas grills and kerosene heaters. Defrost and clean your fridge and freezer. Put linens in dresser drawers and hold in place with plastic packing wrap to ensure you have them handy for making your bed the first night in your new home. Make a list of everything you are taking to your new home. Start filling and labeling your boxes. Make sure you have enough packing tape and boxes on hand. Wrap up any rugs you are taking with you, and package any decorative items like pictures.

Day of the Move

• Do a last-minute check of every room and closet to make sure you have packed everything. Make sure the water, furnace and air conditioner are turned off, windows are shut and locked and all lights are turned off. If you hired a moving company, it's a good idea to supervise to make sure none of your boxes or materials get mishandled.