Moving into a new home may be an exciting event, but the task to get you there can be a stressful ordeal. The amount of work ahead of you should not crash down your excitement. Some of the most common moving mistakes are, not making a plan or checklist, not allowing enough time for packing, hiring the wrong movers, not labeling, not using boxes efficiently, and not packing items safely. Below, I have provided a checklist for moving to help you avoid these mistakes.

1. Plan ahead by researching truck rental and moving companies. Reserving a truck two to three months early is an excellent way to save you time and ensure you will have a truck when you need it. Have a written validation of all your expenses at hand, as well as a complete detail of your move.
2. About two months before your move, it is a great idea to go over your home and determine what want to bring and what you want to throw away or donate. Garage or moving sales are an excellent way to dispose of items you no longer need.
3. If you have children that are in school, then start arranging the school transfer papers as early as possible before you move.
4. Make a list of your items that will need extra attention or special packing like computers, televisions, and fine chinaware. Gather the proper boxes and moving supplies such as packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper.
5. Start packing items you do not regularly use about a month before you move. Label each box according to room and make a list of all items in order to make unpacking later easier.
6. You can fill out a change of address form with your new address before you move. It will ask when you are planning to move so they won’t start sending your mail to the new address until the proper date.
7. Don’t forget to inform your bank, Phone Company, cable provider, insurance companies, magazine subscriptions, etc of your new address. Cancel, or transfer if applicable, any newspaper subscriptions.
8. Confirm your reservation with the truck rental company about two weeks before you move.
9. If on schedule, then most of your packing should already be finished a week before your moving day. Don’t forget to pack a travel bag with items you will need on moving day such as a change of clothing, toothbrushes, medications, toiletries, paper plates, cups, etc.

By following these steps I ensure you a near stress free move. You will be so thankful for taking the time to plan ahead. Even your family will find the process a breeze. So get planning, get packing, and have a safe trip!