1. Develop a master "to do" list to keep you
on track.
2. Sort through belongings and eliminate items that no longer are
needed or wanted. To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
When was the last time I used this? How does it make me feel? What
is the worst possible thing that would happen if I didn't have this?
If you have a great degree of hesitancy, then go ahead and keep it.
3. Recycle belongings that are staying behind. A garage sale can
be a lucrative and fun way to reduce the number of items to move. Or
simply donate the items to charity or homeless shelters, children's
hospitals or schools.
4. Use up supplies that re not transportable. About four to six
weeks before the move, use up cleaning supplies and eat food items
in the freezer.
5. Contact power, gas and phone, cable and internet companies
about two weeks prior to your move date to have service discontinued
or arrange for new connections at your new address.
6. Take care of pets and plants. Take pets to the veterinarian
and get copies of their records. Keep plants moist during the trip
If you can't take plants to your new house, consider donating them
to local nursing homes.
7. Put together a "survival box" of items that will be need
immediately upon arrival, such as light bulbs, linens, paper
products, garbage bags, soap, tools, and a local phone book. Take
the box with you instead of loading it on the van so you won't be
unprepared if you arrive before the moving van does.
8. Have your car serviced and get current prescriptions filled
shortly before the move, so you won't be pressured to find service
providers immediately after arriving at your new home.
9. Send change-of-address cards to creditors, insurance
companies, friends, magazine subscriptions and utility companies.
Leave a forwarding address with the post office.
10. Relax! Remember to bring a kettle, tea bags, coffee maker and
mugs, cold beverages, champagne or beer and keep it accessible for
when you arrive at your new home. (Source: Allied Van Lines and
United Van Lines)
