Research shows that 45% of Americans consider moving more stressful than divorce, having children, or starting a new job, but properly preparing for a move can lessen the stress and make the whole ordeal more manageable.

As soon as you know you are going to be moving you can start preparing. You can do some of the work ahead of time so that by the time moving day arrives you will be well prepared.

Determine Moving Costs

Will you be renting a moving truck or paying a moving company? Either way you can start researching prices and companies. If you will be renting a moving truck you can reserve it early so that it is ready on moving day. If you are hiring a moving company, you will want to do your research to find one that is reputable. Get at least three quotes and check reviews and company credentials. They should be fully insured and have a good reputation.  Get a written estimate that details all services and costs. Be sure to understand the insurance options and prepare a list of questions to ask. Ask for references and talk to others who have used the same company. Look at their ratings and reviews on the Better Business Bureau’s website.

Other costs to factor in are utility connection fees, cleaning and repair supplies, new furniture and appliances and packing material costs. If you are relocating to a new area you may need to factor in travel and lodging costs.

Take Photos & Create an Inventory List

It’s a good idea to take photos and videos of your home and all of the items in it before you move. If you don’t already have a home inventory list, create one. It should include all the items you own. For each item include the name of the item, the make and model, the serial number, date of purchase, place of purchase, cost and other important details. This is all good information to have on hand at all times, not just when you move but it can be especially important while moving in case anything is lost, damaged or stolen during the move.

Plan Your Packing Strategy

Organized and clearly labeled packing boxes are key to a successful move. Start collecting moving boxes well before the move date, call around to local stores and other businesses and ask for free boxes or purchase them at the store. Look for boxes that are large enough to hold your items but not so large that they will be difficult to lift and move. The boxes should be sturdy enough to hold your items without falling apart you can reinforce them with packing tape if needed. Get boxes in different sizes some for larger items and some for smaller. When placing items in the boxes, put heavier items on the bottom, and lighter ones on the top and fill empty spaces with packing material to prevent items from moving around inside.

If you already have totes, you can use them as packing boxes, clear totes work very well because you can see what’s inside.

Gather other packing material like tape, scissors, a box cutter, markers, labels, Styrofoam peanuts, packing paper, bubble wrap, and furniture padding or blankets.

When packing liquid or spillable items put them in Ziplock or large plastic bags that can be sealed to prevent leakage. Keep spillable substances separate from other items.

For furniture and appliances secure the doors and drawers to that they don’t open or fall out during the move.

Label Everything

Each box should be clearly labeled noting the contents inside and which room the box belongs in so that when you get to the new location everything is unloaded and placed in the appropriate room. This will make unpacking much easier.

You can print out a short contents list on your computer and tape it to each box so that you know where to find your items, you can mark a box unpack first if it contains items you will need right away. Clearly label boxes with “FRAGILE” to alert movers to take extra precautions. The more details you include on the outside of the box the easier it will be to unpack.

Attach the labels to the top and two sides of each box that way if the boxes are stacked you will still be able to find a label. When the truck is being unloaded the labels should be easy to see so that they are taken to the correct room.

Purge

If you have lived in your current home for a while you have probably accumulated a lot of stuff. Preparing for a move is the perfect time to get rid of anything you no longer need or use. In each room make three piles, a keep pile, a trash pile and a donate or sell pile. Pack only what you intend to keep and get rid of the rest.

Create a Moving Folder

Create a folder, digital, physical or both to store all the documents related to the move, this might include utility service setup at the new location, rental or mortgage documents, moving company or rental truck information, estimates, contracts, receipts, important contact information, change of address documents and anything else related to the move.

Contact Parties Related to The Move

Contact any businesses and organizations related to the move, including the Postal Service to change your address, utility providers to start service at the new home and discontinue service at the old, refuge service, landlords, employers, schools, banks and other financial institutions, subscription services and others that should know your new address.

Prior to moving day be sure that all utility services have been turned on at the new location. You don’t want to arrive and find out you are without electricity, gas or water service.

Pack a Bag

The day of the move will be busy and somewhat chaotic. Pack a bag for each family member before the move. Include a few days’ worth of clothes, shoes, medications, toiletry items, wash cloth and towel, bedding items, cell phones and chargers, first aid kit, tools like scissors, box cutter, flashlight, hammer and screwdriver, cash and credit cards, drivers license and anything else you use on a daily basis. That way you will have everything you need for the first few days while you unpack. Keep the bag with you on moving day. Don’t put it in the moving truck.

Pack Rarely Used Items Early

Pack the items you don’t use often early. Some items you may want to pack early are extra bedding and linens, kitchen items, toys, decorations and collectables, books, seasonal clothing, garage, attic, shed and outdoor items and anything else you don’t use often.

Disassemble furniture that you will not be using until after the move, place screws, bolts and other hardware in a clearly labeled Ziplock bag and attach it to the furniture so you know exactly which parts go with each piece of furniture. If the disassembly is complicated, you can take photos or videos or take notes of the process to refer to when reassembling the furniture.

When packing lamps be sure to remove the light bulbs and pack them away securely so they don’t get broken.

Create a Do Not Pack Area

When packing you don’t want to box up items to early that you will be using right up until moving day. Set aside an area where you will keep these everyday things then pack those things the night before moving day.

Make Minor Repairs

If you are currently renting you may need to make some minor repair so that you get your security deposit back. Check your lease agreement, you may need to touch up paint, remove nails and do some general cleaning before you leave. Take pictures of the condition you are leaving the rental in and schedule a walkthrough with the landlord to ensure you are both in agreement that the rental has been left in good condition. Get a signed agreement stating that your security deposit will be returned.

Measure

Before moving day go to the new home and measure doorways and hallways, then measure the furniture and appliances you will be bringing with you to ensure they will fit.

Consider Purchasing Moving Insurance

Moving insurance can help to cover the cost of replacement if your belongings are lost or damaged during the move.

Review Local Memberships

If you are moving to a location far away from your current home review and cancel any local memberships you may have to fitness centers, zoo’s, day care centers and other organizations you will no longer be using.

Cancel or Redirect Pending Deliveries

If you have deliveries that won’t arrive before the move, arrange to have them forwarded to your new address.

Find a New Doctor and Dentist

If moving out of town find a new doctor, dentist, optical clinic and veterinarian before the move. You may need them soon after the move so it is best to choose them before so that you can have your records transferred ahead of time. If you are taking prescription medication transfer those to a pharmacy near your new home.

Find a Mechanic, Plumber and Electrician

Find a mechanic, plumber and electrician in your new location. Emergencies happens and you don’t want to scramble to find someone. Check the Better Business Bureau, read reviews and talk to your new neighbors to locate honest businesses.

Plan Meals & Use Food Items

Several weeks before the move, plan your meals so that you are using up some of the food items you currently have. By preparing ahead you will spend less on groceries and have less to pack and throw away on moving day.

Perishable Items

The night before or day of the move defrost the freezer if you plan to take it with you. Pack perishable items in coolers filled with ice.

On Moving Day

• Plan an early start so you have plenty of time to get everything moved and time for unexpected delays.
• Keep your moving day bag and documents with you in the car. Don’t pack them in the moving van.
• Have items on hand to protect floors so they are not damaged while moving items in and out.
• Plan ahead for meals and snacks. Have bottled water on hand.
• Once your current home is empty conduct a walkthrough to be sure nothing has been left behind, check closets, cabinets, basement, attic, garage and all other areas.
• Take a picture of the meter reading on utilities at your current home and new location to avoid any billing errors.
• Upon arrival at the new home have a dedicated person directing the movers to ensure everything goes to the proper location.
• Before the movers leave inspect your items for any damage and ensure that all of your belongings are accounted for before signing delivery documents.

First Days at New Home

• Setup the bedrooms so that everyone has a place to sleep.
• Unpack essential boxes like dinner plates, silverware, pots and pans, bathroom items, clothing and other things you will want to use right away.
• Put perishable items away and shop for essentials like toilet paper, paper towels, food and other groceries you will need right away.
• Ensure your mail is being delivered.

• When you start to unpack do it methodically by room to stay organized and reduce stress.
• Look around, make sure the doors and windows are locked and secured, know where the shut off valves and circuit breakers are located, connect the washer and dryer, change the batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and ensure they are in working order, understand how to operate the furnace, air conditioner, home security system, and appliances.
• Keep your moving documents folder handy, you will need it in the first few days.
• Once you arrive at your new location you will want to change the locks as soon as possible and make spare keys. Any security codes for locks and security systems should be changed.

• Update your vehicle registration and driver’s license and contact your insurance companies.
• Notify your contacts of your new address.
• Put up curtains and window coverings.