Moving Tips (from a military wife)

No matter how often a person moves, it’s never an easy process. With my husband being in the military and our family relocating every few years, I should be a professional mover by now, but I have a ways to go. There are a lot of things, though, that I have learned (some the hard way) to make a move easier.

My biggest problem has been procrastinating. Moving takes a lot of planning and organization. I know if I wait until the last minute, I forget things.

It's helpful to start by making a list. I put the obvious things on there that need to be done and then add the hundred other little things that I think of later.

· If using a moving company, set up the day and time of move. If they don’t come out to the house prior to the move to preview, they will need to know how many rooms, appliances, etc.

· If at all possible pick a day with decent weather. My worst moves were those in the rain. The ramp on the moving truck was slick and the floors in the house a mess.

· Change address with everyone - not just the post office. I was charged one time by a bank for each account when the statements were returned to them.

· Set up shut off dates for all services and utilities (cable, water/sewer, electric, gas, garbage)

· Set up new services and utilities for the new home.

· Collect boxes, tape, wrap or newspapers if the moving company is not packing for you. Grocery stores will give away boxes for free. I've also put an ad on Craigslist for boxes and have been given free boxes. This works well afterwards, too, when I'm trying to get rid of them.

· Household items that are not used often can be packed weeks ahead of time.

· Don’t forget a dolly for the big stuff.

· Ask for help. Friends and family may not be jumping up and down to help, but can usually be coerced.

· Mark boxes

· Carefully wrap glass

· Protect furniture from scratches by covering with blankets

· Keep valuables or important items with you

· Make arrangements for pets. Our cat has run off twice while we were moving and we were sick with worry that she wouldn’t return in time.

· Some people pack their beds last so that they are first off the truck. Fill the truck tightly so things don't move around or fall.

· Have big trash bags on hand for garbage and/or packing

· Keep receipts for moving costs. They might be tax deductible.

· For any items you don’t want any longer donate or sell and lighten the load!