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Secrets to a Smooth Move (All Without Losing Your Mind)

Moving Selling

So, you bought your dream house and now you’re ready to make the move. But for many, moving can be a painful process…we get it, the boxes aren’t going to pack themselves after all. Before you lose your mind, though, read our expert tips and tricks to turn a stressful move into a smooth move.

Think Ahead

A smooth move is a happy move. Allow yourself enough time to accumulate enough moving supplies like padded blankets, cardboard boxes and tape. Sort through rooms and label carefully. Take an inventory of all household items before and after you move to keep track of your belongings during transit.

If you’ve moved to a new home before, you know that the first night in your new place can be chaotic. With a little careful planning, you’ll be sure to have everything you need without having to rip open every single box to dig for stuff. Pack your basics box full of essential items that you’ll need for the first few hours and days in your new home (dumping clothes in the backseat of your car isn’t really the best idea). This box should include items that will enable you to clean your home, deal with minor repairs and even entertain the kids so you can unpack the rest of your boxes. Your essentials box should include:

  • Coffee and coffee maker (because…coffee)
  • Snacks
  • Water bottles
  • Pet food
  • Cutlery
  • Hand soap and dish soap
  • Dishtowels
  • Toilet paper
  • Medications
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Cleaners
  • Pillows
  • Phone charger
  • Flashlight
  • Garbage bags
  • Small hand tools
  • A change of clothing and shower towel
  • Important documents (see below)
  • Scissors (to open the rest of your boxes!)

Set aside important documents and keep these papers together in one box. Include your family’s records, birth certificates, bank statements, car titles, tax information, the lease or deed for your new home and the mover’s contract. Hopefully you won’t necessarily need these papers during the move. But knowing where they are and that you can access them whenever you need to is one simple way to reduce stress in the middle of relocating chaos.

Read More Packing Tips for a Smooth Move on For Sale Guides:

Take Care of Utilities

Transferring utility and cable accounts can be fairly simple if you’re moving within the same area. If you’re moving out of state, remember to contact the companies to close out your accounts at least 30 days prior to your move and allow enough time to consider provider options for your new home. There’s nothing worse than a sudden power outage right after you move in to your new home (especially when it’s your own fault for forgetting to contact the utility company). Check with the former owners to get a feel for what you can expect to pay for electricity, water, gas, trash, etc.

If your new home has a homeowners association, be sure to start your neighborly relationship on the right foot. Contact the HOA and fill out all the necessary paperwork as soon as possible. And, of course, make sure you understand all the bylaws, regulations and requirements.

Change Address

Set up mail forwarding and notify the post office about your change of address. Here’s a handy checklist of places you should notify when you move to keep all your bills and birthday cards coming like clockwork:

  • Place of employment
  • Financial institution/bank/lenders
  • Credit card companies
  • Utilities, cable, phone and internet providers
  • Doctor, dentist, optometrist and other medical professionals you see regularly
  • Health insurance company and life insurance company
  • Vision/dental/catastrophic insurance company
  • Car insurance companies
  • Rental or home insurance company
  • Child’s school or daycare
  • Child’s doctor, babysitter, instructors, coaches, and any others who provide paid services
  • Pet’s veterinarian and kennel
  • Your alma mater/University
  • Circulation departments for subscribed magazines and newspapers
  • Any company who may need to deliver final bills or information about professional services in your new location
  • Friends & family, especially those who send holiday cards and paper invitations

In addition, change the zip code or city that has been programmed into web-based services such as weather reports, local news or coupon services such as Groupon and Living Social.

Because, who doesn’t love a little customization in their lives.

Read More About a Smooth Move on For Sale Guides

It’s never too early to get organized and if you’re one of the 35 million Americans who will be moving this year, go ahead and start packing!