Moving Tips for a Smooth Transition

Whether you’re relocating down the block or across the country, taking the right steps in advance can save time and energy when packing up your life and moving.

“A new home is exciting, but the process of moving can be quite stressful. However, planning and preparation can significantly decrease your level of stress,” said Robin Peterson, president of Coldwell Banker Burnet. “It is possible to make the experience less hectic and more organized. The goal is to get happily settled into your new home as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Consider these pieces of advice as you prepare for your big day:

• Get organized. First, look through closets and storage spaces and organize items in three piles; sell, donate or move. Next, create room lists, for your future home, assigning the items you decide to keep to specific rooms. Finally, take an inventory of each room in your current home consisting of all of the items that need to be packed.
• Notify all authorities. Give the post office, utility service providers, friends and family early warnings of your new address. The process of disconnecting and then restarting services can be time consuming, so generate a comprehensive checklist early on.
• Pack “smart.” Packing one room at a time will make the unpacking process much easier. Always try to pack “smart.” Label each box with the room name for example,  “kitchen.” Add “Open Me First” to the boxes with essential items for that room. That will eliminate headaches later.          
• Save receipts.  Before you move, create a folder to hold receipts accumulated throughout the move. Some of your expenses can be deductible on your next tax return.